The rotator—A new network component

Abstract

This paper presents a new linear, reciprocal, active two-port network element called a rotator, of which there are three types: an R- rotator, an L-rotator, and a C-rotator. They have the unique property that whenever a nonlinear resistor, inductor, or capacitor is connected to one port of an R-, L-, or C-rotator, respectively, the resulting two-terminal network behaves as a new resistor, inductor, or capacitor whose characteristic curve is that of the original resistor, inductor, or capacitor, rotated by a prescribed angle about the origin. The rotator is realizable by either a π-network or a T-network of linear resistances, inductances, or capacitances. It can also be realized by a balanced lattice network of linear elements. Operational laboratory models are reported, and experimental data agree remarkably well with theoretical predictions. The sensitivity, power rating, and stability performances of rotators are considered in detail in this paper, and practical stability criteria are given. They are shown to be indispensable building blocks for realizing multivalued elements, and some potential applications are described.