Circuit Theory, also known as Network Theory, is one of the fundamental courses in electrical and electronics engineering that deals with the study of electric circuits, networks, circuit elements, electrical quantities, and the design and analysis of electric circuits. It is one of the most important subjects for students in electrical and electronics engineering. It plays a crucial role as a prerequisite for studying various advanced subjects like electrical machines, power electronics, power systems, analog electronics, communication systems, etc. This tutorial is designed for students as well as professionals who want to gain knowledge about electrical circuit design and analysis.
What is Circuit Theory?
Circuit theory is a core subject in electrical and electronics engineering that involves the study of synthesis and analysis of electrical circuits. It provides tools, laws, principles, theorems, and methods to determine the excitation and response of an electric circuit or component.
This subject enables engineers to predict and analyze the behavior of electric circuits under different conditions. Hence, it allows for improving circuit designs and developing more efficient systems.
Circuit Theory Syllabus
Circuit Theory or Network Theory covers a wide range of topics, from basic electrical quantities to advanced techniques of circuit analysis. The detailed syllabus for circuit theory is given in the following table –
S. No. |
Topic |
Unit 1 – Basics of Electric Circuits and Laws |
|
|
1. |
Electric Charge |
|
2. |
Electric Current |
|
3. |
Voltage |
|
4. |
Power and Energy |
|
5. |
Ohm’s Law |
|
6. |
Electrical Circuit Terminology |
|
7. |
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) |
|
8. |
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) |
|
9. |
Series Combination of Resistors |
|
10. |
Parallel Combination of Resistors |
|
11. |
Star Delta Transformation |
|
12. |
Voltage Division Rule |
|
13. |
Current Division Rule |
Unit 2 – Network Theorems and Analysis Methods |
|
|
14. |
Linearity Property |
|
15. |
Superposition Theorem |
|
16. |
Thevenin’s Theorem |
|
17. |
Norton’s Theorem |
|
18. |
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem |
|
19. |
Nodal Analysis |
|
20. |
Mesh Analysis |
Unit 3 – AC Circuit Fundamentals |
|
|
21. |
Sinusoids |
|
22. |
Phasors |
|
23. |
Impedance and Admittance |
|
24. |
Time Constant in RL Circuit |
|
25. |
Instantaneous Power |
|
26. |
Average Power in AC Circuits |
|
27. |
Apparent Power |
|
28. |
Active Power |
|
29. |
Reactive Power |
|
30. |
Complex Power |
|
31. |
Power Factor |
Unit 4 – Three Phase Circuits |
|
|
32. |
Three Phase Voltage |
|
33. |
Balanced Three Phase System |
|
34. |
Unbalanced Three Phase System |
Unit 5 – Resonance |
|
|
35. |
Series Resonance |
|
36. |
Parallel Resonance |
|
37. |
Quality Factor |
Unit 6 – Magnetically Coupled Circuits |
|
|
38. |
Self Inductance |
|
39. |
Mutual inductance |
Unit 7 – Two Port Networks |
|
|
40. |
Impedance Parameters of Two Port Network |
|
41. |
Admittance Parameters of Two Port Network |
|
42. |
Hybrid Parameters of Two Port Network |
|
43. |
Transmission Parameters of Two Port Network |
Who This Circuit Theory Tutorial is for?
This circuit theory tutorial is mainly designed for students of electrical and electronics engineering. However, this is also suitable for any of the following –
- University students of electrical engineering or electrical and electronics engineering or electronics and communication engineering.
- Anyone who is interested in knowing the fundamental concepts of electric circuits.
- Students preparing for technical examples like GATE/ESE/other competitive examinations.
Prerequisites to Learn Circuit Theory
This tutorial is written in a very simple language and organized manner, hence no prior knowledge of electric circuits or related concepts is required. However, a basic understanding of mathematics and physics is helpful for grasping the concepts covered in this tutorial.