Circuits that consist of voltage dividers allow many voltage levels to be generated from a single voltage source. This source may be a voltage of +5V, +12V, -5V, or -12V, or it may be a negative voltage with respect to ground (0V). A dual supply, consisting of positive and negative voltages such as ±5V or […]
Understanding
Understanding Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law with Calculations
The second of Gustav Kirchhoff’s essential rules that we may apply to circuit analysis is the voltage law. According to his voltage law, the algebraic total of all the voltages around any closed loop in a circuit is equal to zero for a closed loop series route. This is due to the fact that a […]
Understanding Kirchhoff’s Current Law with Calculations
In order to quantify current behavior, circuit analysis uses Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL). The connecting point or junction, in an electrical or electronic circuit determines the relationship between currents according to this rule. At any circuit junction: Σ IOUT = Σ IIN The algebraic total of all currents entering the junction is represented by Σ IIN. […]
Understanding Current Sources with Calculations
Unlike voltage sources which focus on constant voltage, current sources are more concerned with ensuring a constant supply of current (amps). The current flow stays constant regardless of the voltage developed at their terminals (which is determined by other circuit components). Consider a water pump that continues to push a certain amount of water regardless […]
Understanding Voltage Sources with Calculations
A voltage source, which falls under the category of an active element, supplies a defined and constant voltage across its terminals. This voltage doesnt change in response to any other components in the circuit. But practically, or real-world voltage sources deviate from this ideal behavior. The rated voltage across the terminals decreases as the load […]
Understanding Maximum Power Transfer with Calculations
A circuit achieves maximum power transfer when the resistance of the load (the device receiving power) is precisely equal to the internal resistance of the voltage source. This internal resistance is often fixed and expressed in Ohms and is referred to as impedance if the circuit contains components such as coils (inductors) or capacitors. The […]