What are dependent and independent sources in a circuit?
1 Answer
In the context of electrical circuits, dependent and independent sources are two different types of voltage or current sources used to model the behavior of various elements within the circuit. These sources are essential components in circuit analysis and design.
Independent sources:
An independent source is a type of electrical source that provides a fixed voltage or current regardless of the rest of the circuit's conditions. In other words, it is not influenced by the voltage, current, or any other parameters in the circuit. Independent sources are denoted by fixed values and are usually represented by a constant voltage source (V) or a constant current source (I).
Independent Voltage Source (V): This source maintains a constant voltage across its terminals, regardless of the current flowing through it or the impedance of the circuit.
Independent Current Source (I): This source delivers a constant current through its terminals, independent of the voltage across it or the impedance of the circuit.
The mathematical representation of an independent voltage source is V = constant value, and for an independent current source, it is I = constant value.
Dependent sources:
A dependent source is a type of electrical source whose value depends on the voltage or current in another part of the circuit. It takes its input from some other circuit parameter and amplifies, attenuates, or in some way modifies that input to generate a voltage or current at its terminals. Dependent sources are also called controlled sources.
Voltage-Controlled Voltage Source (VCVS): The voltage output of this source depends on the voltage at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the voltage at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output voltage.
Current-Controlled Voltage Source (CCVS): The voltage output of this source depends on the current at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the current at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output voltage.
Voltage-Controlled Current Source (VCCS): The current output of this source depends on the voltage at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the voltage at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output current.
Current-Controlled Current Source (CCCS): The current output of this source depends on the current at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the current at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output current.
Dependent sources are usually represented by symbols with controlling parameters (e.g., "E" for voltage-controlled and "F" for current-controlled) to indicate their dependency on other circuit variables.
These sources, both dependent and independent, are fundamental for analyzing and understanding complex electrical circuits and systems. They allow engineers and designers to model various components and elements in a circuit, making it easier to predict and analyze its behavior.
Independent sources:
An independent source is a type of electrical source that provides a fixed voltage or current regardless of the rest of the circuit's conditions. In other words, it is not influenced by the voltage, current, or any other parameters in the circuit. Independent sources are denoted by fixed values and are usually represented by a constant voltage source (V) or a constant current source (I).
Independent Voltage Source (V): This source maintains a constant voltage across its terminals, regardless of the current flowing through it or the impedance of the circuit.
Independent Current Source (I): This source delivers a constant current through its terminals, independent of the voltage across it or the impedance of the circuit.
The mathematical representation of an independent voltage source is V = constant value, and for an independent current source, it is I = constant value.
Dependent sources:
A dependent source is a type of electrical source whose value depends on the voltage or current in another part of the circuit. It takes its input from some other circuit parameter and amplifies, attenuates, or in some way modifies that input to generate a voltage or current at its terminals. Dependent sources are also called controlled sources.
Voltage-Controlled Voltage Source (VCVS): The voltage output of this source depends on the voltage at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the voltage at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output voltage.
Current-Controlled Voltage Source (CCVS): The voltage output of this source depends on the current at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the current at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output voltage.
Voltage-Controlled Current Source (VCCS): The current output of this source depends on the voltage at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the voltage at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output current.
Current-Controlled Current Source (CCCS): The current output of this source depends on the current at a different part of the circuit. It multiplies the current at the controlling terminal by a constant gain to produce the output current.
Dependent sources are usually represented by symbols with controlling parameters (e.g., "E" for voltage-controlled and "F" for current-controlled) to indicate their dependency on other circuit variables.
These sources, both dependent and independent, are fundamental for analyzing and understanding complex electrical circuits and systems. They allow engineers and designers to model various components and elements in a circuit, making it easier to predict and analyze its behavior.