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Module 3 (Cont.) : Analysis of Resistive Circuits

This document discusses two methods for analyzing resistive circuits: node voltage analysis and mesh current analysis. It provides the systematic analysis steps for each method and compares the two approaches. For a circuit with only current sources, mesh current analysis is usually easier because it requires solving fewer simultaneous equations. An example circuit is analyzed using both methods to demonstrate how mesh current analysis requires less work. The document concludes by noting that experience can also help solve circuits without using the defined methods.

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Mat Morash
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30 views

Module 3 (Cont.) : Analysis of Resistive Circuits

This document discusses two methods for analyzing resistive circuits: node voltage analysis and mesh current analysis. It provides the systematic analysis steps for each method and compares the two approaches. For a circuit with only current sources, mesh current analysis is usually easier because it requires solving fewer simultaneous equations. An example circuit is analyzed using both methods to demonstrate how mesh current analysis requires less work. The document concludes by noting that experience can also help solve circuits without using the defined methods.

Uploaded by

Mat Morash
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 3 (Cont.

Analysis of Resistive Circuits


Our plan in this module
1 2
Node Voltage Analysis Mesh Current Analysis
Method Method

Systematic Analysis Steps Systematic Analysis Steps


for circuits for circuits

Independent Independent
Current Voltage
SourcesIndependent Independent
Sources
Current Current
+ +
Independent Voltage
Voltage Sources
Dependent Dependent
Sources
Current Current
+ +
Examples Voltage Voltage
Examples Sources
Sources
Comparison between the two methods
3 Which method would it be easier if we are given some circuit
3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

This issue comes down to the question of

Which method would require fewer number of simultaneous


equations to be solved?

For a circuit with only voltage sources, For a circuit with only current sources,
it is usually easier to use it is usually easier to use
Node Voltage Analysis Mesh Current Analysis
3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Consider this circuit as an example, and assume that you are required to
compute va

Trying the Mesh Current Analysis for this method is wise because it
contains current sources only.
3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Mesh Current Analysis

We first assign mesh currents


Mesh current analysis Method for Circuits with
independent Voltage+Current Sources
Step 1 Divide the circuit into meshes

Step 2 Associate with each mesh a special current called the mesh current

Step 3 Does the circuit contain a current source common between two meshes?
Yes
Step 4 No
Form a supermesh

Step 5 Write the mesh current for those meshes containing current sources
with an independent/dependent current sources that is NOT common.
Apply KVL at each Mesh (including the superemesh) except those
Step 6 Meshes with a current source
Add one more equation for the supermesh if the circuit contains one

Solve the equations resulting from each mesh.


Step 7
This will give you mesh currents

Step 8 From the currents obtained, find the voltages


3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Mesh Current Analysis Step (5/8)

Only one unknown.


Therefore we need to solve one equation
Mesh current analysis Method for Circuits with
independent Voltage+Current Sources
Step 1 Divide the circuit into meshes

Step 2 Associate with each mesh a special current called the mesh current

Step 3 Does the circuit contain a current source common between two meshes?
Yes
Step 4 No
Form a supermesh

Step 5 Write the mesh current for those meshes containing current sources
with an independent/dependent current sources that is NOT common.
Apply KVL at each Mesh (including the superemesh) except those
Step 6 Meshes with a current source
Add one more equation for the supermesh if the circuit contains one
Solve the equations resulting from each mesh.
Step 7
This will give you mesh currents

Step 8 From the currents obtained, find the voltages


3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Mesh Current Analysis Step (6/8)


Here, in this step we write elements currents in terms of mesh currents,
and then apply KVL
3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Mesh Current Analysis Step (6/8)


We apply KVL only the mesh which do not have the current source because this
is the mesh with the unknown mesh current.

KVL on mesh 2 gives us

Substitute for the known mesh currents and solve for i2


3 Comparison between the two methods
Which method would it be easier to use if we are given some circuit

Trying this problem using Node Voltage Analysis would require that we
first assign reference node and then consider the other node voltages
as unknowns and try to find them by solving a number of equations
equal to the number of unknowns.

For this particular problem, we end up with


7 unknowns, thus requiring us to solve 7
simultaneous equations that are obtained from applying KCL
at each node. CUMBERSOME
Final Notes on Module 3
The methods described in this module can be used as a systematic
approach to solve complex problems. However, it should be noted that many
problems may be solved directly through experience even though the
connections of resistors may not allow for simplification using parallel or
series resistors configurations. For example, the circuit shown here,(P3.3-4 in
the book)

We can find the currents in all of the resistors without having to go through
Mesh or Node methods
Final Notes on Module 3

Note that the order of animation, reflects the sequence of computing the
currents
Final Notes on Module 3
In solving the problems in the book, we always see these diagrams

.
Voltmeter Ammeter

These are symbols for equipments used to measure Voltages and Currents
Final Notes on Module 3
Assume that we are supposed to measure the voltage across resistor R2
This is a typical voltage divider and the voltage across R2 will be

In this case connecting the voltmeter would register the reading of 15 V

1 5 . 0
Voltmeter
Final Notes on Module 3
Now assume that we need to measure the current. Therefore we use the
Ammeter and connect as shown below

3 . 0
Ammeter

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