Concepts in Electric Circuits

This book covers fundamental aspects of electric circuits that form the core of many engineering disciplines. In particular, basic circuit elements and their characteristics are presented when connected in an electric network. In addition, techniques to analyse and solve electric circuits are explained in a simple manner and examples are shown to demonstrate each strategy. DC as well as AC circuit analysis is provided with a brief account of filters in the end. Difficult electric circuit concepts such as sinusoids and phasors are explicated in an effective way so that basic understanding can be properly achieved.

This book on the subject of electric circuits forms part of an interesting initiative taken by Ventus Publishing. The material presented throughout the book includes rudimentary learning concepts many of which are mandatory for various engineering disciplines including chemical and mechanical. Hence there is potentially a wide range of audience who could be benefitted.

It is important to bear in mind that this book should not be considered as a replacement of a textbook. It mainly covers fundamental principles on the subject of electric circuits and should provide a solid foundation for more advanced studies. I have tried to keep everything as simple as possible given the diverse background of students. Furthermore, mathematical analysis is kept to a minimum and only provided where necessary.

I would strongly advise the students and practitioners not to carry out any experimental verification of the theoretical contents presented herein without consulting other textbooks and user manuals. Lastly, I shall be pleased to receive any form of feedback from the readers to improve the quality of future revisions.

W. Naeem

Belfast

August, 2009

w.naeem@ee.qub.ac.uk

1 Introduction
1.1 Contents of the Book

2 Circuit Elements and Sources
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Current
2.3 Voltage or Potential Difference
2.4 Circuit Loads
2.5 Sign Convention
2.6 Passive Circuit Elements
2.6.1 Resistor
2.6.2 Capacitor
2.6.3 Inductor
2.7 DC Sources
2.7.1 DC Voltage Source
2.7.2 DC Current Source
2.8 Power
2.9 Energy

3 Circuit Theorems
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Definitions and Terminologies
3.3 Kirchoff’s Laws
3.3.1 Kirchoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
3.3.2 Kirchoff’s Current Law (KCL)
3.4 Electric Circuits Analysis
3.4.1 Mesh Analysis
3.4.2 Nodal Analysis
3.5 Superposition Theorem
3.6 Thévenin’s Theorem
3.7 Norton’s Theorem
3.8 Source Transformation
3.9 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
3.10 Additional Common Circuit Configurations
3.10.1 Supernode
3.10.2 Supermesh
3.11 Mesh and Nodal Analysis by Inspection
3.11.1 Mesh Analysis
3.11.2 Nodal Analysis

4 Sinusoids and Phasors
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Sinusoids
4.2.1 Other Sinusoidal Parameters
4.3 Voltage, Current Relationships for R, L and C
4.4 Impedance
4.5 Phasors
4.6 Phasor Analysis of AC Circuits
4.7 Power in AC Circuits
4.8 Power Factor
4.8.1 Power Factor Correction

5 Frequency Response
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Frequency Response
5.3 Filters
5.3.1 Low Pass Filter
5.3.2 High Pass Filter
5.3.3 Band Pass Filter
5.4 Bode Plots
5.4.1 Approximate Bode Plots

Appendix A: A Cramer’s Rule

Author's website
http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/ISAC/Profile/?name=w.naeem