SIGN CONVENTION FOR CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

There are two types of sign conventions. They are:

1. Active Sign Convention
2. Passive Sign Convention

Active Sign Convention:

This sign convention is to be followed for active elements. When positive current enters the element through negative terminal energy is dissipated by the element. It is an energy source. The sign convention is as follows:

P=V(-I )

Passive Sign Convention:

This sign convention is followed for passive elements. When positive current enters the element through positive terminal energy is absorbed by the element. It is a passive element like resistor, capacitor, inductor etc. The sign convention is as follows:

P=V(I )

Reference:

Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (Fifth Edition) by Charles K Alexander and Matthews N O Sadiku