Network Theory
This article handles network theory related to electronics. The term Network Theory is also used (probably in much higher quantities) for networks found in nature.
If we have a collection of multiple electrical components (such as resistors, transistors, power supplies etc.) that are connected, we speak about a network. The process of analyzing these networks is called Network Theory. Many different techniques and formula's exist to simplify and analyze these networks. In this article we consider linear components only. The most famous theories to solve circuits are Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's Circuit Laws.
How to analyze a circuit
One useful technique to solve circuits is to simplify the network by reducing the amount of components. For example, two resistors in series can be converted to one resistor with an equivalent resistance of the two resistors combined. Another method is to transform a voltage generator into a current generator.
A resistor circuit only contains sources of current or voltage and resistors. There is no capacitance or inductance, or active circuit elements.
Resistors in series
Resistors in series can be simplified by replacing them by one resistor with equivalent resistance Req= R1+R2+... + Rn. The current through each resistor is equal, but the voltage isn't.
If we have a collection of multiple electrical components (such as resistors, transistors, power supplies etc.) that are connected, we speak about a network. The process of analyzing these networks is called Network Theory. Many different techniques and formula's exist to simplify and analyze these networks. In this article we consider linear components only. The most famous theories to solve circuits are Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's Circuit Laws.
How to analyze a circuit
One useful technique to solve circuits is to simplify the network by reducing the amount of components. For example, two resistors in series can be converted to one resistor with an equivalent resistance of the two resistors combined. Another method is to transform a voltage generator into a current generator.
A resistor circuit only contains sources of current or voltage and resistors. There is no capacitance or inductance, or active circuit elements.
Resistors in series
Resistors in series can be simplified by replacing them by one resistor with equivalent resistance Req= R1+R2+... + Rn. The current through each resistor is equal, but the voltage isn't.
Resistors in parallel
Resistors in parallel have the same voltage potential, but not the same current. They can be simplified to one resistor with 1/Req = 1/R1+1/R2+... +1/Rn
Resources:
www.corrosion-doctors.org/Biographies/OhmBio.htm