2. Lumped versus Distributed: A component must be considered as distributed when the physical dimensions of an element become significant with respect to the propagation time of a signal across the element A component can be considered as lumped when the physical dimensions of the component are of little significance. Assuming lumped components avoids partial differential equations and greatly simplifies analysis and is valid for most circuit elements over a wide frequency range Active versus Passive: An active component supplies energy by converting one form of energy to another (eg. battery, transducer or transistor) A passive component either only absorbs energy (eg. resistor, diode) or absorbs energy then later releases it (eg. capacitor or inductor)

10. Resistor: - linear, lumped, time invariant element of specific geometry and material composition to constitute a specified amount of ohmic resistance R = V / I Capacitor: - linear, lumped, time invariant element of specific geometry and material composition to constitute a specified amount of capacitance C = q / V

11. Inductor: - linear, lumped, time invariant element of specific geometry and material composition to constitute a specified amount of inductance L = L / I Diodes: - nonlinear, lumped, time invariant semi-conductor device with specific voltage current relationship

12. Circuit Parameters of Interest: - current and voltage - want as functions of time or frequency for various types of power sources (driving functions) Modes of Excitation (Driving Functions): - DC - direct voltage or current supplies - AC - value of applied voltage or current changes in some specified pattern (eg. sine or square wave excitation) - initial conditions (transient response only)