- #31
mishima
- 576
- 43
I obtained a schematic of the entire apparatus from the journal article's (retired) author, if anyone is interested.
Constant current source advice
- Thread starter mishima
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the construction of a constant current source circuit for a pharmacokinetic model, as outlined in a publication. Participants explore the design, components, and practical considerations of building the circuit, including timing and current values. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical aspects of the project, as well as the educational value of hands-on experience versus simulation.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about building a constant current source and seeks advice on potential challenges and component selection.
- Another participant suggests using an electrical circuit simulation program like SPICE instead of building the circuit, emphasizing the educational benefits of simulation.
- Some participants discuss the purpose of the circuit, noting that it simulates the decay of medicine in the body and the importance of adjusting time constants to avoid dangerous dosages.
- There is a suggestion that the physical creation of the circuit may not be the best use of time compared to understanding exponential growth/decay through simulations.
- Others argue for the value of hands-on projects, particularly for students interested in pharmacology, highlighting the confidence boost from creating a physical device.
- Concerns are raised about the complexity of building the circuit, especially regarding timing and current control requirements.
- Participants discuss the possibility of using a timer IC to manage charge and discharge times and the potential for using a breadboard to simplify the construction process.
- One participant questions the physiological assumptions in the model, such as whether the body stops metabolizing during the charge interval.
- There is a suggestion to reconsider the timing parameters for monitoring purposes, as the short charge time may not be effectively observable with standard measuring equipment.
- A later reply proposes adjusting the charge time to 5 seconds and discusses the implications for the overall design and timing of the circuit.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the value of building the circuit versus using simulations. While some advocate for the hands-on experience, others believe that simulations would provide a better understanding of the underlying concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the educational goals of the project.
Contextual Notes
Participants note limitations regarding the timing and current values specified in the original article, suggesting that the chosen parameters may depend on the author's available apparatus. There are also discussions about the assumptions made in the pharmacokinetic model and how they affect the design of the circuit.