Electrical model

Article By:

Fox, Robert M. Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Lopresti, Philip V. Formerly, Engineering Research Center, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Princeton, New Jersey.

Last reviewed:January 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.219050

A mathematical description or electrical equivalent circuit that represents the behavior of a device or system. Models for complex systems are often represented by networks of models for simpler electrical devices such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and transformers. By using analogies between current or voltage and other physical parameters, equivalent circuits can also be used to analyze thermal, mechanical, magnetic, and acoustic systems. A recurring issue in development and in application of models is the use of simplifying assumptions to allow a compromise between accuracy and complexity. A hierarchy of models often exists, ranging from highly accurate but complex physics-based nonlinear time-domain computer models to linear equivalent-circuit models suitable for hand calculation. The best model for a particular application is the simplest one that predicts the relevant behavior with acceptable accuracy. See also: Equivalent circuit; Network theory

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