What is the load line equation for I-V Characteristic plot?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the load line equation for I-V characteristic plots, particularly in the context of analyzing circuits involving diodes. Participants explore the derivation of the load line equation and its implications for understanding current and voltage relationships in circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the load line slope is negative, suggesting that according to Ohm's Law, an increase in voltage should lead to an increase in current, implying a positive slope.
  • Another participant proposes deriving the load line equation for VD in terms of load current, I, focusing on the linear part of the circuit without specific regard to the device involved.
  • A subsequent post presents the derived equation VD = VDD - I×R and rearranges it to express I in terms of VD, identifying the I-intercept and slope of the line.
  • Participants discuss the implications of superimposing the I vs. V plot for different loads, including non-linear devices like diodes.
  • One participant suggests examining the effects of shorting or opening the circuit at VD, noting that shorting leads to maximum current and opening leads to minimum current, providing two key points for the load line graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the mathematical derivation of the load line equation, but there is an ongoing discussion regarding the interpretation of the slope and its implications, indicating some level of disagreement or uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the initial question regarding the negative slope of the load line, and assumptions about the circuit configuration and device characteristics remain implicit.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in circuit analysis, particularly those studying diode behavior and I-V characteristics, may find this discussion relevant.

red123
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
What is the load line equation for I-V Characteristic plots?

Load_line_diode.png


Why is load line slope negative? According to Ohm's Law: i = V/R; so as voltage increases current increases then slope should be positive, right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To examine the load line equation "properly", you must derive the algebraic equation for VD in terms of load current, I. Do this from the point of view of the linear part of the circuit, without regard for the particular device (the device in this case we can see is a diode).

Using Ohm's Law, VD = VDD - ...

Re-arrange to compare with the equation for a straight line on an I vs. V plot, to find intercepts and slope.
 
Oh, so...
VD = VDD - I×R

Re-arranging gets:
I = VDD/R - VD/R

Where VDD/R is the I-intercept and -1/R is the slope.
 
Right. So onto this you can superimpose the I vs. V plot for any load (a non-linear diode, or even another resistor), and find the Q-point.
 
Can be instructive to look at what happens when you either short or open circuit VD..

Shorting VD to ground means VD = 0 and I is at a maximium = VDD/R.

Open circuiting VD by removing the diode gives minimium current I = 0 and VD = VDD.

Gives you two points on the load line graph.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K