Types of Sources
Active Elements are the network elements that deliver power to other elements present in an electric circuit. So, active elements are also called as sources of voltage or current type. We can classify
these sources into the following two categories −
▪︎Independent Sources
▪︎ Dependent Sources
Independent Sources
As the name suggests, independent sources produce fixed values of voltage or current and these are not dependent on any other parameter. Independent sources can be further divided into the following two categories −
▪︎ Independent Voltage Sources
▪︎ Independent Current Sources
Independent Voltage Sources
An independent voltage source produces a constant voltage across its two terminals. Thisvoltage is independent of the amount of current that is flowing through the two terminals of voltage source.Independent ideal voltage source and its V-I characteristics are shown in the following figure.
The V-I characteristics of an independent ideal voltage source is a constant line, which is always equal to the source voltage (VS) irrespective of the current value (I). So, the internal resistance of an independent ideal voltage source is zero Ohms.
Hence, the independent ideal voltage sources do not exist practically, because there will be some internal resistance.
There is a deviation in the V-I characteristics of an independent practical voltage source from the V-I characteristics of an independent ideal voltage source. This is due to the voltage drop across the internal resistance (RS) of an independent practical voltage source.
Independent Current Sources
An independent current source produces a constant current. This current is independent of the voltage across its two terminals. Independent ideal current source and its V-I characteristics are shown in the following figure.
The V-I characteristics of an independent ideal current source is a constant line, which is always equal to the source current (IS) irrespective of the voltage value (V). So, the internal resistance of an independent ideal current source is infinite ohms.
Hence, the independent ideal current sources do not exist practically, because there will be some internal resistance.Independent practical current source and its V-I characteristics are shown in the following figure.
There is a deviation in the V-I characteristics of an independent practical current source from the V-I
characteristics of an independent ideal current source. This is due to the amount of current flows through
the internal shunt resistance (RS) of an independent practical current source.
Dependent Sources
As the name suggests, dependent sources produce the amount of voltage or current that is dependent on some other voltage or current. Dependent sources are also called as controlled sources.Dependent sources can be further divided into the following two categories −
▪︎Dependent Voltage Sources
▪︎ Dependent Current Sources
Dependent Voltage Sources
A dependent voltage source produces a voltage across its two terminals. The amount of this voltage is dependent on some other voltage or current. Hence, dependent voltage sources can be further classified into the following two categories −
▪︎ Voltage Dependent Voltage Source (VDVS)
▪︎ Current Dependent Voltage Source (CDVS)
Dependent voltage sources are represented with the signs ‘+’ and ‘-’ inside a diamond shape. The magnitude of the voltage source can be represented outside the diamond shape.
Dependent Current Sources
A dependent current source produces a current. The amount of this current is dependent on some other voltage or current. Hence, dependent current sources can be further classified into the following two categories −
▪︎Voltage Dependent Current Source (VDCS)
▪︎ Current Dependent Current Source (CDCS)
Dependent current sources are represented with an arrow inside a diamond shape. The magnitude of the current source can be represented outside the diamond shape. We can observe these dependent or controlled sources in equivalent models of transistors.
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electrical