AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-BANGLADESH

Faculty of Engineering

Lab Report
Experiment # 04
Experiment Title: Study of Superposition Theorem.
13
Date of Perform: 06 March 2023 Date of Submission:
March 2024
Course Title: Introduction to Electrical Circuits Lab

Course Code: EEE2109 Section:

Semester: Spring 2023-24 Degree Program: BSc in CSE
Course Teacher:
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 Table of Contents

Experiment Title 3
Objectives 3
Introduction 3
Theory and Methodology 3
Equipment List 4
Experimental Procedure and Calculation 7
Result and Calculation 9
Discussion & Conclusion 9
Answers to the Questions 10
References 10

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Experiment Title: Study of Superposition Theorem.

Objectives:

The objectives of this experiment are to

 Investigate the application of the superposition theorem to multiple DC source circuits in terms of
both voltage and current measurements.
 Verify the superposition theorem for a DC circuit having multiple DC sources.
 Examine the power measurement.
 Compare the measured, simulated, and computed values.

Introduction:

The superposition theorem states that in a linear bilateral multi-source DC circuit, the current through or
voltage across any element may be determined by considering the contribution of each source
independently, with the remaining sources replaced with their internal resistance. The contributions are then
summed, paying attention to polarities, to find the total value. Superposition cannot in general be applied to
non-linear circuits or to non-linear functions such as power.

Theory and Methodology:

The principle of superposition is applicable only to linear systems. The concept of superposition can be
explained mathematically by the following response and excitation principle:
𝑖1 → 𝑣1
𝑖2 → 𝑣2
𝑖1 +𝑖2 → 𝑣1 +𝑣2
Then, the quantity to the left of the arrow indicates the excitation, and to the right, the system response. Thus,
we can state that a device, if excited by a current i1 will produce a response v1. Similarly, an excitation i2 will
cause a response v2. Then if we use an excitation i1 + i2, we will produce a response v1 + v2. Here, the linear
relationship means all the variables have unity power and they are directly proportional to each other, i.e., 𝑖 𝖺 𝑣.

The principle of superposition can reduce a complicated problem to several easier problems each containing
only a single independent source.

The superposition theorem states that,

In any linear circuit containing multiple independent sources, the current or voltage at any point in the network
may be calculated as an algebraic sum of the individual contributions of each source acting alone.

When determining the contribution due to a particular independent source, we disable all the remaining
independent sources. That is, all the remaining voltage sources are made zero by replacing them with short
circuits, and all remaining current sources are made zero by replacing them with open circuits. Also, it is
important to note that if a dependent source is present; it must remain active (unaltered) during the process of
superposition.

Action Plan:
 In a circuit comprising of many independent sources, only one source is allowed to be active in the
circuit, the rest are deactivated (turned off).
 To deactivate a voltage source, replace it with a short circuit, and to deactivate a current source, replace
it with an open circuit.

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 The response obtained by applying each source, one at a time, is then added algebraically to obtain the
overall response.

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 Limitations: Superposition is a fundamental property of linear equations and, therefore, can be applied to any
effect that is linearly related to the cause. That is, we want to point out that the superposition principle applies
only to the current and voltage in a linear circuit, but it cannot be used to determine power because power is a
non-linear function with the input signal, such as voltage or current.

Equipment List:
1. Trainer Board
2. Voltmeter
3. Ammeter
4. Multimeter
5. DC source
6. Resistors
7. Connecting wires

Experimental Procedure and Calculation:

 Connected the circuit as shown in Figure 3.
 Removed the supply voltage E2 by a short circuit.
 Measured the node voltage VA.Noted the polarity.
 Reconnected the supply voltage E2.
 Removed supply voltage E1 by a short circuit.
 Measured the node voltage VA.Noted the polarity.
 Reconnected the supply voltage E1.
 Measured node voltage VA.Noted the polarity.
 Completed Table 1 with the necessary data.
 Checked the deviation between experimental and theoretical values. Used the following formula for
the computation of the percentage of deviations:
𝑉𝐴𝑡−𝑉𝐴𝑒
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. experimental), 𝜀𝑡𝑒 = × 100%
𝑉𝐴𝑡

Figure 3: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC voltage sources.

Table 1 Data for studying the superposition theorem using Figure 3 through voltage measurement.

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 Values of Voltage Sources: E1 = 10V, E2 = 15 V

Deviation
Source VAt Theory VAe Experimental
E1 active only 4.62V 4.60V -0.002%
E2 active only 4.80V 6.80V 0.0002%
Both E1 & E2 active 9.42 9.4V 0.0002%

1. Now, connect the circuit as shown in Figure 4.

2. Repeat procedure steps 2 to 9 of the previous experiment but measure the current, IR4 and the
power, PR4 across the resistor, R4. Be sure to note the direction of current flow through the resistor,
R4.
3. Complete Tables 2 and 3 with the necessary data.
4. Check the deviation between experimental, simulation, and theoretical values. Use the
following formula for the computation of the percentage of deviations:
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. experimental), 𝜀𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑅4𝑡−𝐼𝑅4𝑒
= 𝐼𝑅4𝑡 × 100%
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. simulation), 𝜀𝑡𝑠
5. Does power calculation maintain the superposition theorem? Explain your observation on Table 3.

Figure 4: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC voltage sources.

Table 2 Data for studying the superposition theorem using Figure 4 through current measurement.

Values of Voltage Sources: E1 = 10 V, E2 = 20 V

Deviation
Source IR4t Theory IR4e Experimental 𝗌
𝒕𝒆

E1 active only 0.22mA 0.22mA 0%

E2 active only 0.38mA -0.40mA 0.052%
Both E1 & E2 active -0.167mA -0.18mA 0.077%

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Result and Calculation:

For Figure 3;
For Figure 4;
R1 = 4.7 kΩ R1 = 4.7 kΩ
R2 = 6.8 kΩ R2 = 6.8 kΩ
R3 =10 kΩ R3 =10 kΩ
E1 = 10V R4 = 22 kΩ
E2 = 15V R5 = 33 kΩ

When E1 is active. When E1 is active.

RT= R1 + (R2 || R3) RT = [{(R2 || R5 )+ R4} || R3] + R1

6.8 ×33
= 4.7 + (6.8- 1 + 10-1 )-1 = {( 6.8+33 + 22) || 10 } + 4.47
= 8.75 kΩ = 12.04 kΩ
𝑅2 || 𝑅3
V ’ =10 × 𝐸1
I1 = 10 = 0.83 𝑚𝐴
A 𝑅𝑇 = 12.04
𝑅𝑇
(6.8− 1 + 10−1 )−1
=10×
10 × 0.83
=4.626 V 8.75 𝑅3 × 𝐼1
IR4 = [{(𝑅2 || 𝑅5 )+ 𝑅4} + 𝑅3] = (
6.8 ×33
+22)+10
6.8+33
= 0.22 mA
When E2 is Active.
When E2 is active.
RT= R2 + (R1 || R3)
= 6.8 + (4.7- 1 + 10-1 )-1 RT = [{(R1 || R3 )+ R4} || R5] + R2
= 9.99 kΩ
= {( 4.7 + 10 + 22) || 33 } + 6.8
4.7 × 10

𝑅1 || 𝑅3 = 29.26
VA’’ =15 ×
kΩ
𝑅𝑇 𝐸2 20
I2 = = = 0.683 𝑚𝐴
(4.7− 1 + 10−1 )−1 𝑅𝑇 29.26
=15× 9.99
=4.80 V
𝑅5 × 𝐼2 4.733 × 0.683
IR4 = = (
× 10
+22)+33
VA = VA’ + VA’’ [{(𝑅1 || 𝑅3 )+ 𝑅4} + 𝑅5] 4.7 + 10

=4.626 V + 4.80 V = 0.38 mA

=9.42
∑ 𝐼𝑅4 = 0.22 − 0.38 = −0.16 𝑚𝐴

Discussion & Conclusion:

 The trainer board and the multimeter were checked before the start of the experiment.
 The resistor was placed properly according to the figure.
 The value of the voltage was increased gradually as applying a large voltage can damage the resistors.
 Finally, all the data was placed in the data table. For the given equation, a result was obtained.

In this experiment the data/findings were interpreted and determined to the extent to which the experiment was
successful in complying. The goal was initially set. The ways of the study were improved, investigated and
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described by measuring, converting and calculating the circuit of super position theorem.

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Answers to the Questions:

 How much is the difference between theoretical values and measured values using the
multimeter? If you have found any difference, then explain the reason.

Ans. The difference between theoretical values and measured values using a multimeter in a
superposition circuit can occur due to several factors. Here are ten possible reasons for such
differences:
1. Component tolerances: The actual values of resistors, capacitors, and other components used in
the circuit may deviate slightly from their specified values. This can lead to variations between
theoretical and measured values.
2. Multimeter accuracy: Multimeters have certain limitations and measurement errors. The
accuracy of the multimeter used can impact the measured values, causing discrepancies with
the theoretical values.
3. Contact resistance: The connections between components and the multimeter can introduce
additional resistance due to imperfect contacts or loose connections. This resistance can affect
the measured values.
4. Parasitic elements: Real-world components often exhibit parasitic elements such as stray
capacitance and inductance. These elements can influence the behavior of the circuit and lead
to deviations from theoretical predictions.
5. Environmental factors: Temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions can affect
the performance of components. Such variations can result in differences between theoretical
and measured values.
6. Wire resistance: The resistance of the wires used in the circuit can contribute to the overall
resistance and impact the measured values, especially in circuits with low resistance values.
7. Instrument loading: The act of connecting a multimeter to measure a circuit can affect the
circuit itself. The multimeter can introduce additional resistance or alter the voltage levels,
thereby influencing the measurements.
8. Signal distortion: High-frequency signals or rapidly changing signals can experience distortion
or attenuation due to various factors such as impedance mismatches, signal reflections, or non-
linear behavior of components. These effects can lead to differences between theoretical and
measured values.
9. Measurement technique: Incorrect measurement techniques or improper handling of the
multimeter can introduce errors. It is crucial to follow appropriate procedures and ensure proper
calibration of the instrument.
10. Circuit non-idealities: Theoretical calculations often assume ideal circuit conditions, neglecting
factors such as stray capacitance, resistance, or inductance. These non-idealities can impact the
circuit's behavior, resulting in deviations between theoretical and measured values.

References:

 Robert L. Boylestad, “Introductory Circuit Analysis,” 12th Edition, Prentice Hall, New York,
2005-2006, p. 524.
 Multisim 14.2 Tutorial Part 01 (Getting started: Introduction and circuit construction),
YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jiasd0K7Co, accessed on 13 June
2023.
 Multisim 14.2 Tutorial Part 02 (DC Sweep and Parameter Sweep), YouTube video link:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld1aqfOlm3w, accessed on 13 June 2023.

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 𝐼𝑅4𝑡−𝐼𝑅4𝑠
= 𝐼𝑅4𝑡 × 100%

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