Mathematical Models

Engineering is a problem-solving activity.

  • Engineers use models; in electrical engineering theory they are called circuit elements, to represent devices that make up a circuit or system.

  • Modeling is the process of representing the behavior of a real system by a collection of mathematical equations and binary logic.

Let us now carefully define three major terminologies we encounter in our unit:

  1. Mathematical models
  2. Elements
  3. Electrical circuits

1. Mathematical models

  1. Are cause-effect structures that help us understand complex physical systems and the way they operate.

  2. Accept inputs and process them with their logic and equations to produce one or more responses called outputs.

  3. We must therefore analyze the relationships between the system variables to obtain the mathematical models.

  4. Also, we must differentiate between the physical systems and their mathematical models.

  5. Remember, mathematical models are an approximation!

  6. Take the example of a circuit element, such as a lamp. It may be represented by a model of its behavior described in terms of the terminal current through the lamp and voltage across the lamp.

Let’s now see how these elements are connected with each other to form an electric circuit.

Electric circuit is a closed loop consisting of various types of circuit elements connected by conductors.
Circuit analysis is the process of determining voltages across, or the current through the elements of the circuit.
               

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