A simplified, monoparametric model, based on the Van der Pol nonlinear
RLC electric oscillator, is found capable of describing the shape and
related morphological properties (such as the Waldmeier effect) of th
e sunspot cycles. The model can also exhibit long periods of sunspot i
nactivity of the Maunder Minimum type. According to the model, the sig
nificant rise-to-fall time asymmetry of the most recent cycles suggest
s that it is unlikely that another cycle suppression will occur in the
forthcoming decades. The complete sunspot record and the system's att
ractor are successfully emulated, given the sunspot number at cycle ma
xima.