Abstract: A modular cable assembly for use with a system including a first system device and a second system device is provided. The first system device is configured to produce a first electronic communication protocol. The second system device is configured to produce a second electronic communication protocol. The modular cable assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, a cable body, and a communication control assembly. The communication control assembly includes a communication translation module (CTM). The CTM includes a protocol storage submodule configured to store a plurality of predetermined system device protocols (PSDPs) and a processor in communication with the protocol storage submodule storing instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor to identify the second system device using a second selected PSDP of the plurality of PSDPs and translate at least a portion of the second electronic communication protocol into the first electronic communication protocol.

Abstract: An electronic communication translation module (CTM) for use with a system having a plurality of system components and at least one communication bus is provided. The communication bus is configured to transfer electronic communications in a standardized bus format. The CTM includes a protocol storage submodule and a processor. The protocol storage submodule stores a plurality of predetermined system component protocols (PSCPs), each associated with a respective system component. The processor is in communication with the protocol storage submodule and a memory storing instructions, which instructions when executed cause the processor to: a) identify a respective system component; and b) translate at least a portion of a respective system component electronic communication protocol into a standardized bus format transferable on the at least one communication bus using the selected PSCP.

Abstract: A transmitter is configured to generate a signal carrying data. A signal splitter is configured to generate multiple copies of the signal. A slip ring includes first and second portions, one configured to rotate relative to the other. The slip ring also includes a first interface associated with the first portion and configured to receive the multiple copies of the signal. The slip ring further includes a second interface associated with the second portion. In addition, the slip ring includes multiple electrical pathways electrically coupling the first and second interfaces, where at least some of the electrical pathways are configured to transport the multiple copies of the signal from the first interface to the second interface. A signal combiner is configured to receive the multiple copies of the signal from the second interface and to generate a recovered signal. A receiver is configured to recover the data from the recovered signal.

Abstract: A transmitter is configured to generate a signal carrying data. A signal splitter is configured to generate multiple copies of the signal. A slip ring includes first and second portions, one configured to rotate relative to the other. The slip ring also includes a first interface associated with the first portion and configured to receive the multiple copies of the signal. The slip ring further includes a second interface associated with the second portion. In addition, the slip ring includes multiple electrical pathways electrically coupling the first and second interfaces, where at least some of the electrical pathways are configured to transport the multiple copies of the signal from the first interface to the second interface. A signal combiner is configured to receive the multiple copies of the signal from the second interface and to generate a recovered signal. A receiver is configured to recover the data from the recovered signal.