Classification of Electric Circuits

Electric circuits are classified into three general circuit classifications:

1. Series
2. Parallel
3. Series-parallel

Circuit and Network Topology

The elements of an electric circuit may be interconnected in several ways. Accordingly we need to understand some basic concepts of network topology. Importantly, is to differentiate between a circuit and a network.

A network may be regarded as an interconnection of elements or devices, whereas a circuit is a network providing one or more closed paths.

In network topology, we study the properties relating to the placement of elements in the network and the geometric configuration of the network. Such elements include branches, nodes, and loops.

• A branch represents a single element such as a voltage source or a resistor.

• A node in an electrical circuit is a point at which two or more circuit elements are joined together. It is usually indicated by a dot in a circuit.

• A loop is any closed path in a circuit.

The circuit in Figure 7.3 has five branches and four nodes.

Figure 7.3 Circuit with branches, nodes, and loops.

A network with b branches, n nodes, and l independent loops will satisfy the following relationship of network topology:

(7.1)

A network that contains an active element, such as an independent voltage or current source, is called an active network. A network that does not contain active elements is a passive network.