Nonlinear Problems in the Design of Cable-Powered Distribution Networks

In a cable-powered distribution network, the regulated power supplies of the various active components present a nonlinear load to the power voltage. A unit with a switching voltage regulator is approximately a constant-power load, whose current drain drops with increasing voltage. A series-resistance controlled regulator is approximately a constant-current load, but taps on the primary of the transformer change the characteristic to a staircase of constant-current segments.