Electric Circuits 1

“ECE131”
Instructor: Dr. Ahmed H. Kassem
E-mail: [email protected]
 Lecture 9
Methods of Analysis
Current sources, source conversion,
and Mesh analysis
 Current Sources

• A voltage source sets the voltage between

two points in a network and the other
parameters have to respond to the applied
level.
• A current source sets the current in the
branch in which it is located and the other
parameters, such as voltages and currents in
other branches, have to be in tune with this
set level of current.
Current sources
• For instance, in Fig. the current source is dictating the direction of the
current through the series-resistive element. The result is the voltage
across the resistor will have the polarity shown.

• A current source determines the direction and magnitude of the current

in the branch where it is located.
Current sources

• The magnitude and the polarity of the voltage across a current source
are each a function of the network to which the voltage is applied.
Current sources
Example 1: Find the source voltage, the voltage V1, and current I1 for
the circuit in Fig.
Solution
𝐼1 = 𝐼 = 10 𝑚𝐴
The voltage across the resistor R1 is determined using
Ohm’s law
𝑉1 = 𝐼1 × 𝑅1 = 10 𝑚𝐴 × 20 𝑘Ω = 200 𝑉
Since resistor R1 and the current source are in parallel, the voltage
across each must be the same, and with the polarity shown.
𝑉𝑠 = 𝑉1 = 200 𝑉
Current sources
Example 2: Find the voltage Vs and currents I1 and I2 for the network in
Fig.
Solution
𝑉𝑠 = 𝐸 = 12 𝑉
Further, since the voltage source and resistor R
are in parallel,
𝑉𝑅 = 𝐸 = 12 𝑉
𝑉𝑅 𝐸 12
𝐼2 = = = =3𝐴
𝑅 𝑅 4
𝐼1 = 𝐼 − 𝐼2 = 7 − 3 = 4 𝐴
Current sources
Example 3: Determine the current I1 and the voltage Vs for the network
in Fig.
Solution
Using the current divider rule gives
𝑅2 1Ω 1Ω
𝐼1 = 𝐼 =6𝐴× =6𝐴× =2𝐴
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 1Ω + 2Ω 3Ω
𝑉1 = 𝐼1 × 𝑅1 = 2 𝐴 × 2 Ω = 4 𝑉
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law,
+𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉1 − 20 = 0
𝑉𝑠 = 4 + 20 = 24 𝑉
Source conversions
 Source conversions

• The equivalence between a current source

and a voltage source exists only at their
external terminals.
Source conversions
Example 4: For the circuit in Fig.:
a. Determine the current IL.
b. Convert the voltage source to a current source.
c. Using the resulting current source of part (b), calculate the current
through the load resistor, and compare your answer to the result of part
(a).
Solution
6𝑉 6𝑉
𝐼𝐿 = = =1𝐴
𝑅𝑠 + 𝑅𝐿 2 Ω + 4 Ω
Source conversions
Example 4: For the circuit in Fig.:
a. Determine the current IL.
b. Convert the voltage source to a current source.
c. Using the resulting current source of part (b), calculate the current
through the load resistor, and compare your answer to the result of part
(a).
Solution
𝐸 6𝑉 6𝑉
𝐼= = =
𝑅𝑠 𝑅𝑠 2Ω
=3𝐴
Source conversions
Example 4: For the circuit in Fig.:
a. Determine the current IL.
b. Convert the voltage source to a current source.
c. Using the resulting current source of part (b), calculate the current through
the load resistor, and compare your answer to the result of part (a).
Solution
c. Using the current divider rule gives
𝑅𝑝 2Ω
𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼 × =3𝐴× =1𝐴
𝑅𝑝 + 𝑅𝐿 2Ω + 4Ω
We find that the current IL is the same for
the voltage source as it was with the current source
Source conversions
Hint:
A source and its equivalent will establish current in the same direction
through the applied load.
Source conversions
Example 5: Determine current I2 for the network in Fig.
Solution
For the source conversion
𝐸1 = 𝐼1 × 𝑅1 = 4 𝐴 × 3Ω = 12 𝑉

𝐸1 + 𝐸2 12 𝑉 + 5 𝑉
𝐼2 = =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 3Ω+2Ω
17 𝑉
= = 3.4 𝐴
5Ω
Source conversions
Example 6: Determine the voltage across the 7 Ω resistor in the
network of Fig. by converting the current source to a voltage source.
Solution
For the source conversion
𝐸1 = 𝐼 × 𝑅2 = 3 𝐴 × 3Ω = 9 𝑉
Source conversions
Example 6: Determine the voltage across the 7 Ω resistor in the
network of Fig. by converting the current source to a voltage source.
Solution
𝐸 − 𝐸1 24 𝑉 − 9 𝑉
𝐼= =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 2 Ω + 3 Ω + 7 Ω

15 𝑉
= = 1.25 𝐴
12 Ω

𝑉 = 𝐼 × 𝑅3 = 1.25 𝐴 × 7 Ω = 8.75 𝑉
Current Sources in Parallel
• Current sources of different values cannot be placed in series due to a
violation of Kirchhoff’s current law.
• Two or more current sources in parallel can be replaced by a single
current source having a magnitude determined by the difference of the
sum of the currents in one direction and the sum in the opposite
direction. The new parallel internal resistance is the total resistance of
the resulting parallel resistive elements.
Current Sources in Parallel
Example 7: Reduce the parallel current sources in Fig. to a single
current source.
Solution:
The net source current is
𝐼 = 10 𝐴 − 6 𝐴 = 4 𝐴
The net internal resistance is the parallel
combination of resistances, R1 and R2:
𝑅1 × 𝑅2 3Ω × 6Ω
𝑅𝑝 = = = 2Ω
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 3Ω + 6Ω
Current Sources in Parallel
Example 8: Reduce the network in Fig. to a single current
source, and calculate the current through RL.
Solution:
In this example, the voltage source will first be
converted to a current source as shown in Fig.
Combining current sources gives
𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 4 𝐴 + 6 𝐴 = 10 𝐴
The net internal resistance is the parallel
combination of resistances, R1 and R2:
𝑅1 × 𝑅2 8Ω × 24Ω
𝑅𝑝 = = =6Ω
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 8Ω + 24Ω
Current Sources in Parallel
Example 8: Reduce the network in Fig. to a single current
source, and calculate the current through RL.
Solution:
Applying the current divider rule to the resulting
network in Fig. gives
𝑅𝑝 6Ω
𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝑠 = 10 𝐴 × =3𝐴
𝑅𝑝 + 𝑅𝐿 6 Ω + 14 Ω
Current Sources in Series
• Current sources of different current ratings are not connected in series.

• just as voltage sources of different voltage ratings are not connected in

parallel.
Branch-current Analysis
• A branch is a series connection of elements in the network that has the
same current.
Branch-current Analysis procedure:
1. Assign a distinct current of arbitrary direction to each branch of the
network.
2. Indicate the polarities for each resistor as determined by the assumed
current direction.
Branch-current Analysis
Branch-current Analysis procedure:
3. Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law around each closed, independent loop
of the network.
The best way to determine how many times Kirchhoff’s voltage law has
to be applied is to determine the number of “windows” in the network.
Branch-current Analysis
Branch-current Analysis procedure:
4. Apply Kirchhoff’s current law at the minimum number of nodes that
will include all the branch currents of the network.
The minimum number is one less than the number of independent
nodes of the network. For the purposes of this analysis, a node is a
junction of two or more branches, where a branch is any combination of
series elements.
Branch-current Analysis
Branch-current Analysis procedure:
5. Solve the resulting simultaneous linear equations for assumed branch
currents.
It is assumed that the use of the determinants method to solve for the
currents
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 1:
Since there are three distinct branches
(cda, cba, ca), three currents of arbitrary
directions (I1, I2, I3) are chosen, as indicated in
Fig. The current directions for I1 and I2 were
chosen to match the “pressure” applied by sources
E1 and E2, respectively. Since both
I1 and I2 enter node a, I3 is leaving.
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 2:
Polarities for each resistor are
drawn to agree with assumed
current directions, as indicated
in Fig.
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 3:
Kirchhoff’s voltage law is
applied around each closed loop
(1 and 2) in the clockwise direction:
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 3:
Kirchhoff’s voltage law is
applied around each closed loop
(1 and 2) in the clockwise direction:
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 4:
Applying Kirchhoff’s
current law at node a
(in a two-node network, the law is
applied at only one node)
gives
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 𝐼3
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 5:
There are three equations and three
unknowns (units removed for clarity):
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 5:
Using third-order determinants,
we have
Branch-current Analysis
Example 9: Apply the branch-current method to the network in Fig.
Solution:
Step 5:
Using third-order determinants,
we have
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
The currents to be defined are called mesh or loop currents. The two
terms are used interchangeably. A network with two “windows” has had
two mesh currents defined. Note that each forms a closed “loop” around
the inside of each window. We will find that the number of mesh
currents required to analyze a network will equal the number of
“windows” of the configuration.
The number of mesh currents
required to analyze a network will equal
the number of “windows” of the configuration.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
The currents to be defined are called mesh or loop currents. The two
terms are used interchangeably. A network with two “windows” has had
two mesh currents defined. Note that each forms a closed “loop” around
the inside of each window. We will find that the number of mesh
currents required to analyze a network will equal the number of
“windows” of the configuration.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure:
1. Assign a distinct current in the clockwise
direction to each independent, closed loop of
the network. It is not absolutely necessary
to choose the clockwise direction for each loop
current.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure:
2. Indicate the polarities within each loop
for each resistor as determined by the assumed
direction of loop current for that loop. Note
the requirement that the polarities be placed
within each loop.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure:
3. Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law around each
closed loop in the clockwise direction.
a. If a resistor has two or more assumed currents
through it, the total current through the resistor is the
assumed current of the loop in which Kirchhoff’s
voltage law is being applied, plus the assumed currents
of the other loops passing through in the same direction
, minus the assumed currents through in the opposite direction.
b. The polarity of a voltage source is unaffected by the direction
of the assigned loop currents.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure:
4. Solve the resulting simultaneous linear
equations for the assumed loop currents.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Example 10:Find the branch currents of the networks in Fig.
Solution:
Steps 1 and 2: These are as indicated
in the circuit.
Step 3: Kirchhoff’s voltage law is
applied around each closed loop:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Example 10:Find the branch currents of the networks in Fig.
Solution:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Example 10:Find the branch currents of the networks in Fig.
Solution:
Step 4:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Example 10:Find the branch currents of the networks in Fig.
Solution:
Step 4:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
The procedure is as follows:
Start as before, and assign a mesh current to each independent loop, including
the current sources, as if they were resistors or voltage sources. Then mentally
(redraw the network if necessary) remove the current sources (replace with
open-circuit equivalents), and apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to all the
remaining independent paths of the network using the mesh currents just
defined. Any resulting path, including two or more mesh currents, is said to
be the path of a supermesh current. Then relate the chosen mesh currents of
the network to the independent current sources of the network, and solve for
the mesh currents.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
First, the mesh currents for the
network are defined, as Fig.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Then the current source is mentally
removed, as shown in Fig. ,
and Kirchhoff’s voltage law
is applied to the resulting network.
The single path now including the
effects of two mesh currents is referred to as the path of a supermesh current.
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Applying Kirchhoff’s law gives
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Node a is then used to relate the
mesh currents and the current
source using Kirchhoff’s current law:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Mesh Analysis (General Approach)
Supermesh currents
Example 11: Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the
network in Fig.
Solution:
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure
1. Assign a loop current to each independent, closed loop (as in the previous section)
in a clockwise direction.
2. The number of required equations is equal to the number of chosen independent,
closed loops. Column 1 of each equation is formed by summing the resistance
values of those resistors through which the loop current of interest passes and
multiplying the result by that loop current.
3. We must now consider the mutual terms, which, as noted in the examples above,
are always subtracted from the first column. A mutual term is simply any resistive
element having an additional loop current passing through it. It is possible to have
more than one mutual term if the loop current of interest has an element in common
with more than one other loop current. This will be demonstrated in an example to
follow. Each term is the product of the mutual resistor and the other loop current
passing through the same element.
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Mesh Analysis Procedure
4. The column to the right of the equality sign is the algebraic sum of
the voltage sources through which the loop current of interest passes.
Positive signs are assigned to those sources of voltage having a polarity
such that the loop current passes from the negative to the positive
terminal. A negative sign is assigned to those potentials for which the
reverse is true.
5. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the desired loop
currents.
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Example 12: Find the current through the 10 Ω resistor of the network
in Fig.
Solution
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Example 12: Find the current through the 10 Ω resistor of the network
in Fig.
Solution
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Example 13: Write the mesh equations for the network in Fig.
Solution:
Each window is assigned a loop
current in the clockwise direction:
Mesh Analysis (Format Approach)
Example 13: Write the mesh equations for the network in Fig.
Solution: