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Slip rings for computed tomography scanners

Slip ring in a CT scanner for transmitting energy and image data.

Making high-tech medicine possible

»Health is our highest good – reliable data is indispensable for accurate diagnosis. Our CT slip rings ensure high-resolution image data and precise diagnostics. They define the latest state of the art in the field of rotary transmission.«

How does a slip ring work in a CT scanner?

In a computed tomography scanner (CT), the X-ray device rotates at high speed around the patient and creates a three-dimensional image with enormous depth and precision. CT slip rings transmit the power supply to the X-ray source, the control signals for the entire rotating system and the resulting image data. SCHLEIFRING uses contactless transmission technology in its rotary joints for maximum reliability and maintenance-free operation.

Medical monitor shows MRI image of a human brain in a diagnostic room.

Contactless image data transmission in CT

The global demand for rotary transmitters for computed tomography scanners is high – and can be fully met by SCHLEIFRING as market and innovation leader. With a bore diameter of up to two metres, our CT slip rings enable interference-free and contactless transmission of image data and bus data. The technology is based on the capacitive GigaCAP process, whose data forms the basis for precise diagnoses and targeted therapies. The same transmission technology is also used in security inspection systems – for example in CT-based baggage scanners at airports.

A patient is prepared for a CT scan, assisted by medical professionals – modern imaging with contactless data transmission.

Next-generation CT slip rings

In collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, SCHLEIFRING is already researching and developing the next generation of CT slip rings as part of a publicly funded project. One goal is the even faster transmission of increasingly detailed image data while minimising radiation exposure for the patient. SCHLEIFRING relies on contactless transmission for this purpose. This will make image data transmission rates of 340 gigabits per second possible in the future. Further advantages: rare to zero maintenance requirements, even in continuous operation.

Detailed view of a contact-based transmission system on a CT slip ring – for data and energy transmission between rotating and fixed parts.

Contacting power transmission for CT scanners

Detailed view of a slip ring with contact strips.

Contactless data transmission via CT slip ring

Technician working on a large-format CT slip ring in the test or assembly area.

RAYDIAX: CT slip rings for minimally invasive surgery

State-of-the-art slip ring technology is used in computed tomography. What this means in practice is demonstrated by the RAYDIAX GmbH project: Together with SCHLEIFRING, RAYDIAX realised the world’s first CT scanner for imaging during minimally invasive surgery – not just for pre-operative diagnostics. The engineering challenge: in addition to powering the X-ray components, high-resolution image data from two sources must be transmitted in real time. And all of this within a highly constrained installation space, as both the patient and the extended surgical area must fit inside the innovative CT scanner.

CT-Applications (PDF)

Every project is unique. One forms a symbiotic relationship with the customer in order to find the best possible result that meets his requirements.

Technical Specifications

Property Specification
Bore diameter Up to 2,000 mm
Data transmission (contactless) Up to 340 Gbit/s (GigaCAP)
Power transmission Up to 1,000 V DC / 300 A
Rotation speed 300+ rpm
Transmission type Contacting + contactless (capacitive)
Maintenance Maintenance-free (contactless) / low-maintenance (contacting)
Standards ISO 9001, medical technology requirements
Applications CT scanners, security inspection systems, industrial CT
Slip rings for computed tomography (CT) scanners

FAQ – Slip rings in computed tomography (CT) scanners

Slip rings in computed tomography (CT) scanners are the key electromechanical components that enable the uninterrupted transmission of electrical power, control signals, and massive amounts of data during rotation.
They are responsible for supplying power to the X-ray tube, transmitting real-time data for the accurate reproduction of image data, and maintaining the CT’s power supply during rotation.

A CT slip ring is an electromechanical rotary joint that transfers electrical power, control signals and high-resolution image data between the stationary part of the scanner and the rotating gantry. It enables the continuous 360° rotation of the X-ray system.

Modern CT slip rings use contactless, capacitive transmission technology (GigaCAP) for image data transmission. Power transmission is carried out by contacting metal-graphite brushes on metal rings.

Contacting systems use metal rings and brushes for power transmission – proven and cost-efficient. Contactless systems transmit data capacitively and power inductively – maintenance-free and with a longer service life.

SCHLEIFRING achieves image data transmission rates of up to 340 gigabits per second with GigaCAP technology. This enables the transmission of high-resolution 3D images in real time.

Without slip rings, continuous rotation and safe transmission would not be possible. They form the technical foundation of all CT scanners and thus enable precise, rapid diagnoses in modern medicine.

CT slip rings from SCHLEIFRING have a bore diameter of up to two metres. The large inner clearance is necessary so that the patient and X-ray equipment fit inside the scanner.

With contactless systems, maintenance requirements are minimal to zero – even in continuous operation. Contacting systems are low-maintenance and designed for a long service life.

Yes. SCHLEIFRING develops CT slip rings and complete gantry subsystems exclusively on a customer-specific basis. Electrical, mechanical and thermal requirements are precisely matched to each CT system.

More SCHLEIFRING applications

Employee assembling a slip ring in production.