Determining two diodes' currents

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving the analysis of currents through two ideal diodes, D1 and D2, in a given circuit. Participants explore the implications of different states of the diodes and the methods used to analyze the circuit, including superposition and the assumed states method.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports confirming their solutions for the first three cases but encounters an issue with the fourth case, suggesting that the effect of a 9V source on ID1 was ignored.
  • Another participant argues that the diodes, when replaced with short circuits, isolate the two halves of the circuit, implying that the 9V source should not affect ID1.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the exercise, stating that there seems to be only one possible state for the circuit rather than four, and questions the clarity of the problem's intent.
  • It is noted that for the exercise to make sense, the diodes would need to be SCRs or have associated series switches, which are not present in the schematic.
  • Another participant agrees with the sentiment that the question reflects poorly on the examiner, indicating a shared frustration with the problem's formulation.
  • One participant references a previous recommendation made to the original poster regarding the analysis of the circuit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of the problem and the states of the diodes. There is no consensus on the clarity of the exercise or the correct approach to analyzing the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the problem's presentation, including missing components in the schematic and ambiguity in the states of the diodes. These factors contribute to the confusion and varied interpretations of the circuit analysis.

JasonHathaway
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Homework Statement



Assuming that D1 and D2 are ideals, determine ID1 and ID2 according to the table below.

123.png


Homework Equations



Circuit Analyzing methods (KVL, etc...)

The Attempt at a Solution



I've confirmed my solutions for the first three cases with final answers of the book I use and also with Multisim.

But for the fourth, while replacing the diodes with "on-switches", I used superposition to calculate the currents. I've ended up with ID1=ID1'+ID1''=12+9=21 mA, and ID2=-9 mA.

My answer is correct for ID2, but that not the case for ID1 (The answer should be 12 mA). Looks like the effect of the 9V source on ID1 was ignored. Why is that?
 
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Because there is no reason for it to have an effect - the diodes are basically replaced with short circuits.
The D1 short basically isolates the two halves from each other.
 
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My circuit analyzing again :S

Thanks :)
 
This is indeed a weird question. For the circuit shown, there are not 4 possible states, there is only one! For the options to make sense, either the "diodes" need to be SCRs or something similar (with gating arrangements not shown), or each diode needs an associated series switch---but in the schematic this is clearly missing.

I had no idea what to make of the exercise, not knowing what could be meant by a diode being off even though it may be forward-biased. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Now I can see what was intended, but this abomination reflects badly on the examiner. I'd grade him Epic Fail! :devil: :devil:
 
The exercise is on the "assumed states" method for analyzing diode circuits.
 
NascentOxygen said:
This is indeed a weird question. For the circuit shown, there are not 4 possible states, there is only one! For the options to make sense, either the "diodes" need to be SCRs or something similar (with gating arrangements not shown), or each diode needs an associated series switch---but in the schematic this is clearly missing.

I had no idea what to make of the exercise, not knowing what could be meant by a diode being off even though it may be forward-biased. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Now I can see what was intended, but this abomination reflects badly on the examiner. I'd grade him Epic Fail! :devil: :devil:

My thoughts exactly
 

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