Sensitivity of a model oscillator to shifts in the voltage-dependence of one or more ionic currents

An idealized LC circuit of zero resistance can oscillate without any source of emf by shifting the energy stored in the circuit between the electric and magnetic fields. In such an LC circuit, if the capacitor contains a charge q before the switch is closed, then all the energy of the circuit is initially stored in the electric field of the capacitor. This energy is given by

Consider designing an oscillator circuit, a crucial component in various electronic devices and systems. The objective is to create an oscillator circuit with specific characteristics: a damped natural frequency of 4 kHz and a damping factor of 4 radians per second. To accomplish this, a parallel RLC circuit is employed, known for its ability to sustain oscillations at a resonant frequency. In this case, the damping factor is pivotal in achieving the desired performance.
Starting with a fixed...

An RLC circuit combines a resistor, inductor, and capacitor, connected in a series or parallel combination.
Consider a series RLC circuit. Here, the presence of resistance in the circuit leads to energy loss due to joule heating in the resistance. Therefore, the total electromagnetic energy in the circuit is no longer constant and decreases with time. Since the magnitude of charge, current, and potential difference continuously decreases, their oscillations are said to be damped. This is...

In analyzing the behavior of diodes in circuits, the relationship between the current through a diode and the voltage across it is of particular interest, especially when considering the effect of a direct current (DC) bias voltage. When applied, this DC bias influences the diode's operating point, known as the Q point, around which the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of the diode exhibits exponential behavior. Introducing a small, time-varying signal on top of this bias aids in examining...

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...