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Current Sources

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9 views

Current Sources

Uploaded by

Tarun Chaitu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Current Sources

A current source is an integral part of electronic circuits which is used for supplying current in
the circuit. In this article, the current sources along with their types can be learnt. We will also learn
about their nature through some characteristics. These characteristics when use can be applied at
various places which have been discussed through the applications. We will conclude the article with
some points.

Definition:
A current source can be defined as any device in a circuit which either delivers or absorbs the
current in the circuit. The voltage across the current source is independent of voltage developed
across it. It is necessary to maintain a constant current in that branch of circuit even when load is
changed.

Symbol and Representation:


A current source is represented with a circle with a symbol of arrow inside to indicate the
direction of current flow. There is no indication of voltage in the representation since current is
independent of voltage developed across it.

Current Source Symbol

Examples:
Diodes, operational amplifiers, photoelectric cells, collector currents of transistors.

Types of Current Source:


Types of Current Source can be classified based on the field as we have given below
accordingly.

Current Source based on the circuit dependency can be categorized as:

 Independent Current Source


 Dependent Current Source
Current Sources
Independent Current Source
In this type of the current source the output current is constant regardless of any circuit
variables. It maintains specified current levels providing constant current to the components
connected through it.

Dependent Current Source


In this type of current source, the output current depends on the circuit variables, as the
value to the output current is controlled by the other voltage or current of the circuit. So, it is also
called controlled current sources.

Current sources can be divided based on internal resistance as:

 Idea Current Source


 Practical Current Source

Ideal Current Source


Current Sources which have infinite resistance are termed as this source. An infinite
resistance means they have zero conductance. It is not practically feasible, so it is just a concept. It
provides the same current to any load resistance and this current remains constant even when load
resistance is changed.
Current Sources
Practical Current Source
A practical Current source is like an ideal current source in parallel. This source has large but
finite resistance and very low conductance. Unlike ideal current source, the output current of
practical source depends on the voltage of the source. The current can vary by varying the load
resistance due to the internal resistance.

Current sources can be divided based on variation in supply as:

 Fixed Current Source


 Variable Current Source

Fixed Current Source


A current source which supplies a fixed amount of current in the circuit is a fixed current
source. This is used when we want constant current despite variation in load.

Variable Current Source


A current source which supplies a variable amount of current in the circuit is a variable
current source. This is used when we want to vary current depending on our needs.

Applications of Current Source


Current sources are used largely at various places. Here are some of the applications:

 Current Sources are used extensively for trial and testing. When it is required to test a
product under certain conditions, current sources become useful as we can adjust current
range in it and test how devices like ammeter are working.
 Medical Industry needs current sources since they work as simulators. In Biomedical, these
can be used for neurovascular and muscle simulation in patients with light electrical signals.
 In practical applications like electroplating, it becomes necessary to use constant current
source. This is done to ensure that the layer being deposited is uniform and of high-quality
with no inconsistency due to current fluctuations.
Current Sources
 It is also used to check the performance levels of various LEDs, batteries and semiconductor
devices when a stable current is supplied to them.
 Scientific equipment like electron microscopes also require constant current source to
control the intensity of electron beam and thereby generating the required image of
samples.

Conclusion
We have seen that current sources have a wide range of applications due to their property of
delivering constant current independent of voltage or load in the circuit. Modern industrial and
consumer products have an ardent need of such products. Thereby it becomes necessary to make
these products rough and adjustable to different environment conditions.

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