Current source = Total current?

[gabjew90]

If a circuit schematic contains a current source, is it safe to assume I(total) is that value?

 

[seang]

We may need more information to help you here.

 

[gabjew90]

Just in general. How would I go about finding total current if a current source is present?

 

[gneill]

Just in general. How would I go about finding total current if a current source is present?

It would depend upon what else is in the circuit. For example, if there are other power sources, or active components that can shunt power around from components like capacitors or inductors that can store energy, or switches that can do similar things.

Suppose you had an ideal current supply pushing charge onto a capacitor. The voltage on the capacitor would rise indefinitely! Suppose the capacitor dielectric has a particular breakdown voltage. The voltage on the capacitor would rise until breakdown, then a HUGE avalanche of current would occur across the plates, much larger than the current source.