Voltage source

A schematic diagram of a voltage source, V, driving a resistor, R, and creating a current I

A voltage source is a two-terminal device which can maintain a fixed voltage.[1] An ideal voltage source can maintain the fixed voltage independent of the load resistance or the output current. However, a real-world voltage source cannot supply unlimited current.

A voltage source is the dual of a current source. Real-world sources of electrical energy, such as batteries and generators, can be modeled for analysis purposes as a combination of an ideal voltage source and additional combinations of impedance elements.