A resurgence of interest in network synthesis in the last decade, motivated in part by the introduction of the inerter, has led to the need for a better understanding of the most economical way to realize a given passive impedance. This monograph outlines the main contributions to the field of passive network synthesis and presents new research into the enumerative approach and the classification of networks of restricted complexity. Passive Network Synthesis: An Approach to Classification serves as both an ideal introduction to the topic and a definitive treatment of the Ladenheim catalogue. In particular, the authors provide a new analysis and classification of the Ladenheim catalogue, building on recent work, to obtain an improved understanding of the structure and realization power of the class within the biquadratic positive-real functions.

This book is intended for researchers in systems and control, real algebraic geometry, electrical and mechanical networks, and dynamics and vibration.