Has anyone studying electrical eng. had the class Linear Circuits ?

In summary: Statics is all about figuring out how to make things stay still.In summary, linear circuits are easier to work with because they are linear systems. Nonlinear systems are more complicated to work with, and some calculations become impossible.
  • #1
land_of_ice
137
0
Has anyone studying electrical eng. had the class " Linear Circuits "?

what is this about, and why is it not called for example, something other than linear? in math , there is a lot of things that are not linear , so why do they call the class linear circuits?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2


Basically it deals with "linear systems", or systems that are bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO) stable. Non-linear systems are not discussed because it becomes much more involved, and most basic circuits exhibit linear characteristics.
 
  • #3


land_of_ice said:
what is this about, and why is it not called for example, something other than linear? in math , there is a lot of things that are not linear , so why do they call the class linear circuits?

Ah yes, linear. Here's the thing. If you can assume some system or circuit is linear, all sorts of calculations become easier. In some cases, calculation simply become possible (vs. impossible). Since engineers deal in the possible, this is important.

The reason comes from your high school algebra calls: distributed law applies with linear networks or systems. This means you can do algebraic transformations like: ab+ac = a(b+c). Or for an EE doing a KVL loop: Vcc - IR1 + IR2 = Vcc - I (R1+R2) = 0 . Another example is cascading amplifiers. If they are linear, you can say Asystem = A1 * A2 * A3 for all frequency components when you cascade them. If they are nonlinear, you can't say that. See IMD/THD below.

For example, matrix math instantly applies. You can do things like Thevenin/Norton reductions and general analog circuit analysis strictly if and only if things are linear.

The opposite is, of course, non-linear. This all gets back to polynomials and Taylor expansions. Being linear means you can truncate the Taylor expansion representation of a nonlinear system without too much error. In fact, audio equipment specs like IMD and THD are nothing more than measures of that truncation error.

You also get more complex math available like Fourier, Laplace and Z-transforms if things are linear. This is usually part of "Linear Systems" vs. "Linear Circuits" which is analog circuits. For example, in the IC industry, analog IC circuits == linear circuits.

So you can think of a large part of engineering school as figuring out how to keep things linear (and predictable) rather than nonlinear and less predictable.

It's not just EE that used linearity like this - 1st order statics in ME do the same thing for the same reasons.
 

1. What is Linear Circuits class in electrical engineering?

The Linear Circuits class is a fundamental course in electrical engineering that introduces students to the principles and analysis of electrical circuits. It covers topics such as Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, circuit components, and circuit analysis techniques.

2. Is Linear Circuits a difficult class?

Like any other class, the difficulty of Linear Circuits may vary from person to person. However, it is considered a challenging course due to its abstract nature and the amount of mathematical calculations involved. It requires a strong foundation in algebra and calculus, as well as critical thinking skills.

3. What are the prerequisites for taking Linear Circuits?

The prerequisites for Linear Circuits may vary depending on the institution. However, it typically requires a strong understanding of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Some schools may also have prerequisites for introductory courses in physics and basic electronics.

4. What can I expect to learn in Linear Circuits class?

In Linear Circuits, students will learn about the basic principles and laws governing electrical circuits. They will also learn how to analyze and solve circuits using different methods, such as node and mesh analysis. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience through lab experiments and projects.

5. What career opportunities are available for those who have taken Linear Circuits?

Linear Circuits is a fundamental course in electrical engineering and is essential for any career in the field. It is particularly useful for those interested in areas such as power systems, telecommunications, and electronic design. Graduates with a strong understanding of Linear Circuits are in high demand in industries such as energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
757
Replies
2
Views
668
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
903
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
17
Views
951
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
14
Views
3K
Back
Top