Transient circuit analysis problem with a dependent source

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a transient circuit analysis problem involving a dependent source and an inductor. Participants explore the behavior of the circuit before and after a switch is opened, focusing on the inductor current, voltage, and the implications of a Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS) in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the initial conditions of the circuit, noting that the inductor current is 4 A before the switch opens and 0 A after.
  • Another participant suggests that the VCCS has a transfer function of 4Vo and questions what resistance value would yield a current of 4 times the applied voltage.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the inductor current maintaining 4 A at the moment the switch is turned off while also questioning the implications of the VCCS forcing the inductor current to zero.
  • One participant emphasizes that while the voltage across an inductor can change instantaneously, the current cannot, raising concerns about potential ambiguities in the circuit's behavior.
  • Another participant proposes setting up a differential equation to solve for the current over time, indicating that the solution will be exponential and related to the time constant.
  • Several participants discuss the moment the switch is opened, with one stating that the inductor voltage instantaneously increases to maintain the current, while another questions the voltage across the inductor at that moment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of the inductor current and voltage when the switch is opened. While some agree on the exponential form of the current, others raise questions about the implications of the VCCS and the instantaneous changes in voltage and current, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the relationship between voltage and current in inductors, particularly in transient conditions. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of the VCCS and the implications of instantaneous changes in voltage and current.

Michael_0039
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Homework Statement
Find the Vo of the Transient circuit
Relevant Equations
nil
Hi all,

I tried to solve this, but I can't find the R(equal). I use the following method.

The circuit:
22.PNG

For t<0 the switch is closed so the iL(0-)=4 A

For t>0 it opens and the iL(∞)=0 A

Now, I want to find the value τ=L/R(equal)

Then I will use the: iL(t) = iL(∞) + ( iL(0-) - iL(∞) )* ( e^(-(t/τ) ) )

And finally VL(t) = L * [ ∂iL(t) / ∂t ] which is the Vo

What do you suggest ?Thanks.
 
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Been a long time since I've used a simulator but I'm assuming the device in parallel with the inductor is a Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS) with 4Vo being its transfer function.

If that is the case, what resistance value would yield a current of 4 times the applied voltage?
 
Thanks for your answer!

I think I solved it¨, this is my try:

New Doc 2019-09-30 10.37.17_1.jpg

New Doc 2019-09-30 10.37.17_2.jpg
 
There seems to be contradiction, I am confused.

On the one hand, the inductor current should maintain 4A at the moment the switch is turned off.

However, on the other hand, if the voltage of the inductor is initially zero, the VCCS should force the inductor current to zero immediately after the switch is turned off.

Where is my inference wrong?
 
alan123hk said:
However, on the other hand, if the voltage of the inductor is initially zero, the VCCS should force the inductor current to zero immediately after the switch is turned off.
Hint: Voltage across an inductor can change instantaneously but current through the inductor can't change instantaneoulsy.
 
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After the switch is opened, the current throughout the right-hand loop is all the same. Use this fact to set up the differential equation, and integrate to solve for I(t).

The expression will be an exponential, so the exponent will tell you what the time constant is.
 
@scottdave Thanks for your answer.

What about my post #3 is that a correct process? For this kind of problems I use those steps in post #3. I never tried something else.
 
cnh1995 said:
Hint: Voltage across an inductor can change instantaneously but current through the inductor can't change instantaneoulsy.

Thanks for your hint, it is true that the voltage across inductor can change instantaneously, but current flowing through inductor cannot change instantaneously.

I am only worried that there may be ambiguous situation in this particular circuit.

I mean that I = Io * e ^(-t /(4L))= 4 * e ^(-50t) may be just a possible answer, and there may be another possible answer.

Since the voltage across the inductor is zero, the current source should be zero when the switch is opened, so why can't the voltage across the inductor become infinite because the current source can be considered as infinite resistance?

It also means that the current flowing through the inductor disappears in an extremely short period of time in this situation.
 
alan123hk said:
Since the voltage across the inductor is zero,
What is the voltage across the inductor the moment you open the switch?
 
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  • #10
cnh1995 said:
What is the voltage across the inductor the moment you open the switch?

Thank you for your valuable reply. :smile:
After re-study the circuit, I agree that I = 4 * e ^(-50t) is the only answer.
 
Last edited:
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  • #11
alan123hk said:
Thank you for your valuable reply. :smile:
After re-study the circuit, I agree that I = 4 * e ^(-50t) is the only answer.
I haven't verified the calculations, but there is no contradiction in this circuit. The moment you open the switch, the inductor voltage instantaneously increases to whatever is required to maintain the 4A current.
 
  • #12
Note which direction I is flowing through the inductor. How will it flow through the dependent source? What will the polarity of Vo be?
 
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