Can I use a resistor to change the current output of a power supply?

Question

I have a power source that supplies 1.5V at 0.1A.
I want to change the current to 0.3A (without changing the voltage). Is this possible by connecting a resistor in parallel?

Answer 1

Nope. You could decrease the current output, but it isn't possible to increase the current output beyond what it was designed to provide. At best you will get voltage drop, at worst you will burn out the power supply.

Answer 2

The current of a power supply is just the maximum that it can produce. If your load needs less current, it will work fine. Any resistor in parallel with your load will just waste power and serve no purpose. Think of a power supply like a battery.

Edit: I misread your question, thinking you wanted to get rid of excess current with the resistor. Why do you think you could get more current by adding a resistor? The answer is still NO.

Answer 3

You have a 0.15 watt power supply. 1.5 x .1 = 0.15
You want to draw .3 A or 3 times what it is rated for.
The resistor in parallel would draw even more power.
If you do this you will let the smoke out of the power supply.

Answer 4

This is not a wise move. If you draw more current than the power supply was designed for, you will probably "burn it out."

The rating of 1.5V at 0.1A is the maximum that the power supply can safely deliver. If you need more current, get a power supply that can deliver it.

Answer 5

I=v/r
I = Current
r = resistance
v = Voltage

Yes... you can change the current by adjusting voltage. "r" goes up, "I" goes down and vice versa. You would have to add "r" in parallel to make make "r" go down so "I" goes up. Without knowing what values you have now, I can't be any more specific.

That will work, of course, if your power supply can supply enough current.

Answer 6

No.