Add currents with same frequency but different phase?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 1K views
yosimba2000
Messages
206
Reaction score
9
So assuming I1 = 1<10 and I2 = 2<20

And assume these current sources are in parallel, pointing in same direction.

Can I say total current is I1 + I2 = 1<10 + 2<20 ?

I would convert the phasor to complex number to combine them, but will this work?
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
yosimba2000 said:
Can I say total current is I1 + I2 = 1<10 + 2<20 ?

I would convert the phasor to complex number to combine them, but will this work?
Of course it will work.
That's why use of complex numbers is widespread in electric systems.
 
As Hesch mentioned, that is why complex numbers are used to represent AC signals. When the frequency is the same for two signals you can write the signals as complex numbers, which contain the amplitude and phase information, and then add them together like you would any two complex numbers. the resultant complex number contains the resultant amplitude and phase information.

When the frequencies are different then you have a more complicated problem. :)