Vooluallikat

Vooluallikat is an Estonian term that translates to "current source" or "flow source." In physics and electrical engineering, it refers to a component or circuit that provides a constant current, regardless of the voltage across it. This is in contrast to a voltage source, which aims to maintain a constant voltage.

Ideal current sources are theoretical constructs. Real-world current sources are often implemented using transistors, operational amplifiers, or dedicated integrated circuits. These circuits actively adjust their output to maintain the desired current flow, even as the load resistance or the supply voltage changes within certain limits.

The concept of a current source is fundamental in electronics. It is used in various applications, including powering LEDs, biasing transistors, and in precision measurement circuits. For example, a constant current is crucial for LEDs because their brightness is directly proportional to the current flowing through them, and variations in voltage could lead to significant brightness fluctuations or even damage. In transistor biasing, a current source provides a stable operating point, ensuring consistent amplification. Measuring small currents accurately often relies on converting them into a measurable voltage using a known resistance, and a current source is essential for providing that stable current for the conversion.