No matter how many times technology evolves, the laws governing resistors, capacitors and inductors remain rock-solid. First published in 1993, Noel M. Morris’s Electrical Circuit Analysis And Design has guided generations of undergraduates through everything from Ohm’s Law to Fourier series, combining clear derivations with abundant worked examples. More than three decades later, this classic still earns its keep on student and engineer bookshelves alike.
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Title | Electrical Circuit Analysis And Design |
| Author | Noel M. Morris |
| Publisher / Year | Macmillan Palgrave (Red Globe Press) / 1993 |
| Length | xv + 405 pages (illustrated) |
| Formats | Paperback; eBook via SpringerLink |
| ISBN | 0-333-55483-3 |
| Audience | Undergraduate EE students, technicians, self-learners |
Why Electrical Circuit Analysis And Design Still Matters
- Fundamentals never change. The laws of circuit analysis—KCL, KVL, Thévenin/Norton theorems—are as valid today as in 1993, and Morris lays them out with clarity that outlasts many fancier textbooks .
- Balanced theory & practice. Each derivation is immediately followed by multiple worked examples and unworked problems (with answers), reinforcing concepts through hands-on calculation.
- Broad topic coverage. From single-phase and polyphase networks to transient analysis, resonance and harmonics, Morris’s scope spans the core areas that every EE practitioner must master.
- Early embrace of simulation. A dedicated chapter shows how to port analytical solutions into computer routines—a seed that today blossoms into SPICE and MATLAB workflows.
Chapter Highlights
| Chapter(s) | Focus | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Elements and Laws | Basic circuit elements, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws | Translate physical circuits into solvable equations |
| 2. Circuit Analysis & Theorems | Nodal/mesh techniques, superposition, Thévenin/Norton | Solve complex networks methodically |
| 3. Energy Storage & Transients | Capacitor/inductor behaviour, first-order responses | Predict startup and shutdown waveforms |
| 4. Phasors & Steady-State Analysis | Sinusoidal sources, phasor diagrams, power calculations | Compute real/reactive power in AC networks |
| 5. Polyphase & Two-Port Networks | Three-phase connections, Z-parameters | Design balanced systems and model network blocks |
| 6. Transformers & Resonance | Ideal transformer models, series/parallel resonance | Size transformers and understand filter behaviour |
| 7. Harmonics & Fourier Analysis | Non-sinusoidal waveforms, spectral decomposition | Quantify distortion and design harmonic filters |
| 8. Computer Solutions | Basic algorithm structure for circuit solvers | Kick-start your own simulation code |
| 9. Advanced Tools | Complex frequency (s-plane), Bode plots, matrix methods | Bridge to control-systems and frequency-domain design |
Key Strengths
- Clarity of explanation. Morris avoids unnecessary jargon, making proofs accessible without sacrificing rigor.
- Rich problem sets. Hundreds of worked examples and end-of-chapter problems build confidence before tackling real-world designs.
- Logical progression. Topics flow naturally from DC networks through AC steady-state to advanced frequency-domain techniques.
- Cross-referenced figures. Illustrations appear exactly where they’re needed, reducing back-and-forth flipping.
Limitations
| Limitation | Impact | Work-around |
|---|---|---|
| Dated simulation focus | No SPICE/MATLAB screenshots | Adapt create-your-own routines using modern tools |
| No coverage of power electronics | Limited insight on switching circuits | Supplement with a dedicated SMPS design text |
| Print-only worked solutions | Unworked problems require manual checking | Use online solution forums or campus resources |
Who Should Read Electrical Circuit Analysis And Design
| Reader | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate EE students | Solidifies theory with ample practice problems |
| Self-taught learners | Step-by-step derivations suit portfolio study |
| Lab instructors | Proven exercise bank for assignments and exams |
| Technicians & hobbyists | Foundations for troubleshooting and DIY electronics |
How It Compares
| Feature | Morris (1993) | Nilsson & Riedel (2004) | Alexander & Sadiku (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | ~405 | 992 | 1 456 |
| Worked examples | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Simulation intro | Basic algorithms | PSpice/Multisim | MATLAB integration |
| Frequency-domain depth | Extensive | Moderate | Deep decoupling |
| Best for | Classic fundamentals | Academia-style courses | Advanced analytical methods |
FAQ
Is Electrical Circuit Analysis And Design suitable for beginners?
Yes—Morris assumes only high-school algebra and builds up to complex topics with clear, incremental steps.
Does the book include solutions?
Odd-numbered problems have answers; instructors’ manuals (where available) supply full solutions.
Where can I buy it?
Paperback copies appear on Amazon, eBay and AbeBooks (ISBN 9780333554838), often for US $15–35
Can I use it alongside modern SPICE?
Absolutely—apply the hand-derived algorithms to SPICE or MATLAB to verify and extend the examples.
