Formula Sheet: Network Basics

 Page 1


 
 
  
Design Against Static Load 
 
1 
BASIC CONCEPTS 
OF NETWORKS 
1.1 Introduction 
Network theory is the study of solving the problems of electric circuits or electric networks.  
An electric circuit contains a closed path for providing a flow of electrons from a voltage source or current source. 
The elements present in an electric circuit will be in series connection, parallel connection, or in any combination 
of series and parallel connections and an electric network need not contain a closed path for providing a flow of 
electrons from a voltage source or current source. Hence, we can conclude that “all electric circuits are electric 
networks” but the converse need not be true. 
1.1.1. Types of Network Elements 
Different types of network elements are 
1. Linear Elements and Non-linear Elements.  
2. Bilateral Elements and Unilateral Elements. 
3. Active Elements and Passive Elements. 
4. Time Invariant and Time Variant Elements.  
5. Lumped and Distributed Elements.  
1.  Linear Elements  
  Characteristics of linear elements always passes through the origin in the form of straight line. 
 
  Linear 
Example of linear elements: 
 
All basic electrical elements are linear (R, L, C).