Circuit theory
The circuit theory (also theory of circuits ) is a branch of electrical engineering . It deals with the development of models (specifically: network models ) for describing electrical circuits .
In this modeling , physical components are abstracted and a transition is made to idealized network elements . In general (i.e. as a first approximation ) the following simplifications are made:
- Lines are assumed to be ideally conductive, i.e. free of resistance.
- All components are considered to be time-invariant, so their parameters do not change over time.
- Real components are approximated by ideal circuit elements:
- ohmic resistance → ideal electrical resistance
- Capacitor → capacitance
- Coil → inductance
- Voltage and current sources → ideal voltage or current source and internal resistance
A real existing circuit becomes an idealized network model, usually a graph (also called a network ) made up of two and four poles . Such a network model can then be analyzed using the methods of systems theory .