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.

 

[rwisz]

No, it is not safe to assume that the total current in a circuit is equal to the current source. A current source is a component that provides a constant current regardless of the resistance in the circuit, whereas the total current in a circuit is the sum of all the individual currents flowing through each component. Therefore, the total current may be affected by the resistance and other components in the circuit, and may not necessarily be equal to the current source. It is important to analyze the entire circuit and consider all components to accurately determine the total current.