C. K. Alexander & M. N. O. Sadiku, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, 7th ed., chapters on basic laws and methods of analysis.
Independent and dependent source models, source transformations, linearity and superposition.
DC-05
Course overview
Sources, superposition & linear network reasoning
Circuit sources are models with precise terminal laws, not generic objects that simply 'provide electricity'. This course separates ideal voltage and current sources, dependent sources, linearity, superposition and source transformations, then reconnects those tools to terminal-equivalent reasoning before Thévenin and Norton.
5 chapters5 available · 0 plannedfoundational
Prerequisites
- DC-04 — nodal & mesh analysis
By the end of the course
- Read an ideal source as an explicit terminal constraint.
- Analyze independent and dependent sources correctly.
- Derive and apply superposition only to appropriate linear quantities.
- Derive a source transformation from terminal equivalence.
- Solve multi-source networks with an explicit verification workflow.
- Reach Thévenin/Norton with source and linearity prerequisites already mastered.
Syllabus
Five readings from source models to superposition and terminal equivalence.
Circuit sources are models with precise terminal laws, not generic objects that simply 'provide electricity'. This course separates ideal voltage and current sources, dependent sources, linearity, superposition and source transformations, then reconnects those tools to terminal-equivalent reasoning before Thévenin and Norton.
- 01→
Independent ideal sources & source models
An ideal voltage source fixes voltage and lets current be determined by the network; an ideal current source fixes current and lets voltage be determined by the network. Learn the terminal laws, power signs, limiting cases and where the idealization breaks.
120–150 min · Foundational · available - 02→
Dependent & controlled sources
A dependent source remains an ideal source, but the value it imposes is controlled by another circuit voltage or current. Learn the four canonical types, gain units, sign conventions, analysis equations, power interpretation and why dependent sources remain active in superposition.
130–165 min · Foundational · available - 03→
Linearity & superposition
Superposition is not a source-switching trick: it follows from linear circuit equations. Define additivity and homogeneity, decompose a two-source network into source contributions, keep dependent sources active, and learn why voltage/current superpose but power does not.
130–165 min · Foundational · available - 04→
Source transformations & terminal equivalence
A voltage source in series with R and a current source in parallel with the same R can be exactly equivalent at a two-terminal port. Derive the shared port law, match open/short behavior, test a loaded example, and understand what terminal equivalence deliberately hides.
130–165 min · Foundational · available - 05→
Multi-source synthesis & bridge to Thévenin/Norton
Combine nodal analysis, superposition, source transformation and port resistance on one network. Derive its complete terminal law, reduce it to 5 V + 1 kΩ or 5 mA || 1 kΩ, verify a finite load, then identify precisely what the general Thévenin/Norton theorem adds.
140–175 min · Foundational synthesis · available
Reference backbone
References used
The course follows standard linear-circuit treatments for independent/dependent sources, source transformations and superposition, with practical source limitations cross-checked against electronics texts. AoN keeps the exact source constraint, sign convention and domain of validity visible.
J. W. Nilsson & S. A. Riedel, Electric Circuits, 11th ed., chapters on circuit variables, sources and circuit analysis.
Ideal source terminal laws, power signs, dependent sources and superposition.
A. Agarwal & J. H. Lang, Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits; MIT 6.002.
Lumped source models, constitutive relations, linear network reasoning and equation-based interpretation.
P. Horowitz & W. Hill, The Art of Electronics, 3rd ed.
Practical distinctions between ideal source models and real laboratory sources, including output limits and loading.
AoN DC-04 — Nodal & mesh analysis.
Prerequisite systematic analysis, supernodes, supermeshes and independent verification workflow.
AoN ADR-0018 — Electrical notation and sign conventions.
Normative voltage/current references and passive-sign power bookkeeping.