Konstantström

Konstantström is a compound noun from konstant (constant) and ström (stream or current) found in Scandinavian languages. It is used to describe a situation in which the flow of electricity, a fluid, or even information remains steady over time. In Swedish, Danish and Norwegian technical literature, it may appear as a direct translation of terms such as “constant current” or “steady flow.”

In electronics, konstantström refers to a constant-current source or a circuit that maintains approximately constant current through a load as the load voltage changes. Such sources are defined by a set current and a compliance voltage range. They contrast with constant-voltage supplies. Implementations include transistor-based current regulators, operational amplifier current sinks, and switching-mode controllers. Common applications are LED driving, battery testing, electroplating, and charging processes that require a fixed current.

In fluid dynamics, when the term is used, konstantström denotes a regulated flow rate that remains essentially unchanged over time, often achieved with feedback-controlled pumps and flow-regulating devices. It is not a universally standardized term in all languages, and in many contexts English-language literature uses “constant flow” or “steady flow.”

Beyond engineering, konstantström may appear in journalism or popular science to describe a steady stream of people, information, or traffic. Its precise meaning depends on the domain and language, and it is less common in English-language sources.