Data communication signal is becoming increasingly common in equipment as our lives and products become more connected.
Separation of data communication from power circuits is needed to provide the best data signal for accurate communication. This separation is completed by shielding in the cables and harnesses, as well as within the slip ring.
Harness shielding is completed through the grounding and shielding of the protective shield within the cable. This shielding type is available in many cable types including shielded VFD cable, CAT rated ethernet cable, and many others. It is important to consider the application and which circuits require shielding for proper communication signal.
Separation within the slip ring is accomplished in a variety of methods also. Common methods include the use of grounding/shield circuits, multiple cores, RFI barriers or enclosures, or independent units for each type. Some custom designs require the use of multiple protections methods. UEA recently designed a slip ring that required the use of 2 cores. This allowed for an RFI plate between the cores and protection between the core harnesses. Shielded data cables were used for the length of the harnesses for signal isolation and the signal core utilized ground/shield circuits for isolation within the core.
UEA designs custom slip rings for power/data combination units. Some designs require the use of multiple separation methods for proper data signal transfer. This depends on the power level within the slip ring and the data signal type within the slip ring.