Electric current being alternated with continuous part

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores scenarios in which an electric current may exhibit both alternating and continuous characteristics, focusing on theoretical and practical examples of such currents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a ripple on the DC output from a poorly smoothed power supply serves as an example of DC with AC superimposed.
  • Another participant mentions the DC supply to the LNB on a satellite TV dish, which is transmitted alongside an AC signal through the same coaxial cable.
  • A different participant introduces the current through the inductor of a "Buck" topology DC-DC converter as another example, noting that the average of the triangular current waveform represents the average output current.
  • Another example provided is an analogue TV signal, which is described as unidirectional and possessing a DC component.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple examples of currents exhibiting both alternating and continuous characteristics, but there is no consensus on a singular scenario or definition.

Contextual Notes

Some examples rely on specific conditions such as the quality of power supply smoothing or the characteristics of signal transmission, which may not be universally applicable.

DaTario
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TL;DR
In which scenario a current may exhibit alternated and continous character together?
Summary: In which scenario a current may exhibit alternated and continuous character together?

Hi All,

I would like to know in which scenario an electric current may exhibit alternated and continuous character?
Something like $$ I(t) = I_0 \sin (\omega t) + I_1 $$.
 
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A simple example is ripple on the DC output from a poorly smoothed power supply. The output is DC with AC superimposed on it. Another is the DC supply to the LNB on a satellite TV dish, which is passed on the same coaxial cable bringing the signal (which is AC) to the receiver.
 
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darth boozer said:
A simple example is ripple on the DC output from a poorly smoothed power supply. The output is DC with AC superimposed on it. Another is the DC supply to the LNB on a satellite TV dish, which is passed on the same coaxial cable bringing the signal (which is AC) to the receiver.
what he said (very small).jpg
 
DaTario said:
I would like to know in which scenario an electric current may exhibit alternated and continuous character?
Another example of a DC current with an AC component (although not sinusoidal) is the i(t) current through the inductor of a "Buck" topology DC-DC converter. The average of the triangular current waveform is the average output current of the DC-DC converter (at the output voltage which is being regulated by the converter), and the ripple current depends on the switching frequency and the value of the inductance...

https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/app-notes/index.mvp/id/2031
https://www.electronics-notes.com/a...-step-down-buck-regulator-dc-dc-converter.php
243631
 
Another example is an analogue TV signal, which is unidirectional and so has a DC component.
 
Thank you all, very much!
 
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