S.

Osowski, Circuits and Systems, Electronic book

Chapter 13
Two-port networks
13.1 Definition
In 2-port characterization of circuit we consider the networks as 4-terminal system with 2
'
input terminals forming input port (currents in both terminals the same I 1=I 1) and 2 output
'
terminals forming output port (the currents of both terminals must be the same I 2=I 2). The
general notation of 2-port is presented in Fig. 13.1

Fig. 13.1. General notation of 2-port with terminal currents and voltages

13.2 Descriptions of 2-port networks

Let us assume that the circuit forming inner part of 2-port is composed of only passive
elements and controlled source. The independent sources can be only applied at the external

ports. Let us denote the port variables by I 1, I 2, U 1, . Depending on the choice of pairs of
variables we can create few description form
 Admittance description, describing change of port currents (I1, I2) as a function of port
voltages (U1, U2)
 Impedance description expressing the port voltages (U1, U2) as a function of port
currents (I1, I2)
 Hybrid description as a function of tZ
 he pair (U1, I2) versus the pair (I1, U2)
 Hybrid description as a function of the pair (I1, U2) versus the pair (U1, I2)
 Chain description in which we express the pair of variables of primary port (U1, I1) as
a function of the pair of variables of the secondary port (U2, I2) .
 Inverse chain description in which we express the pair of variables of secondary port
(U2, I2) as a function of the pair of variables of the primary port (U1, I1)

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Admittance description
Admittance description is defined in the following form
I1 Y Y 12 U 1 U
[][
I2
= 11
][ ] [ ]
Y 21 Y 22 U 2
=Y 1
U2
(13.1)

Matrix Y is called admittance matrix and is the function of all parameters of circuit
expressed in s-domain.

Impedance description
Impedance description is defined as follows
U1 Z Z 12 I 1 I
[ ][
U2
= 11
Z 21 Z 22 I 2][ ] [ ]
=Z 1
I2
(13.2)

Matrix Z is called impedance matrix and is the function of all parameters of circuit expressed
in s-domain. It is evident that both matrices are fulfill the inverse relation
Y =Z −1 (13.3)

Hybrid description
Hybrid description of 2-port is defined in the following form
U1 H H 12 I 1 I
[ ][
I2
= 11
H 21 H 22 U 2 ][ ] [ ]
=H 1
U2
(13.4)

in which H is called hybrid matrix. It is evident that parameter H11 represents impedance and
H22 admittance..

Inverse hybrid description

Inverse hybrid description of 2-port is defined as follows
I1 G G12 U 1 U
[ ][= 11
U 2 G21 G22 I 2 ][ ] [ ]
=G 1
I2
(13.5)

Matrix G is the inverse of H, i.e., they are associated by the relation G= H − 1.

Chain description

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Chain description of 2-port is assumed in the form

U1 A A 12 U 2 U
[ ][
I1
= 11
A 21 ][ ] [ ]
A 22 − I 2
=A 2
− I2
(13.6)

In this description the current I2 is taken with minus sign, which corresponds to current going
out of the box (as shown in symbol of 2-port).

Inverse chain description

Inverse chain description changes the role of output and input ports and is defined as follows

(13.7)
This is description used rarely in practice.

Exercise 13.1
Find chain and impedance matrix description of the circuit structure forming 2-port of T-type
(Fig. 13.2).

Fig. 13.2. T-type 2-port structure

Solution
From Kirchhoff’s laws we get
I 1=I − I 2=YU 2 + ( 1+Z 2 Y )( − I 2 )
U 1=U 2 +Z 1 I 1 − Z 2 I 2
Hence
U 1=( 1+ Z 1 Y ) U 2 + ( Z 1 +Z 2 +Z 1 Z 2 Y )( − I 2 )
Rearranging the variables we get chain description in the form
U 1 1+ Z 1 Y Z 1 +Z 2 +Z 1 Z 2 Y U 2
[ ][
I1
=
Y 1+ Z 2 Y ][ ]
−I2

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Thus chain matrix A is of the form

1+Z 1 Y Z 1 + Z 2 +Z 1 Z 2 Y
A=
[ Y 1+Z 2 Y ]
Rearranging the equations to have voltages on left and currents on the right side we obtain the
impedance description as follows
U1 Z +Z 1 Z I1
[ ][
U2
=
Z Z+ Z 2 I 2 ][ ]
The impedance matrix Z is then equal
Z+ Z 1 Z
Z=
[ Z Z+ Z 2 ]
This is symmetric matrix.

13.3 Transfer functions and 2-port descriptions

Two-port description is the universal way to characterize circuit from input-output point of
view. Assuming one of the output variables (current or voltage) zero, we can easily define
transfer function in relation to 2-port parameters.

Voltage transfer function

Voltage transfer function is defined as the ratio of output to input voltage, assuming I 2 ( s )=0
U 2(s )
T u ( s )= (13.8)
U 1(s )
From the chain description assuming I 2 ( s ) =0 we get U 1 ( s ) = A 11 U 2 ( s ) , from which we obtain
immediately
U 2(s ) 1
T u ( s )= = (13.9)
U 1 ( s ) A 11
Only one (out of four) parameter of chain description defines the voltage transfer function.
Similarly we can obtain voltage transfer function on the basis of other 2-port descriptions, for
example from admittance one. Once again, assuming I 2=0 we get
I 2=Y 21 U 1 +Y 22 U 2=0 (13.10)
Hence

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U 2(s ) Y
T u ( s )= =− 21 (13.11)
U 1(s ) Y 22
Input impedance
Let us assume 2-port described by the chain matrix, loaded by the impedance Z o (admittance
Yo=1/ Zo ). From this description it follows
U 1 ( s ) = A 11 U 2 ( s ) + A 12 ( − I 2 ( s ) )= A 11 U 2 ( s ) + A 12 Y o U 2 ( s )
(13.12)
I 1 ( s ) = A 21 U 2 ( s ) + A 22 ( − I 2 ( s ) ) = A 21 U 2 ( s ) + A 22 Y o U 2 ( s )
On the basis of these equations we get
U 1 ( s ) A 11 + A 12 Y o
Z we ( s ) = = (13.13)
I 1 ( s ) A 21 + A 22 Y o
As we see the input impedance depends on all chain parameters. The simplifications appear
only in special cases
 no load (Yo=0)
A 11
Z we ( s ) = (13.14)
A 21
 short circuit of the output terminals (Y o =∞)
A 12
Z we ( s ) = (13.15)
A 22
Exercise 13.2
Find dependence of voltage transfer function and input impedance for the circuit considered
in Exercise 13.1

Solution
The chain matrix of the circuit is presented in the form
1+Z 1 Y Z 1 + Z 2 +Z 1 Z 2 Y
A=
[ Y 1+Z 2 Y ]
Hence the voltage transfer function is as follows
U 2(s ) 1 1 Z
T u ( s )= = = =
U 1 ( s ) A 11 1+ Z 1 Y Z +Z 1
On the basis of eq. (13.16) we get
U 1 ( s ) A 11 + A 12 Y o ( 1+ Z 1 Y ) + ( Z 1 +Z 2 +Z 1 Z 2 Y ) Y o
Z we ( s ) = = =
I 1 ( s ) A 21 + A 22 Y o Y + ( 1+Z 2 Y ) Y o

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13.4 Connections of 2-ports

Two-ports might be connected in different fashions.
Chain connection
In this connection the output port of the first network is directly connected to the input port of
the second one, as shown in Fig. 13.3.

Fig. 13.3. Chain connection of 2-ports

It is easy to show, that equivalent chain matrix is the product of chain matrices of both 2-ports
A= A 1 A 2 (13.16)
In the case of many 2-ports connected in cascade we have
A= A 1 A 2 ⋅ ⋅ A n (13.17)
Remember, the order of multiplication of chain matrices is important, since in general
A 1 A 2 ≠ A 2 A 1.

Series connection
It is a generalization of series connection of 1-ports (impedances). Series connection of 2 two-
port networks is presented in Fig.13.4.

Fig. 13.4. Series connection of 2-ports

In this case the equivalent impedance matrix is the sum of impedance matrices of both 2-ports
Z= Z 1 +Z 2 (13.18)

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In the case of many 2-ports connected in series we have

n
Z=∑ Z i (13.19)
i=1

Parallel connection of 2-ports

The structure of parallel connection of 2 two-ports is shown in Fig. 13.5.

Fig. 13.5. Parallel connection of 2-ports

In this case the equivalent admittance matrix is the sum of admittance matrices of both 2-ports
Y =Y 1+Y 2 (13.20)
At many 2-ports taking part in parallel connection we have
n
Y =∑ Y i (13.21)
i=1

Series-parallel connection
Fig. 13.6 presents the structure of series connection of input ports and parallel connection on
output ports.

Fig. 13.6. Series-parallel connection of 2-ports

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In this connection the hybrid H matrix is the sum of hybrid matrices of both networks. Hence

H = H 1+ H 2 (13.22)
In the case of many networks taking part in such connection the equivalent hybrid matrix is
the sum of all hybrid matrices
n
H =∑ H i (13.23)
i=1

Parallel-series connection
Fig. 13.7 presents the structure of 2-ports connected in parallel on the input side and in series
on the output side.

Fig. 13.7. Parallel-series connection of 2-ports

The inverse hybrid matrix G is now the sum of the individual matrices G1 and G2
G=G 1 +G 2 (13.24)
In the case of many such 2-ports we have.
n
G=∑ Gi (13.25)
i=1

13.5 Definitions of special 2-port networks

There are some specially defined 2-port networks which have found practical applications.
Here we will limit our considerations to few of them: gyrator, negative impedance converter
and ideal operational amplifier.

Gyrator
Gyrator is the 2-port described by the following chain description

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U1 0 Rz U 2
[ ][
I1
=
Gz 0 − I2 ][ ] (13.26)

Parameter G z is the conductance of gyration and R z=1/G z its resistance. The symbols used for
of this device are presented in Fig. 13.8.

Fig. 13.8. Symbols of gyrator

The admittance description of gyrator is given by
I1 0 Gz U 1
[][
I2
=
−G z 0 U 2 ][ ] (13.27)

Let us consider gyrator loaded by impedance Z0 (Fig. 13.9).

Fig. 13.9. Gyrator loaded by impedance Z0

U1
The input impedance Z we= of such connection (after taking into account A 11 =0 , A 12 =R z,
I1
A 12 =G z, A 22 =0 ) is equal
2
A 11 + A 12 Y o R z
Z we= = (13.28)
A 21 + A 22 Y o Z o
It means that input impedance is inversely proportional to Z 0. Therefore, loading gyrator by
capacitor C (Zo = 1/sC) we get the impedance ZL=sL characterizing inductor of the
impedance
2
Z we=sR z C (13.29)
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Hence the inductance L is defined now as

L=R 2z C (13.30)
This transformation is presented graphically in Fig. 13.10.

Fig. 13.10. Gyrator implementation of inductor

Negative impedance converter (NIC)

Negative impedance converter may be defined in two ways
 NIC with conversion of current (INIC)

(13.31)
 NIC with conversion of voltage (VNIC)

(13.32)
Negative impedance converter changes the load impedance Z0 to negative sign.
Fig. 13.4 presents such situation for INIC.

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Fig. 13.11. Negative converter loaded by impedance Z0

Taking into account INIC description U o=Z o ( − I 2 )=U 2 the input impedance of this
connection is in the form
U1 U2 Zo
Z we= = =− (13.33)
I 1 − K i (− I2 ) Ki

Such circuit structure can be used in practice to reduce the resistance of the circuit by
including negative value implemented by NIC. However, we should be aware that
independent negative resistance or impedance has no sense, since such circuit is not stable.

Ideal voltage amplifier as 2-port

Ideal voltage amplifier of finite gain is described by the matrix equation
I1 U1
= 0 0
[ ] [ ][ ]
U2 A 0 I2
(13.34)

Such device represents the amplification of the input voltage with gain A, infinite impulse
impedance and zero output impedance
U 2=AU 1 (13.35)
The general notation of voltage amplifier is presented in Fig. 13.12.

Fig. 13.12. Notation of voltage amplifier of finite gain A

The input impedance is assumed infinite (I1=0) and output impedance (in ideal case) is zero.

Ideal operational amplifier

Ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) is a special case of voltage amplifier having two input
terminals as presented in Fig. 13.13.

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Fig. 13.13. General symbol of op-amp

Ideal op-amp has infinite input impedance (zero input current), zero output impedance
(voltage on the output terminal independent on the load) and infinite gain A. Assuming
+− U −
U 1=U , we get the output voltage described by
U 2=AU 1 (13.36)
Fig. 13.14 presents model of ideal op-amp as a voltage controlled voltage source (VCVS).

Fig. 13.14. Model of ideal op-amp as VCVS

In real life op-amp represents finite gain dependent on frequency (from very high values at
DC to very small values at very high frequency), finite value of input impedance (from MΩ to
GΩ) and finite output impedance (in the range of 70-100Ω).

13.6 Solved problems

Problem 13.1
Find admittance description of 2-port of Π -type presented in Fig. 13.15.

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Fig. 13.15. Structure of Π -type 2-port network

Solution
From Kirchhoff’s laws we get
I 1 =Y 1 U 1 + I 3
I 2 =Y 2 U 2 − I 3
I 3=Y 3 ( U 1 − U 2 )

The equations describing this 2-port are arranged in the form

I 1 =( Y 1 +Y 3 ) U 1 −Y 3 U 2
I 2=− Y 3 U 1 + ( Y 2 +Y 3 ) U 2

and hence admittance matrix Y is of the form

Y 1 +Y 3 −Y 3
Y=
[ − Y 3 Y 2 +Y 3 ]
Problem 13.2
Find chain description of the circuit presented in Fig. 13.16. determine the voltage transfer
function

Fig. 13.16. Structure of 2-port network

Solution

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From Kirchhoff’s law we have

U2
(
U 1=Z 1 I 1 +U 2 =Z 1 kI2 − I 2 +
Z2 )
+U 2

U2
I 1=kI2 − I 2 +
Z2
Hence, the impedance description is of the form
Z1
U1
[ ]
I1
=
[ 1+

1
Z2

Z2
Z 1 − kZ1

1 −k

Voltage transfer function is then equal

][ ]
U2
− I2

1 Z2
T u ( s )= =
A 11 Z 1 + Z 2

Problem 13.3
Determine voltage transfer function of the system described by the impedance description
based on matrix Z.

Solution
Voltage transfer function definition requires I 2=0. From impedance description we have
U1 Z Z 12 I 1 I
[ ][
U2
= 11
Z 21 Z 22 I 2
=Z 1
I2 ][ ] [ ]
Taking into account I 2=0 we get
U 1=Z 11 I 1
U 2=Z 21 I 1
Hence
U 2 Z 21
T u ( s )= =
U 1 Z 11

Problem 13.4
Calculate input impedance seen from input terminals of the circuit presented in Fig. 13.17.

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Fig. 13.17. Circuit structure in problem 13.4

Solution
Gyrator loaded by capacitor represents inductance L, where L=R 2z C . Therefore, this
simplified circuit is presented in Fig. 13.18.

Fig. 13.18. Simplified equivalent circuit structure

This is parallel connection of resistor R and inductor L. Hence

2
R ⋅ sL sR z RC
Z we= =
R+sL sR 2z C + R

Problem 13.5
Calculate chain matrix of the circuit presented in Fig. 13.19.

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Fig. 13.19. Circuit structure in problem 13.5

Solution
This structure can be presented as cascade connection of three 2-ports as indicated in Fig. 3.19
with the following chain matrix description of gyrators
0 Rz
A1 = A3 =
[ Gz 0 ]
The next 2-port is created by the capacitor C of the chain description

A2= [sC1 01 ]
The equivalent chain matrix is defined in the form

2
0 Rz 1 0 0 Rz 1 sCR z
A= A 1 A 2 A 3 =
[ ][ ][
Gz 0 sC 1 G z 1
=
0 1][ ]
It is easy to show, that such connection represents the floating inductor L of the inductance
2
L=CR z (see Fig. 13.20).

Fig. 13.20. The circuit structure equivalent to circuit from Fig. 13.19

13.7 Test problems

Test 13.1
Describe the circuit (Fig. 13.21) by admittance matrix

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Fig. 13.21. Circuit structure in test 13.1

Hint: Apply KCL for both ports.

Answer:

Test 13.2
Find chain matrix description of 2-port from Fig, 13.22

Fig. 13.22. Circuit structure in test 13.1

Hint: Split the circuit into three 2-ports: capacitor, transformer and resistor. Describe each of
them by chain matrix and apply A=A1A2A3

Answer

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Test 13.3
Find admittance matrix description of 2-port network shown in Fig, 13.23

Fig. 13.23. Circuit structure in test 13.3

Hint: Split the circuit into two 2-ports: T-type made from 3 capacitors and gyrator. Describe
each ot them by admittance matrix and apply the rule Y= Y1+ Y2

Answer

where Z1=1/sC1, Z2=1/sC2, Z3=1/sC3.

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