On the number of solutions of a class of nonlinear resistive circuits

The author deals with the number of solutions of equations of nonlinear resistive circuits composed of linear and nonlinear one-port resistors, linear active elements, and DC sources. By referring to the V-I characteristics of real diodes it is assumed that the second derivative as well as the first derivative of the V-I characteristics of nonlinear resistors are positive. The necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the equation to have a finite number (<or=2/sup n/) of solutions. The extension of this result is discussed.<<ETX>>