What is the difference between the Slip ring and Split ring commutator?

The main critical difference between the slip ring and the split ring is that the slipring used to transmits the electrical signal and power from fixed part to rotating structure part. Whereas the split ring (also known as a commutator) used to reverses the direction of current flowing through the coil after every half rotation of the coil.
In general, the slipring and the splitring are used for maintaining the electrical circuit continuity between the fixed part and the rotating structure of the system.

To understand better, we will review the following:

1. The definition of slip ring and split ring
2. The Components of the Slip ring and split ring
3. The difference between the slip ring and the split ring
4. Comparison table for slip ring VS split ring
5. The conclusion

Definition of the Slip Ring

The slip ring is an electromechanical device. It transmits the electrical signal and power from a fixed part of the machine (stationary side) to a rotating structure part. In other words, the slipring is a closed ring that is designed to secure a continuous connection between the fixed part contacts (such as brushes), and the rotating structure contacts (the rings) on the rotating shaft. The slipring provides continuous transmitting for power and signal.
For that, the slip ring can be used in a wide range of electromechanical systems that require unrestrained, rotation while transmitting power or signals at the same time. It can improve the mechanical work performance  and simplify system operation. Besides, it can eliminate the waste resulting from the environment’s affected cables and damaged wires dangling from movable joints.

Definition of the Splitring Commutator

Also known by Commutator, the split ring is a movable device used for reversing the polarity of the current. The ring has at least two breaks from the center, dividing the ring into two halves.
Each opposed pair of resulting contacts will be wired to opposed poles of the motor. In this case, the required is to get a pole reversal synchronous with the revolution of the motor. It causes the poles of the windings to alternate polarity and turn the motor.
The combination between the split ring and brushes is known as the commutator. The split ring used in the DC motor for getting the pulsating input voltage.

What is Slipring Made of?

Depending on the type of the slip ring, the slip rings are made of alloys of materials such as steel, copper, bronze, and gold. The ring must has a very hard exterior compared to the material of brushes to ensure the minimum wear of the rings.
The working principle of the slip ring is based on ensuring the continuous providing of power and signal transmission by securing the continuous contact between the external part with the stationary conductors (brushes).

What is Splitring Made of?

The split ring is made of copper. The ring has at least two breaks from the center, dividing the ring into two halves. The conductors (brushes) connect across the outer diameter of the split ring. The splitring used in the DC motor for getting the pulsating input voltage.

The Difference Between The Slipring and The Commutator

1. The slipring used to transmit the power and signal from the fixed to the rotary part. Whereas, the split ring used to reverse the polarity of the current (only for power).
2. The slipring is a closed ring (continuous), whereas the split ring is divided into two parts or more.
3. Slipring is used in AC motors to provide a continuous transmitting of power and signal, whereas the split ring is used in DC motors to reverse the polarity of the current.

Slip ring VS commutator (Comparison Chart)

Conclusion

The scope of work of each slipring and the split ring is different from each other. The slip ring is used to transmit power and signal between the fixed part and rotating structure. The slipring is used to reverse the direction of the current.
Some of types of sliprings share with the split rings in the same materials that made from (copper). But the ring design is different, the ring is closed circular. The split ring divided into two (or more) pieces with a gap between each pieces.
In a conclusion, we can not consider the slip ring or the split ring are alternatives for each other.

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