CHAPTER 1 - Propagation on Loss-free Lines I (The Infinite Loss-free Line)

Abstract

The use of electricity in communication or power requires that as much as possible of the electrical energy generated in a source is transferred to a load. The physical appearances of systems to affect this transfer differ according to the nature of the undertaking; there is a little in common between the high-voltage lines of a major power system and the coaxial cable between aerial and television set. Certain principles underlie the operation of both systems and such principles are to be established. The connection of a source to a load forms a complete circuit. This circuit affects the desired energy transference, but might also dissipate an appreciable amount of energy as heat and store energy in magnetic and electric fields. The circuit must be regarded as having resistance, inductance, and capacitance. It might be that by far the greater part of the energy dissipation or storage is localized, in which case the appropriate parameter can be regarded as concentrated and the familiar concept of a network of “lumped” parameters follows. This chapter discusses the problems that arise when a finite number of lumped elements no longer suffice to describe a process of electrical energy transference.