This letter presents a method to approximate a symbolic network function of
any order to a second-order one. The method is based on the symbolic calcu
lation of the displacement of the main roots of a polynomial due to the var
iations of a given parameter, assuming the ideal circuit (polynomial) of or
der two. Different levels of approximation are possible to tune the desired
accuracy. An example is included to illustrate the efficiency of the metho
d. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.