How Do You Estimate Is and Rs Values?

[Eric08]

Homework Statement

A) If a certain current source supplies i=.46A at v=10v, and i=.4A at v=25v, estimate is and Rs??

(B) What current would this source supply at v=15v, and v=-15v?

Homework Equations

possibly v=iR ?

The Attempt at a Solution

Pretty much lost on the way to start this problem, Would appreciate some help.
Thank you

 

[gneill]

Hi Eric08, welcome to PF.

First you might want to draw the equivalent circuit for the source and its internal resistance so that you have an idea of what is occurring in terms of the interplay of voltages and currents when the supply is loaded (an attached load draws current). How does the internal resistance for a current supply usually present itself in the equivalent circuit of a non-ideal source?

Next, consider drawing what is called a Load Line. On Cartesian exes, put voltage on the Y axis and current on the X axis. Then plot your two given points and join them with a straight line. You can find the equation for that line and hence predict the voltage vs current for other points along the line.

If the output is short circuited so that output voltage is zero, all the current I_s will flow through that short circuit. From your load line, what's that current going to be?
When no load current is being drawn, where must the ideal current supply I_s be flowing? What voltage appears at the output? What's producing that potential difference?