Kijanki, thanks for your characteristically excellent technical input.
Williewonka 8-24-2017
Let’s take the IC connecting two components as an example...
- the signal conductor has an AC signal on it
- the neutral conductor is connected to the neutral sides of each component
On well designed components the neutral side of the circuit should always be at zero vaults - especially if grounded
If both components are well designed, then the neutral sides of the their respective circuits would be at zero volts,
Therefore, the neutral conductor of the IC should also be at zero volts - yes?
Hi Steve,
First, be sure to keep in mind, as you no doubt realize, that a voltage must always be defined with respect to some reference. Given that, in the example you cite above the neutral conductor would indeed be at or very close to zero volts, **relative to the circuit grounds/signal grounds of the two components.** And probably in most (but not all) designs relative to AC safety ground and earth ground as well. But those facts do not have any inconsistency with what I said in my earlier posts.
Consider the simple example of a 120 volt light bulb. When it is turned on via the switch on the wall, if you were to individually measure the current in the "hot wire" and the "neutral wire" that are connected to it you would measure exactly the same amount of current in both. Even though the neutral wire is at or very close to zero volts relative to earth ground and to AC safety ground.
I’ll take a look at the book you referenced later today or tonight.
Best regards,
-- Al