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RF rotary joint

RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint

RF rotary joints that carry microwave signals across rotation for antennas and radar, with one to five channels. Single-channel models run to 50 GHz.

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Need Motion Control Products parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe what the machine needs to do. We connect your requirement with experienced UK engineering and procurement support to help you get the right products, pricing and supply options. Your matched provider can take the enquiry through quotation and ordering to delivery and after-sales support.

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Spec builder

Configure RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint

Select the products and performance you need. Our UK engineering team can use your specification to help source the right components, pricing and supply options. See your summary before adding contact details.

Already know the part number? Use the quick enquiry form. You can configure a requirement below without registering.

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  2. 2Performance
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  4. 4Volumes
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What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Slip ring

Key specifications

Speed (max)500 rpm
Temperature-45–80 °C
Rated life (revolutions)10,000,000
Power (max)2,000 W
Channels (max)5
RF frequency (max)50 GHz

Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.

Options

  • aluminium, stainless or brass housing
  • DC-18GHz / DC-40GHz / DC-50GHz models

What a RF rotary joint is

An RF rotary joint passes radio-frequency or microwave signals across a rotating interface, typically for antennas and radar. Coaxial designs use a concentric inner and outer conductor that rotate relative to each other, keeping a controlled impedance, usually 50 ohms, through the joint. Waveguide designs handle higher power at microwave frequencies. Multi-channel joints stack several channels coaxially, and many can be combined with an electrical slip ring for power and control circuits.

When engineers choose a RF rotary joint

Choose an RF rotary joint when the rotating part carries an antenna, transmitter or receiver whose signal must stay at RF rather than being converted to data first. It is standard on radar pedestals, satellite antenna positioners and communications masts. The trade-offs are frequency, power and channel count: higher frequencies and more channels make the joint harder to build. Where the signal can be digitised on the rotor, an Ethernet or fibre channel may be simpler.

How to specify the RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint variant:

  • Frequency range (GHz)
  • Number of channels
  • Average and peak power (W)
  • VSWR and insertion loss, including variation with rotation (dB)
  • Isolation between channels (dB)
  • Connector types, such as SMA, N or TNC, or waveguide flange
  • Speed (rpm) and any electrical slip ring circuits to integrate

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Specifying insertion loss but not its variation, or wow, during rotation
  • Underestimating peak power for pulsed radar
  • Choosing connectors that do not suit the frequency range
  • Leaving channel isolation undefined in multi-channel joints

Typical applications

Radar pedestalsSatellite communications antennasTelemetry tracking antennasWeather radarNaval and vehicle surveillance mastsAntenna test ranges

RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint?

RF rotary joints that carry microwave signals across rotation for antennas and radar, with one to five channels. Single-channel models run to 50 GHz. Published series figures include speed 500 rpm, temperature -45 °C, temperature 80 °C, rated life (revolutions) 10,000,000. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.

Who makes the RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint?

The RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.

What is the speed of the RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint?

The published series maximum speed is 500 rpm. Individual models and sizes in the RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

What is VSWR in an RF rotary joint?

Voltage standing wave ratio measures how well the joint matches the line impedance, usually 50 ohms. A value of 1:1 means a perfect match, and higher values mean more signal is reflected. For a rotary joint, the maximum VSWR across the frequency band and its variation during rotation both matter, so ask for both figures on the datasheet.

Can an RF rotary joint be combined with a power slip ring?

Yes. The RF channel usually sits on the axis, with an electrical slip ring arranged around it for power, control and data circuits. This is common on radar and antenna pedestals. Specify both together, including frequencies, power levels and electrical circuits, so the supplier can manage isolation and the overall envelope.

Further reading: How to select a slip ring · Slip rings

Often compared with

Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:

Other rf rotary joint series

Engineer support

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