Comprehensive Guide to Current Source for Electrical and Electronics
Engineering (EEE) Professionals
1. Introduction
A current source is a fundamental component in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
(EEE). It provides a constant flow of electric current regardless of the voltage across its
terminals (in ideal cases). Understanding current sources is essential for analyzing,
designing, and troubleshooting electronic circuits, particularly in biasing, current control,
and active device operation.
2. Definition and Physical Meaning
A current source is a two-terminal device that delivers or absorbs a constant current
independent of the voltage across it. The unit of current is Ampere (A). Unlike a voltage
source that maintains constant voltage, a current source ensures a fixed current flow
through the circuit.
3. Types of Current Sources
• Independent Current Source: Delivers a constant current, irrespective of other circuit
elements.
• Dependent Current Source: The current is controlled by some other voltage or current in
the circuit.
• DC Current Source: Provides a constant current (e.g., biasing transistors).
• AC Current Source: Alternating current waveform (e.g., signal generator in testing).
4. Ideal vs. Practical Current Source
• Ideal Current Source: Delivers fixed current and has infinite internal resistance.
• Practical Current Source: Delivers nearly constant current with high (but finite) internal
resistance.
5. Mathematical Representation
V = I × R_load
• I is constant from the source
• V varies depending on load resistance (Ohm’s Law)
• Power delivered: P = I² × R_load
6. Internal Resistance and Load Effect
• The internal resistance of a practical current source is very high.
• Voltage across the load is determined by the product of current and load resistance.
• Large load changes can affect voltage levels.
7. Source Transformation
A current source in parallel with a resistor can be transformed into an equivalent voltage
source in series with the same resistor:
• I = V / R ⇌ Current source (I, R) ⇌ Voltage source (V, R)
8. Series and Parallel Connection
• Series: Only possible for equal currents; otherwise not applicable.
• Parallel: Currents add up (I_total = I1 + I2 + ...)
9. Power Delivered by Current Source
• Power = I² × R_load
• P_total = P_load + P_loss (if internal resistance is considered)
• Practical sources must be rated for voltage across the expected load range.
10. Applications in Field and Industry
• LED and transistor biasing.
• Constant current charging circuits.
• Current loop communication systems (e.g., 4-20mA loops).
• Laboratory testing and calibration tools.
11. Sample Numerical Problems
Example 1: I = 5A, R_load = 2Ω → V = I × R = 10V, P = 5² × 2 = 50W
Example 2: Current source of 3A in parallel with 5Ω resistor ⇌ V = 3 × 5 = 15V (Equivalent
Voltage Source)
12. Viva and Interview Questions
• Define current source.
• Differentiate between ideal and practical current sources.
• What is source transformation?
• How is current maintained constant despite voltage variations?
• What are some real-world applications of current sources?
13. Summary Table
• Ideal: Infinite internal resistance
• Practical: High internal resistance
• Power: P = I² × R_load
• Source transformation: Current source ⇌ Voltage source
• Parallel: I_total = I1 + I2 + ...
