PCB Blog - What is slip ring PCB?

PCB slip ring is a pancake-style slip ring, also known as an ultra-thin flat slip ring. The ordinary form of a flat slip ring consists of two parts, the ring surface and the brush assembly. The annular circuit board adopts an ultra-thick copper layer, which is then plated with copper and hard gold, making the PCB slip ring have high hardness and wear resistance characteristics.

PCB slip rings, also known as printed circuit board slip rings, are electrical devices used to transmit power, signals, or data between rotating and fixed components of a system. They are essential components in applications that require continuous rotation while maintaining electrical connections.

The traditional slip ring PCB consists of a set of conductive rings connected to the rotating shaft, which are in electrical contact with the ring using brushes or contacts. However, the PCB slip ring uses a more compact and integrated method. They do not use traditional brushes but combine conductive wires and brushless designs on printed circuit boards to achieve electrical connections.

The main characteristics and advantages of PCB slip rings

1) Compact and space-saving: Compared to traditional slip rings, PCB slip rings are designed to be compact, allowing them to adapt to smaller spaces.

2) Low maintenance: Due to the lack of brushes or moving parts, there is less wear and tear, reducing maintenance needs and extending service life.

3) Reliable electrical connections: Printed circuit boards ensure consistent and reliable electrical connections, minimizing signal loss and interference.

4) Customizable configuration: PCB slip rings can be customized according to specific requirements, including the number of rings, current capacity, and signal type.

Application of PCB slip ring

1) Rotating camera: In monitoring systems or other applications, the camera needs to rotate continuously while transmitting video signals and power.

2) Robotics technology: In robot arms and joints, it allows for the transmission of power and control signals between fixed and rotating components.

3) Wind turbine: used to transmit power and signals between a fixed base and rotating blades or engine rooms.

4) Medical equipment: Used for medical devices such as magnetic resonance imaging machines, CT scanners, and robotic surgical systems that require continuous rotation while maintaining electrical connections.

5) Packaging machinery: Applications that require continuous rotation during the packaging process while maintaining good electrical connections.

The PCB slip ring is named after the use of a PCB board (printed circuit board) as the main component or auxiliary component. PCB board, also known as printed circuit board, is widely used in the electronic and electrical industry due to its various advantages. PCB slip ring is a type of disc slip ring, mainly composed of brush shrapnel and PCB printed circuit board. Structurally, it can be classified as a split conductive slip ring or a separate conductive slip ring. The surface of the PCB circuit board has a thick circular copper or gold plating layer. Combined with the characteristics of the PCB circuit board itself, the PCB slip ring has the characteristics of high wear resistance and high hardness.