DEPENDENT SOURCE Meaning and
Definition
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A dependent source, in the realm of electrical engineering and circuit theory, refers to a type of electronic component or element whose value and behavior are determined by the characteristics or parameters of other elements within the same circuit. Unlike independent sources, which maintain a fixed value regardless of surrounding elements, a dependent source's value is directly tied to, or dependent on, the voltage or current at another location or locations in the circuit.
There are two main types of dependent sources: voltage-controlled dependent sources and current-controlled dependent sources. Voltage-controlled dependent sources, also known as VCVS, are designed in such a way that the output voltage is a function of an input voltage from another part of the circuit. On the other hand, current-controlled dependent sources, or CCCS, produce an output current determined by an input current in another part of the circuit.
Dependent sources can exhibit both amplifying and attenuating behavior, meaning they can either increase or decrease the magnitude of the voltage or current. They are commonly used in electronic amplifiers, filters, and other circuits where the input-output relationship needs to be modified or controlled. By utilizing dependent sources, engineers are able to design and model complex circuits with flexible and adjustable characteristics, allowing for a wide range of applications in various electronic devices and systems.
Etymology of DEPENDENT SOURCE
The word "dependent" in the context of a dependent source refers to the fact that its output depends on a specific property or condition of another element in the circuit. This term originated from the field of electrical engineering and comes from the Latin word "dependere", which means "to hang down" or "to be reliant on". In the case of a dependent source, its output value is reliant on the behavior or characteristics of another element, such as voltage or current.
