Alternative Approach to Contact Type Analogue Data Slipring

ABSTRACT: Contact type slip rings are frequently the limiting factors in a test and measurement system due to its poor reliability and signal quality issues. A non-contact solution is preferred in many mission critical systems. SA Photonics"RODS (Rotational Optical Data System) is a fiber optic based non-contact solution that promises higher reliability, better signal integrity, improved stability and lower maintenance/operation cost. Both signal and power paths are non-contact type. The incremental cost of the RODS is minimum compared to a conventional contact type system. BENEFIT: A reliable, high performance test and measurement system enables both military and commercial test facilities to improve measurement accuracy and consistency while reducing test time and cost. The new optical system can be built at a cost very similar, if not lower, than the conventional system. There are numerous opportunities in the future to apply technologies developed in the RODS program.