5

In this chapter, we present a comprehensive description of the use of piecewise-linear methods in modeling, analysis, and structural properties of nonlinear circuits. The main advantages of piecewise linear circuits are fourfold. (1) Piecewise-linear circuits are the easiest in the class of nonlinear circuits to analyze exactly, because many methods for linear circuits can still be used. (2) The piecewise-linear approximation is an adequate approximation for most applications. Moreover, certain op amp, operational transconductance amplifier, diode and switch circuits are essentially piecewise linear. (3) Quite a number of methods exist to analyze piecewise-linear circuits. (4) Last, but not least, piecewise-linear circuits exhibit most of the phenomena of nonlinear circuits while still being manageable. Hence, PWL circuits provide unique insight in nonlinear circuits.