Question about rotating structures

--- In ssi_list@... Ian Woollard Wouldn't the physical limit of the area of the rotating axis quickly limit the number of connections that could be made? No. You can use multiplexers to minimise the number of slip rings required. Good point. What would be the typical limits that multiplexers face? None really.

In fact, the most likely multiplexer technique you would use would be based on the Internet Protocol (it's actually time division multiplexed if you think about it), and just have computer modules scattered across the vehicle/station monitoring and controlling stuff. The slip ring may even be a wireless link. Doing this cuts down on the amount of control wire you need to lay (if any- wireless protocols are getting pretty popular), and you just need to distribute power around.
TangoMan --
-Ian "If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the workers to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea." -Antoine de Saint-Exupery