I. Fundamental Circuit Laws and Analysis Techniques
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
The algebraic sum of currents entering a node is zero.
$$\sum_{k=1}^{n} I_k = 0$$
Example: At node A, if $$\displaystyle I_1 $$ enters and $$\displaystyle I_2, I_3 $$ leave, then $$\displaystyle I_1 = I_2 + I_3 $$.
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
The algebraic sum of voltages around any closed loop is zero.
$$\sum_{k=1}^{m} V_k = 0$$
Example: In a loop with sources $$\displaystyle V_s $$ and drops $$\displaystyle V_R, V_L $$, $$\displaystyle V_s - V_R - V_L = 0 $$.
[!TIP]
Common Pitfall: KCL applies to nodes (junctions), KVL to loops (closed paths. Always assign consistent sign conventions (currents entering +, leaving -; voltage rises +, drops -).
Mesh Analysis (Planar Circuits)
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Identify meshes (independent loops).
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Assign mesh currents (clockwise assumed).
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Apply KVL to each mesh, expressing voltages in terms of mesh currents.
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Solve simultaneous equations. Key: For shared branches, voltage = impedance × (difference of mesh currents).
Nodal Analysis
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Choose a reference node (ground).
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Assign node voltages to remaining nodes.
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Apply KCL at each non-reference node, expressing currents via Ohm's law.
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Solve for node voltages. Key: Conductance form simplifies: $$\displaystyle G_{ii} V_i + \sum_{j \neq i} G_{ij} V_j = I_i $$.
II. Network Topology (Graph Theory)
Graph & Oriented Graph
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Graph: Set of nodes (vertices) connected by branches (edges), representing circuit topology without regard to component values.
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Oriented Graph: Graph with assigned directions to all branches (used for analysis).
Tree, Co-tree, Twigs, Links
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Tree: Connected subgraph with all nodes and no loops. Contains $b - n + 1$ branches ($b$ = total branches, $n$ = nodes).
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Twigs: Branches belonging to the tree.
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Co-tree: Branches not in the tree.
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Links: Branches in the co-tree. Each link forms a fundamental loop when added to the tree.
Incidence Matrix (Complete)
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Order: $n \times b$ ($n$ nodes, $b$ branches).
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Element $$\displaystyle a_{ij} $$:
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$+1$ if branch $j$ leaves node $i$,
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$-1$ if branch $j$ enters node $i$,
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$0$ otherwise.
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Property: Each column has exactly one $+1$ and one $-1$ (for connected graph). Row sum = 0.
Tie Set Matrix (Fundamental)
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Relates branch currents to loop currents.
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For each fundamental loop (one link + tree branches), a row.
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Element $$\displaystyle b_{ij} $$: $+1$ if branch $j$ is in loop $i$ and same direction as loop current, $-1$ if opposite, $0$ if not in loop.
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Equation: $$\displaystyle [I_b] = [B]^T [I_L] $$, where $[B]$ is tie-set matrix.
Cut Set Matrix (Fundamental)
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Relates branch currents to cut-set currents.
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A cut set is a set of branches whose removal disconnects the graph into two parts, with exactly one branch from the tree.
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Equation: $$\displaystyle [I_b] = [Q]^T [I_S] $$, where $[Q]$ is cut-set matrix.
[!TIP]
Exam Focus: Be able to draw a graph from a circuit, identify a tree, and write the complete incidence matrix. Tie-set matrix rows correspond to fundamental loops (one link each). Cut-set matrix rows correspond to fundamental cuts (one twig each).
III. Network Theorems
Thevenin's Theorem
Any linear bilateral network can be replaced by an equivalent voltage source $$\displaystyle V_{th} $$ in series with impedance $$\displaystyle Z_{th} $$.
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$$\displaystyle V_{th} $$ = Open-circuit voltage at terminals.
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$$\displaystyle Z_{th} $$ = Impedance seen at terminals with all independent sources killed (voltage sources shorted, current sources opened).
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AC Extension: Use phasors; $$\displaystyle Z_{th} $$ is complex.
Norton's Theorem
Equivalent to a current source $$\displaystyle I_N $$ in parallel with admittance $$\displaystyle Y_N $$ (or impedance $$\displaystyle Z_N $$).
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$$\displaystyle I_N $$ = Short-circuit current at terminals.
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$$\displaystyle Y_N = 1/Z_{th} $$ (same as Thevenin impedance).
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AC Case: $$\displaystyle I_N $$ is phasor short-circuit current.
Superposition Theorem
In a linear circuit with multiple sources, the response (voltage/current) is the algebraic sum of responses due to each source acting alone, with all other independent sources killed.
- Important: Power is not linear; cannot use superposition for power calculations directly.
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem (DC)
Maximum power is delivered to load $$\displaystyle R_L $$ when $$\displaystyle R_L = R_{th} $$ (Thevenin resistance).
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Condition: $$\displaystyle R_L = |Z_{th}| $$ for AC (impedance matching).
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Efficiency: $$\displaystyle \eta = \frac{P_{max}}{P_{source}} = \frac{1}{2} = 50\% $$ when $$\displaystyle R_L = R_{th} $$.
Proof: $$\displaystyle P_L = \frac{V_{th}^2 R_L}{(R_{th}+R_L)^2} $$. Maximize w.r.t $$\displaystyle R_L $$ → $$\displaystyle R_L = R_{th} $$. Then $$\displaystyle P_{max} = V_{th}^2/(4R_{th}) $$, $$\displaystyle P_{source} = V_{th}^2/(2R_{th}) $$, so $$\displaystyle \eta = 1/2 $$.
Millman's Theorem
For multiple parallel branches between two nodes, the common voltage $V$ is:
$$ V = \frac{\sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{V_k}{Z_k}}{\sum_{k=1}^{n} \frac{1}{Z_k}} $$
where $$\displaystyle V_k $$ is the voltage source in branch $k$ (if present), and $$\displaystyle Z_k $$ is the branch impedance (if no source, $$\displaystyle V_k=0 $$).
Tellegen's Theorem
For any network (linear/nonlinear, passive/active), the sum of instantaneous power in all branches is zero:
$$ \sum_{b=1}^{B} v_b(t) i_b(t) = 0 $$
- Verification: Compute power in each branch (absorbed positive if current enters positive terminal). Sum must be zero.
Compensation Theorem
If a branch impedance $Z$ in a network is changed by $\Delta Z$, the resulting current/voltage changes are equivalent to injecting a compensating voltage source $-I \Delta Z$ (where $I$ is original branch current) in series with the changed branch, with all other sources killed.
[!TIP]
Common Pitfalls:
- Superposition: Kill independent sources (set voltage=0 → short; set current=0 → open). Dependent sources remain active.
- Max Power: Efficiency is 50% only at max power condition.
- Millman's: Applicable only for parallel branches between two nodes.
IV. Resonance
Series Resonant Circuit ($R$, $L$, $C$ in series)
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Impedance: $$\displaystyle Z = R + j(\omega L - 1/(\omega C)) $$
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Resonant Frequency ($$\displaystyle \omega_0 $$): Imaginary part zero.
$$\omega_0 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}} \quad \text{or} \quad f_0 = \frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}$$
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At Resonance:
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$$\displaystyle Z = R $$ (minimum, purely resistive).
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Current $$\displaystyle I = V/R $$ (maximum).
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Voltage Magnification: $Q$-factor.
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$$Q = \frac{\omega_0 L}{R} = \frac{1}{\omega_0 C R} = \frac{V_L}{V} = \frac{V_C}{V}$$
- Bandwidth (BW): $$\displaystyle \text{BW} = \frac{\omega_0}{Q} $$ (rad/s) or $$\displaystyle f_0/Q $$ (Hz).
Parallel Resonant Circuit ($R$, $L$, $C$ in parallel)
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Admittance: $$\displaystyle Y = \frac{1}{R} + j\left(\omega C - \frac{1}{\omega L}\right) $$
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Resonant Frequency:
$$\omega_0 = \sqrt{\frac{1}{LC} - \frac{R^2}{L^2}} \approx \frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}} \quad \text{if } R \text{ is large (high } Q)$$
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At Resonance:
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$$\displaystyle Y = 1/R $$ (minimum admittance).
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Impedance $$\displaystyle Z = R $$ (maximum, purely resistive).
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Current Magnification: Input current $I$ minimum, branch currents $$\displaystyle I_L = I_C = Q \cdot I $$ (large).
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[!TIP]
Key Difference: Series: current max, voltage across L/C magnified. Parallel: voltage max (for given input current), currents through L/C magnified. For parallel, exact $$\displaystyle \omega_0 $$ depends on $R$; approximate formula valid for high $Q$.
V. Laplace Transform Analysis
Laplace Transform (LT)
For $f(t)$ defined for $t \geq 0$:
$$F(s) = \mathcal{L}\{f(t)\} = \int_{0^{-}}^{\infty} f(t) e^{-st} dt$$
where $$\displaystyle s = \sigma + j\omega $$.
Standard Transforms
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{1\} = \frac{1}{s} $$
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{u(t)\} = \frac{1}{s} $$ (unit step)
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{\delta(t)\} = 1 $$ (unit impulse)
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{e^{-at}\} = \frac{1}{s+a} $$
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{t^n\} = \frac{n!}{s^{n+1}} $$
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$$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{e^{-at} \sin \omega t\} = \frac{\omega}{(s+a)^2 + \omega^2} $$
Properties (Key)
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Linearity: $$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{a f_1 + b f_2\} = a F_1 + b F_2 $$
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Differentiation: $$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{f'(t)\} = sF(s) - f(0^{-}) $$
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Integration: $$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\{\int_{0}^{t} f(\tau) d\tau\} = \frac{F(s)}{s} $$
Initial Value Theorem (IVT)
If $sF(s)$ has no poles in $$\displaystyle \text{Re}(s) > 0 $$, then:
$$f(0^{+}) = \lim_{s \to \infty} s F(s)$$
Conditions: $f(t)$ and $f'(t)$ must be Laplace transformable; $F(s)$ proper rational function.
Final Value Theorem (FVT)
If $sF(s)$ has all poles in $$\displaystyle \text{Re}(s) < 0 $$ (except possibly at $$\displaystyle s=0 $$), then:
$$f(\infty) = \lim_{s \to 0} s F(s)$$
Conditions: System stable (poles in $$\displaystyle \text{Re}(s)<0 $$); $f(\infty)$ exists.
Application to Circuit Analysis
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Replace circuit elements with s-domain equivalents:
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$R \to R$
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$L \to sL$ (with initial current $$\displaystyle I_0 $$: add source $$\displaystyle LI_0 $$)
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$C \to 1/(sC)$ (with initial voltage $$\displaystyle V_0 $$: add source $$\displaystyle V_0/s $$)
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Apply KVL/KCL or nodal/mesh in s-domain.
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Solve for desired variable $F(s)$.
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Find $$\displaystyle f(t) = \mathcal{L}^{-1}\{F(s)\} $$ (partial fractions).
Transfer Function & Pole-Zero Plot
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Transfer Function: $$\displaystyle H(s) = \frac{\text{Output}}{\text{Input}} $$ (zero initial conditions).
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Poles: Roots of denominator (where $H(s) \to \infty$). Determine natural response & stability.
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Zeros: Roots of numerator (where $$\displaystyle H(s) = 0 $$).
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Plot: s-plane; poles (×), zeros (○). Location dictates time-domain behavior (e.g., real negative poles → exponential decay).
[!TIP]
Critical Checks:
- IVT/FVT: Always verify conditions before applying.
- Initial conditions in s-domain: For inductor current $$\displaystyle i_L(0^-)=I_0 $$, model as $$\displaystyle sL I(s) - L I_0 $$. For capacitor voltage $$\displaystyle v_C(0^-)=V_0 $$, model as $$\displaystyle \frac{1}{sC} I(s) + \frac{V_0}{s} $$.
- Partial fraction inversion: Use standard forms or convolution.
VI. Fourier Series
Trigonometric Fourier Series (TFS)
For periodic $f(t)$ with period $T$, fundamental $$\displaystyle \omega_0 = 2\pi/T $$:
$$f(t) = a_0 + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \left( a_n \cos n\omega_0 t + b_n \sin n\omega_0 t \right)$$
where:
$$a_0 = \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} f(t) dt \quad \text{(DC component)}$$
$$a_n = \frac{2}{T} \int_{0}^{T} f(t) \cos n\omega_0 t \, dt$$
$$b_n = \frac{2}{T} \int_{0}^{T} f(t) \sin n\omega_0 t \, dt$$
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Even function: $$\displaystyle b_n = 0 $$, only cosine terms.
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Odd function: $$\displaystyle a_0 = a_n = 0 $$, only sine terms.
Exponential Fourier Series (EFS)
$$f(t) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} C_n e^{jn\omega_0 t}$$
with coefficients:
$$C_n = \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} f(t) e^{-jn\omega_0 t} dt$$
- Relation to TFS:
$$C_0 = a_0$$
$$C_n = \frac{1}{2}(a_n - jb_n) \quad (n>0)$$
$$C_{-n} = \frac{1}{2}(a_n + jb_n) = C_n^*$$
- Power: $$\displaystyle \frac{1}{T} \int_{0}^{T} |f(t)|^2 dt = \sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} |C_n|^2 $$ (Parseval's theorem).
Common Waveforms
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Square wave (odd, 50% duty): $$\displaystyle b_n = \frac{4A}{n\pi} $$ for odd $n$, $$\displaystyle a_n=0 $$.
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Triangular wave (odd, even harmonics only): $$\displaystyle b_n = \frac{8A}{n^2\pi^2} $$ for odd $n$.
[!TIP]
Computation Strategy:
- Determine period $T$, fundamental $$\displaystyle \omega_0 $$.
- Check symmetry (even/odd/half-wave) to simplify integrals.
- For EFS, integrate over one period with complex exponential.
- For TFS of even/odd functions, use half-range expansions.
VII. Two-Port Networks
Parameters (All defined with input port 1, output port 2)
| Parameter | Equations | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Z-parameters (Impedance) | $$\displaystyle V_1 = Z_{11} I_1 + Z_{12} I_2 $$<br>$$\displaystyle V_2 = Z_{21} I_1 + Z_{22} I_2 $$ | Open-circuit at other port: $$\displaystyle Z_{11} = \left.\frac{V_1}{I_1}\right|_{I_2=0} $$ etc. |
| Y-parameters (Admittance) | $$\displaystyle I_1 = Y_{11} V_1 + Y_{12} V_2 $$<br>$$\displaystyle I_2 = Y_{21} V_1 + Y_{22} V_2 $$ | Short-circuit at other port: $$\displaystyle Y_{11} = \left.\frac{I_1}{V_1}\right|_{V_2=0} $$ etc. |
| h-parameters (Hybrid) | $$\displaystyle V_1 = h_{11} I_1 + h_{12} V_2 $$<br>$$\displaystyle I_2 = h_{21} I_1 + h_{22} V_2 $$ | $$\displaystyle h_{11} $$: input impedance with $$\displaystyle V_2=0 $$ (short output)<br>$$\displaystyle h_{12} $$: reverse voltage gain with $$\displaystyle I_1=0 $$ (open input)<br>$$\displaystyle h_{21} $$: forward current gain with $$\displaystyle V_2=0 $$<br>$$\displaystyle h_{22} $$: output admittance with $$\displaystyle I_1=0 $$ |
| ABCD-parameters (Transmission) | $$\displaystyle V_1 = A V_2 + B I_2 $$<br>$$\displaystyle I_1 = C V_2 + D I_2 $$ | Output variables on right. $A$ = open-circuit voltage ratio, $B$ = short-circuit impedance, etc. |
Interconversion (Key Relations)
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Y from Z: $$\displaystyle [Y] = [Z]^{-1} $$
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ABCD from Z:
$$A = \frac{Z_{11}}{Z_{21}}, \quad B = \frac{Z_{11}Z_{22} - Z_{12}Z_{21}}{Z_{21}}, \quad C = \frac{1}{Z_{21}}, \quad D = \frac{Z_{22}}{Z_{21}}$$
- h from Z:
$$h_{11} = \frac{Z_{11}}{Z_{21}}, \quad h_{12} = \frac{Z_{12}Z_{21} - Z_{11}Z_{22}}{Z_{21}}, \quad h_{21} = \frac{1}{Z_{21}}, \quad h_{22} = \frac{Z_{22}}{Z_{21}}$$
- General Approach: Write defining equations, solve for desired variables.
Cascade Connection
For two two-ports in cascade (output of 1 to input of 2), overall transmission matrix is product:
$$[T] = [T_1][T_2] = \begin{bmatrix} A_1 & B_1 \\ C_1 & D_1 \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix} A_2 & B_2 \\ C_2 & D_2 \end{bmatrix}$$
Proof: From cascade, $$\displaystyle V_{1} = A_1 V_{2}' + B_1 I_{2}' $$, $$\displaystyle I_{1} = C_1 V_{2}' + D_1 I_{2}' $$, and $$\displaystyle V_{2}' = A_2 V_2 + B_2 I_2 $$, $$\displaystyle I_{2}' = C_2 V_2 + D_2 I_2 $$. Substitute to get $$\displaystyle V_1, I_1 $$ in terms of $$\displaystyle V_2, I_2 $$.
Terminated Two-Port Network
- Input Impedance with load $$\displaystyle Z_L $$ on port 2:
$$Z_{in} = \frac{V_1}{I_1} = Z_{11} - \frac{Z_{12}Z_{21}}{Z_{22} + Z_L} \quad \text{(using Z-parameters)}$$
- Applications: Matching, amplifier design, filter analysis.
[!TIP]
Parameter Selection:
- Z/Y: Easy for series/parallel connections.
- h-parameters: Useful for transistor circuits (input impedance, current gain).
- ABCD: Ideal for cascade (transmission lines, amplifiers).
Always check conditions: For Z-parameters, port 2 open ($$\displaystyle I_2=0 $$); for h-parameters, $$\displaystyle V_2=0 $$ means short circuit at output.
VIII. Additional Topics
Mutual Inductance & Coefficient of Coupling
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Mutual Inductance $M$: Voltage induced in coil 2 due to current change in coil 1: $$\displaystyle v_2 = M \frac{di_1}{dt} $$.
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Coefficient of Coupling $k$:
$$k = \frac{M}{\sqrt{L_1 L_2}}, \quad 0 \leq k \leq 1$$
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Series Connection:
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Aiding: $$\displaystyle L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 + 2M $$
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Opposing: $$\displaystyle L_{eq} = L_1 + L_2 - 2M $$
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From measurements: If aiding gives $$\displaystyle L_a $$, opposing gives $$\displaystyle L_o $$, then:
$$L_1 + L_2 = \frac{L_a + L_o}{2}, \quad M = \frac{L_a - L_o}{4}$$
Controlled Sources (Dependent Sources)
| Type | Symbol | Controlling Variable | Output Variable |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCVS | $\alpha$ | Voltage | Voltage |
| VCCS | $g$ | Voltage | Current |
| CCVS | $r$ | Current | Voltage |
| CCCS | $\beta$ | Current | Current |
Dual Networks
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Duality Principle: Replace every element/quantity with its dual:
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Series ↔ Parallel
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Voltage ↔ Current
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Resistance ↔ Conductance
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Open circuit ↔ Short circuit
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KVL ↔ KCL
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Dual Network: Obtained by dual transformation; has same equation set with dual quantities.
Network Topology (Summary)
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Graph: Nodes/branches.
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Tree: Loopless connected subgraph covering all nodes.
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Fundamental Loops (Tie Sets): One link + tree branches.
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Fundamental Cuts: One twig + co-tree branches.
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Incidence Matrix: Node-branch incidence.
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Tie-set Matrix: Loop-branch incidence.
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Cut-set Matrix: Cut-branch incidence.
s-Domain Network Functions
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Driving-point impedance: $$\displaystyle Z(s) = \frac{V(s)}{I(s)} $$ (single port).
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Transfer function: $$\displaystyle H(s) = \frac{\text{output } V(s) \text{ or } I(s)}{\text{input } V(s) \text{ or } I(s)} $$.
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Properties: Rational function; poles determine stability; zeros determine frequency response.
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Realizability: Must be proper ($\deg N \leq \deg D$) for causal, stable networks.
[!TIP]
Controlled Sources: Always retain when killing independent sources for Thevenin/Norton.
Duality: To find dual, draw graph with meshes as nodes, branches dual to original branches.
s-domain: Initial conditions become sources in s-domain; always include them for complete solution.