A vector-space approach to the theory of linear n-port networks

The theory of linear (active and passive) networks is investigated from a vector-space viewpoint. It is shown that any linearn-port{ N}can be associated with a linear operatorRand characterized through the kernel or hyperkernel ofR. More precisely,{ N}may be associated with a whole class of linear operators. Some of the corresponding matrices (that will be called "canonical") allow a unified treatment for the usual matrix descriptions of n-ports. This also provides a new derivation of the rules for the change of external variables in the description of{ N}, as well as some results about the connectability of twon-port networks.