Problem description:
The PLECS library contains variable resistors only in combination with inductors and capacitors. Why is there no single variable resistor in PLECS?
Solution:
The Simulink/PLECS solvers require the system to be described by ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and are not capable of solving general differential algebraic equations (DAEs). Therefore, a variable or non-linear resistor must be modeled either as a voltage-controlled current source or as a current-controlled voltage source. To avoid algebraic loops, the sources must be decoupled by a state variable, hence the inductor or capacitor.
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