Possible to design a circuit with EXACTLY 10mA of current?

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SUMMARY

Designing a circuit with exactly 10mA of current is impractical due to inherent inaccuracies in voltage supplies and resistor tolerances. Even with a perfect 1000 ohm resistor, variations in voltage supply prevent achieving a precise 10 volts, which is necessary for a current of 10mA (Ohm's Law: I = V/R). Additionally, when measuring resistance in a series-parallel circuit with an ohmmeter, it is crucial to isolate the resistor of interest to avoid interference from other resistors in parallel.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law
  • Knowledge of resistor tolerances and specifications
  • Familiarity with series-parallel circuit configurations
  • Experience using an ohmmeter for resistance measurement
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for minimizing voltage supply errors in circuit design
  • Learn about resistor tolerance specifications and their impact on circuit performance
  • Study methods for isolating components in series-parallel circuits during measurement
  • Explore advanced circuit design principles for achieving stable current outputs
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, circuit designers, and students studying electronics who seek to understand the limitations of current control in circuit design.

cutler
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Why isn't it possible to design a circuit with EXACTLY 10mA of current?

Also

When an ohmmeter is used to measure resistance in a series-parallel circuit, what precautions must be taken?
 
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You could get 10 mA if you had exactly 10 volts across a 100% accurate 1000 ohm resistor.
However, you can't get an exact 10 volts because all voltage supplies have some error, and all resistors are not 100 % accurate either.

You have to be sure the resistance you are measuring is only due to the resistor you want to measure. Others in parallel with it will affect the reading.
 


cutler said:
Why isn't it possible to design a circuit with EXACTLY 10mA of current?

Also

When an ohmmeter is used to measure resistance in a series-parallel circuit, what precautions must be taken?

So how about you give us your answers now, based on vk6kro's hints?
 

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