Ethernet slip rings
Ethernet Slip Ring
Slip rings with dedicated 100M or Gigabit Ethernet channels alongside power and signal circuits, offered in solid-shaft and through-bore forms.
Key specifications
| Circuits (max) | 100 |
|---|---|
| Current per circuit (max) | 30 A |
| Voltage (max) | 240 V |
| Speed (max) | 300 rpm |
| Bore | 25.4–100 mm |
| Outer diameter (max) | 185 mm |
| Ingress protection | IP51 |
| Temperature | -20–60 °C |
| Data / bus | 100M Ethernet, 1000M (Gigabit) Ethernet |
| Rated life (revolutions) | 20,000,000 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- 1-8 Gigabit channels
- 1-12 100M channels
- RJ45 connectors
- solid-shaft (no bore) versions
Typical applications
What an ethernet slip ring is
An Ethernet slip ring is a rotary joint designed to pass industrial Ethernet, such as 100 Mbit/s or gigabit links, through continuous rotation without unacceptable packet loss. The data rings are laid out as matched pairs with controlled impedance, short stubs and screening from power rings, and the brushes are chosen for low, stable contact resistance. Some units use contactless capacitive, inductive or optical channels for the highest rates. Most combine the Ethernet channels with power and discrete signal rings in one housing.
When engineers choose an ethernet slip ring
Choose an Ethernet slip ring when the rotating part carries cameras, drives, remote I/O or sensors on a network, which cuts the ring count compared with hard-wiring every signal. It suits indexing machines, packaging turrets and gimbals running EtherCAT, PROFINET or EtherNet/IP. The trade-offs are cost and validation: contact rings add small resistance changes, and gigabit links are more sensitive than 100 Mbit/s. For very high data rates, long life or high speed, a fibre optic or contactless channel may be better.
How to specify the Ethernet Slip Ring
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Ethernet Slip Ring variant:
- Protocol and data rate, such as EtherCAT, PROFINET or gigabit Ethernet
- Number of Ethernet channels and pairs per channel
- Required test standard or bit error rate target
- Power circuits and current per circuit (A)
- Speed (rpm) and expected life (revolutions)
- Cable type and connectors on each side, such as RJ45 or M12
- Cable lengths to the nearest switch or node (m)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Specifying gigabit when the network only needs 100 Mbit/s, which adds cost and complexity
- Ignoring the cable runs on each side, which count towards the total channel length and loss
- Routing motor power next to data rings without screening or separation
- Not testing the full link with the real protocol under rotation before production
Ethernet Slip Ring: frequently asked questions
What is the Ethernet Slip Ring?
Slip rings with dedicated 100M or Gigabit Ethernet channels alongside power and signal circuits, offered in solid-shaft and through-bore forms. Published series figures include circuits 100, current per circuit 30 A, voltage 240 V, speed 300 rpm. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the Ethernet Slip Ring?
The Ethernet Slip Ring is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the circuits of the Ethernet Slip Ring?
The published series maximum circuits is 100. Individual models and sizes in the Ethernet Slip Ring range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Can EtherCAT and PROFINET run through a slip ring?
Yes, when the slip ring is designed for it. Real-time protocols are sensitive to link drops, so the data rings need controlled impedance, good screening and stable contact resistance. Tell the supplier the protocol, cycle time and number of nodes on the rotating side, and test the full network under rotation. Many suppliers validate their Ethernet rings against standard cabling test methods.
What is the difference between a contact and a contactless Ethernet slip ring?
A contact slip ring passes the signal through brushes on rings, which is economical and handles 100 Mbit/s and often gigabit links well. A contactless channel uses capacitive, inductive or optical coupling, so there is no wear on the data path and very high rates or speeds are possible. Contactless channels cost more and usually still need contact rings for power.
Further reading: Ethernet through slip rings · How to select a slip ring · Slip rings
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
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