A small signal model consists of a small signal (having zero average value, for example a sinusoid, but any AC signal could be used) superimposed on a bias signal (or superimposed on a DC constant signal) such that the sum of the small signal plus the bias signal gives the total signal which is exactly equal to the original (large) signal to be modeled. This resolution of a signal into two components allows the technique of superposition to be used to simplify further analysis. (If superposition applies in the context.)