Rotary joints for smooth rolling rotational antennas

Diamond rotary couplers are used in radar systems such as air traffic control (ATC) shipboard and land-based installations as well as airborne, vehicle mount and shipboard Satcom-On-The-Move (SOTM) pedestals. Rotary joints allow the directional antenna to rotate while passing microwave signals to and from the transceiver. Lubricated bearings provide the mechanical interface for a long life of sector scan or full continuous rotation. Consistent high quality signals are passed during both rotation and fixed position transmission and reception.

A typical model in the Diamond range is the 2620 rotary joint, with six RF channels, and 20 DC channels. The six RF channels feature a combination of waveguide and coaxial connections, designed to handle transmit and receive power levels as applicable. The 20 DC channels incorporate Diamond’s proprietary Roll Ring technology which, when compared to conventional ‘slip ring’ technology, gives long life, low noise and virtually friction free performance.

Although this particular product is aimed at civil and military Air Traffic Control Radar applications, it is typical of Diamond’s innovative approach to rotary coupling design. This combination of world class technology, design and production quality provides solutions to design engineers involved in a wide range of markets including military/defence, aviation, marine, transport, broadcast, satellite communications, radar and medical. Devices are suitable for: communications systems including ground station uplinks and downlinks, satellite payloads and land-based, airborne and sea–based mobile platforms; air traffic control radar systems; navigation systems; industrial process control systems; medical scanners; and even satellite solar panels.