Radar antenna slip ring

Detailed application description

Description of problem:

The term “radar” refers to various detection and localisation procedures or equipment based on electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range (radio waves). Radar is used in both military and civilian settings (e.g. air traffic control or weather forecasts). Owing to their club-shaped radiation characteristics, radar antennas can only “see” in one direction. However, many applications (e.g. sea or air traffic monitoring) require surveillance radar capable of scanning the full 360°. In order to achieve this, the antennas must rotate continuously. The power supply and control signals accordingly have to be reliably transmitted from the stationary base to the rotating part of the radar system and vice versa.

Description of solution:

In radar technology, high-frequency rotary couplings transmit RF signals between moving components. To meet the usual requirements and standards of the industry, LTN Servotechnik and partners develop special slip ring transmitters. Radar signals are often sent and received simultaneously in several frequency bands via so-called multi-channel rotary joints. The design and integration of a slip ring for the multi-channel rotary joints which are used for RF signals is a challenge here.

The complexity of the rotary joint depends on where the radar antenna is used. It is constructed in a modular fashion from different components, enabling a wide variety of solutions with relatively few parts. LTN slip rings combine a simple, highly reliable design with excellent electrical and mechanical performance and are configured for 50 million revolutions. Their electrical properties (contact resistance, insulation, noise) and their temperature range from -55°C to +85°C are ideal in numerous applications (e.g. civilian airports).