3.8: Linearity
3.8 Linearity
A linear passive element is one in which there is a linear voltage-current relationship such as
Definition 3.1
A linear dependent source is a dependent voltage or current source whose output voltage or current is proportional only to the first power of some voltage or current variable in the circuit or a linear combination (the sum or difference of such variables). For example, v xy = 2v 1 ? 3i 2 is a linear relationship but p = vi = Ri 2 = v 2/ R and i = I Se v/ nV T are non-linear.
Definition 3.2
A linear circuit is a circuit which is composed entirely of independent sources, linear dependent sources and linear passive elements or a combination of these.