Comments: Alternating Current (AC) vs. Direct Current (DC)

Pages

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Member #1440765 / about 6 years ago / 1

    can a direct current vary with time. For an example like an exponent signal, ramp signal.

    • Member #1590822 / about 5 years ago / 1

      Definitely a DC current can vary with time. I came to know about it from the article on askanydifference. you can search google images for "dc current diagonal graph" to see the graph

    • In theory, DC is not supposed to vary with time, but it practice, you will often find direct currents that vary. For example, a rectified AC signal or the output of a buck or boost converter will have some ripple to it (even though it's usually considered "DC"). Even a battery will lose some of it's voltage over time.

      This post gives some good examples with graphs.

  • Member #1433082 / about 6 years ago / 1

    Can direct current be converted to AC current?

  • Member #546742 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Higher voltage means low current? What if low voltages, will it means low current too?

    • That's not necessarily true. If we are talking about converting AC or DC to a different voltage, then the maximum possible current will change. If we convert voltages (in either AC or DC), then power stays the same (assuming 100% efficiency in your converter). Since P = V * I, if you decrease voltage, then current must rise to keep power the same. Hope that makes sense.


If you've found an issue with this tutorial content, please send us your feedback!