Types of Current Source

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

Current Source on the Basis of the Circuit Dependency can be categorized as :

• Independent Current Source
• Dependent Current Source

Current sources can be divided on the basis of Internal Resistance as:

• Idea Current Source
• Practical Current Source

Current sources can be divided on the basis of variation in supply as:

• Fixed Current Source
• Variable Current Source

Types of Current Source According To Circuit Dependency

Current Source on the Basis of the Circuit Dependency can be categorized as :

1. Independent Current Source
2. Dependent Current Source

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.

It can be Further Classified as :

• Direct Current Source: The Direct Current Sources which are also Referred as Dc Source are the type of Independent Current Source which provides constant Current at any point of Time.
• Alternating Current Source: Alternating Current Source, Also Know as AC source, is an electrical power source that generates an alternating current, oscillating periodically in both magnitude and direction over time.

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.

It can be Further Classified as :

Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS):When the Output Current of the Current Source is Controlled by the Voltage Present in Some other Branch, then it is known as Voltage Controlled Current Source.

The Output Current of the Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS) can be Written as

Where is the Coefficient of Current Source

Current Controlled Current Source (CCCS) :When the Output Current of the Current Source is Controlled by the Current Present in Some other Branch, then it is known as Current Controlled Current Source.

The Output Current of the Current Controlled Current Source (VCCS) can be Written as

Where is the Coefficient of Current Source

Types of Current Source According To Internal Resistance

Current sources can be divided on the basis of Internal Resistance as:

• 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.
• Practical Current Source: A practical Current source is similar to 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.
  

  Voltage Source

Types of Current Source According To Variation in Supply

Current sources can be divided on the basis of variation in supply as:

• 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.

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