Current distribution with two loads?

Question

If I have a power supply that can supply a current of 200mA and it is connected to two loads, one that requires 30mA of current and another that requires up to 500mA but works with less, how is the current distributed?

Answer 1

It depends on what the actual loads are. What does "works with less" mean? what does "up to 500mA" mean? Answer those two questions and your question can be answered.

Bottom line, as soon as your load exceeds 200mA, something will happen to the voltage, depending on the design of the supply. The voltage may start to reduce, the voltage may go to zero, or a fuse may blow.

Other answer is totally wrong, you can't "divide the load with resistors".

Answer 2

You should divide the current before delivering to both loads. You can divide your 200mA current to 30mA to your first load and 170mA to your second load by using resistors.

Could you be a little more specific about the system, otherwise you could run into trouble if the second load draws more current then you have.

BTW Bill.. I indicated dividing the current not the load so not to supply too large of a current to the small load. Bottom line is you shouldn't supply two loads with one source when one of the loads may exceed the amount of current the source can provide. You can damage your system at both loads.