Techniques of Circuit Analysis

Dr. : Mohamed Hassan Abd El-azeem

20 October 2015 Dr. MOHAMED HASSAN

 Lecture 3

Techniques of Circuit Analysis

Circuit Analysis (solution):- Finding the voltage at each node and the
current at each branch in the circuit.

In this Lecture, the most basic and powerful techniques for circuit
analysis will be introduced and they are
(1) Node Voltage Method (NVM)
(2) Mesh Current Method (MCM)
We will add some other techniques like:-
(1) Superposition (SP)
(2) Thevenin (Norton) Equivalent (Maximum Power Transfer)
More on Electric Circuit Topology

Essential
Node

Essential
Branch
Essential Node:- A point where three or more circuit elements
meet (1,2,3,4, and 5).
Essential branch:- A path that connects two essential nodes
without passing through an essential node (1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5
1-5, 2-5, 3-5).
Example 3-1 R1 b
a
In the circuit shown in Fig., identify
(a) All nodes, (b) All essential nodes,
(c) All branches, (d) All essential V1 +- R5
branches, (e) All meshes, (f) Two paths
that are not loops or essential branches R2 d R3
and (g) Two loops that are not meshes. c e R7
I

Solution V2 +- R6
(a) The nodes are a, b, c, d, e, f, and g
R4
(b) The essential nodes are b, c, e, and g f
(c) The branches are V1, V2, R1, R2, R3, g
R4, R5, R6, R7, and I.
(d) The essential branches are V1-R1, R2-
R3, V2-R4, R5, R6, R7, and I.
(e) The meshes are V1-R1-R5-R3-R2, V2-
R4-R6-R3-R2, R5-R7-R6, and R7-I.
(f) R1-R5-R6 and V2-R2 are paths and not
loops or essential branches.
(g) V1-R1-R5-R6-R4-V2 and R5-R6-I are
loops but not meshes.
 Node-Voltage Method (NVM)
Steps for solving any problem using Node-Voltage Method
For any circuit of (N) essential nodes, we can write (N-1) node-voltage equations
in (N-1) unknowns. The NVM analysis can be applied in the following steps:-
(1) Identify all essential nodes 1,2,3,………, N

(2) Select one of them to be reference node (the point at which V = 0 )

Different shapes of reference node are shown here

(3) Assign voltages V1, V2, . . . , Vn−1 to the remaining n − 1 essential nodes.
(4) Apply KCL to each of the N − 1 non-reference nodes. Use Ohm’s law to
express the branch currents in terms of node voltages.
(5) Solve the resulting simultaneous equations to obtain the unknown
node voltages.
Application of the NVM I

For the circuit shown below write down

the node voltage equations
(1) There are three essential nodes (1, 2, 3) R1 1 R3 2 R5

(2) Select node three to be reference node i1 i2 i3 i4 i5

R2 + VS2
VS1 +- R4
(3) Assign voltages V1, V2 to the remaining -

two essential nodes. 3

(4) Apply KCL to each of the two non- I
reference nodes.
At node (1)
i1 + i2 + i3 + I = 0 R1 1 R3 2 R5
V1-VS1 V -0 V -V
+ 1 + 1 2 +I=0
R1 R2 R3 R2 R4 V2 + VS2
VS1 +- V1 -
At node (2)
3
-i3 + i4 + i5 - I = 0
V2 -V1 V -0 V -V
+ 2 + 2 S2 - I = 0
R3 R4 R5
(5) Solving two equations in two unknowns we
can determine V1, V2
Example 3-2 1Ω 2Ω

In the circuit shown in Fig., check the

power balance using the NVM 5Ω 10 Ω
2A
10 V +-
Solution
There are three essential nodes (1, 2,
3). Choosing node (3) as a reference V1 V2
1Ω 2Ω
node and assigning node voltages V1,
1 2
V2 at the remianing nodes.
2A
At node (1) 10 V +- 5Ω 10 Ω

V1-10 V -0 V -V
+ 1 + 1 2 =0 3
1 5 2
17V1 – 5V2 = 100 ………… (1) Checking the power balance
At node (2) P10V = 10 (9.091-10)/1 = 9.09 W
(delivered)
V2 -V1 V2 -0
+ -2=0 P2A = - 2 (10.91) = 21.82 W (delivered)
2 10
-5V1 +6V2 = 20 ………… P1Ω= (9.091-10)^2/1 = 0.82628 W
(2) P5Ω= (9.091)^2/5 = 16.52925 W
Solving eqns 1, 2 we can get P2Ω= (9.091-10.91)^2/2 = 1.6543 W
V1= 9.091 V, V2 = 10.91 V P10Ω= (10.91)^2/10 = 11.9028 W
 Pdelivered =  Pdissipated = 30.912 W
Example 3-3 5A

In the circuit shown in Fig., calculate

the node voltages.
4Ω
Solution
There are three essential nodes (1, 2,
3). Choosing node (3) as a reference 2Ω 6Ω 10 A
node and assigning node voltages V1,
V2 at the remianing nodes.
At node (1)
V1-V2 V -0
i1 = i2 + i3  5= + 1
4 2
5A
3V1 – V2 = 20 ………… (1)
i
At node (2)
1
V1 4Ω V2
V1-V2 V -0 1
i2 + i4 = i1 + i5  + 10 = 5 + 2 2
4 6 i2 i4
i3
2Ω 6Ω i5 10 A
-3V1 + 5V2 = 60 …………
(2) 3
Solving eqns 1, 2 we can get
V1= 13.33 V, V2 = 20 V
Example 3-4
In the circuit shown in Fig., use the NVM 5Ω
to calculate V1, V2, i1 and check the + +
i1
power balance. 15A 5A
V1 60 Ω 15 Ω 2 Ω V2
Solution
There are three essential nodes (1, 2, 3). - -
Choosing node (3) as a reference node
V1 5Ω V2
and assigning node voltages V1, V2 at
1
the remaining nodes. 2
i1
At node (1) 15A
60 Ω 15 Ω
5A
2Ω
V1-0 V -0 V -V
+ 1 + 1 2 - 15 = 0
60 15 5 3

17V1 –12 V2 = 900 ………… (1)

At node (2) Checking the power balance
P15A = - 15A * 60V = 900 W
V2 -V1 V -0 (delivered)
+ 2 +5=0
5 2
P5A = 5A * 10V = 50 W (dissipated)
-2V1 + 7V2 = -50 …………
P60Ω= (60)2 /60= 60 W
(2)
P15Ω= (60)2 /15 = 240 W
Solving eqns 1, 2 we can get
P5Ω= (60-10)2 /5 = 500 W
V1= 60 V, V2 = 10 V
P2Ω= (10)2 /2
 Pdelivered = = P
50 W
i1 = (V1 – V2)/5 = (60 – 10)/5 = 10 A dissipated = 900 W
The Concept of “Super-node”
Super-node
The concept of “Super-node” arises whenever
4Ω
a voltage source (depen. or indepen.) is the
unique element between two essential (non-
reference) nodes i
4
5V
In this case we can deal with these two 2Ω v
v + - v
nodes as a single (Super-node), and we can 1 1 22 3
i 3
write its node-voltage equation as following 1 i
10 V + i 3
-i1 + i2 + i3 – i4 = 0 - 8Ω 6Ω
2
OR V2 -10 V V V -10
+ 2 + 3 + 3 =0
2 8 6 4
3V2 + 2V3 = 36 4Ω
The second equation is:-
i
V2 – V3 = 5 4
2Ω Super-node
Which is the same result like the normal v v
1 1 2 v 3
3
analysis but with one step less. i 2 i
1
10 V + i 3
- 8Ω 6Ω
2

4
Example 3-5 10iϕ
1 5Ω 2 3
In the circuit shown in Fig., determine - +
the node-voltages and iϕ. iϕ
40 Ω
Solution 50 V +
- 50 Ω 100 Ω
4A

There are four essential nodes (1, 2, 3, 4).

Choosing node (4) as a reference node and 4
assigning node voltages V1, V2, V3 at the
remaining nodes. V1 V2 V3
5Ω
At node (1) 1 2
Super-node
3
iϕ
V1 = 50 V
50 V + 40 Ω 50 Ω 4A
100 Ω
At the super-node -

V2 -50 V V3 4
+ 2 + -4=0
5 50 100
22V2 + V3 = 1400 ………………
(1)
Solving equations (1), (2) together
The supplementary equation we can get:-
-V2 + V3 = 10 iϕ
V2 = 60 V3 = 80
But iϕ = (V2 – 50) / 5
V V
Substituting in the Supp. Equation
iϕ = 2 A
3V2 - V3 = 100 ……………….…
(2)
Example 3-6 3Ω
+ v -
In the circuit shown in Fig., find
x 3vx
the node voltages. 20 V
2 3
6Ω
1 + - + - 4
Answer
V1 = 26.667 V 10 A 4Ω 1Ω
2Ω
V2 = 6.667 V
V3 = 173.33 V
V4 = -46.667 V
 Mesh Current Method (MCM)
Mesh analysis provides another general procedure for analyzing circuits, using mesh
currents as the circuit variables. Using mesh currents instead of branch currents as circuit
variables is convenient and reduces the number of equations that must be solved
simultaneously to be “be – (ne – 1)”. Recall that a loop is a closed path with no node
passed more than once. A mesh is a loop that does not contain any other loop within it.

While the NVM applies KCL to find unknown voltages in a given circuit, MCM applies KVL to
find unknown currents. Mesh analysis is not quite as general as nodal analysis because it
is only applicable to a circuit that is planar.

The circuit can be analyzed using the MCM according to the following sequence:-

Steps for solving any problem using Mesh current Method

(1) Assign mesh currents i1, i2, . . . , in to the n meshes.

(2) Apply KVL to each of the n meshes. Use Ohm’s law to express
the voltages in terms of the mesh currents.
(3) Solve the resulting n simultaneous equations to get the mesh
currents.
Application of the Mesh Current Method
For the circuit shown below write down the
Mesh Current equations:-

(1) There are two meshes, assigning two R1 b R2

a c
mesh currents i1, i2 in the two meshes.

(2) Applying KVL in the two meshes i1 + V1

V1 +- R3 i2 -

For Mesh (1)

- V1 + i1R1 + (i1 – i2)R3 = 0

i1 (R1 + R3) – i2 R3 = V1 ..................

(1)

For Mesh (2)

(i2 – i1)R3 + i2R2 + V2 = 0

-i1 R3 + i2 (R3 + R2) = -V2 ................

(2)

(3) Solving equations (1), (2) two together, we

Example 3.7 Mesh Current
Method
1. Assign mesh currents 6W

2. Write mesh equations

i1(20+6+4) + (i1-i2)(4+6) = 0 20W i1 4W
i2(2+4+4) + (i2-i1)(4+6) – 70 = 0 4W 6W
3. Solve mesh equations
40i1 - 10i2 = 0 70V +
i2 4W
-10i1+ 20i2 = 70 -

=============
40i1 - 10i2 = 0 2W 4W

70i2 = 280
Solution: i1 = 1A; i2 = 4A
20 October 2015 Dr. MOHAMED HASSAN
3.8 Example
-240 + 4(i1-i2) + 20(i1-i3) = 0
22.5i2 + 4(i2-i1) + 5(i2-i3) = 0 i1 4W i2 22.5W
15i3 + 20(i3-i1) + 5(i3-i2) = 0 5W
+
24i1 - 4i2 - 20i3 = 240
-
-4i1 + 31.5i2 - 5i3 = 0 i3
-20i1 - 5i2 + 40i3 = 0 240V 20W
15W
24i1 - 4i2 - 20i3 = 240
185i2 - 50i3 = 240
-34i2 + 28i3 = 240
24i1 - 4i2 - 20i3 = 240 i3 = 10A
185i2 - 50i3 = 240 i2 = 4A
152.35i3 = 1546 i1 = 19A

20 October 2015 Dr. MOHAMED HASSAN

Example 3-9
In the circuit shown in Fig., use the MCM to
calculate the branch currents I1, I2, I3.
5Ω 6Ω
Solution
There are two meshes, assigning two mesh I I
I 2
1 3 10
currents i1, i2 in the two meshes.
Ω
For Mesh (1) i1 i2
15 V +- 4Ω
-15 + 5i1 + 10(i1-i2) +10 = 0
+ 10 V
3i1 - 2i2 = 1 ……………….. (1) -

For Mesh (2)

-10 + 10(i2-i1) + 6i2 + 4i2 = 0
-i1 + 2i2 = 1 ……………….. (2)
Solving equations (1), (2) together, we can get the mesh currents i1, i2 to be

i1 = 1 A , i2 = 1 A

For the Branch currents:-

I1 = i1 = 1 A , I2 = i2 = 1 A , I3 = i1-i2 = 0
Example 3-10 30 Ω

In the circuit shown in Fig., use the MCM to

calculate the power delivered by the 80 V source
and the power dissipated in the 8-Ω resistor. 5Ω 90 Ω

Solution
80 V +- 26 Ω 8Ω
There are three meshes, assigning three mesh
currents i1, i2, i3 in the three meshes.
30 Ω
For Mesh (1)
-80 + 5(i1-i3) + 26(i1-i2) = 0
i3
31i1 - 26i2 - 5i3 = 80 ………………….. (1) 5Ω 90 Ω
For Mesh (2)
26(i2-i1) + 90(i2-i3) + 8i2 = 0 i1 26 Ω i2
80 V +- 8Ω
-26i1 + 124i2 – 90i3= 0 ……………….. (2)
For Mesh (3)
5(i3-i1) + 30 i3 + 90(i3-i2) = 0
-5i1 - 90i2 + 125i3= 0 …………...…….. (3)
Solving equations (1)-(3) together, we can get the mesh currents i1, i2, i3 to be
i1= 5 A, i2 = 2.5 A, i3 = 2 A
P80V = - 80V * 5A = 400 W (delivered), P8Ω = (2.5)2 *8 = 50 W
Example 3-11
In the circuit shown in Fig., use the MCM to
calculate Vo and the power associated with
each voltage source.
2Ω 6Ω 4Ω
Answer +

40 V +- Vo 6Ω +
Vo = 28.8 V 8Ω - 20 V

P40V = 224W (delivered) -

P20V = 16W (delivered)

The Concept of “Super-mesh”
The concept of “Super-mesh” arises whenever a current source (depen. or
indepen.) exists between two meshes

In this case, we can remove the current source

between the two meshes and deal with them as
single (super-mesh) as we will see here:-

10 Ω

3Ω 2Ω

100 V +- + 50 V
5A -

-
6Ω 4Ω
 10 Ω
For the Super-Mesh
-100 + 3 (i1 – i3) + 2 (i2 – i3) + 50 + 4i2 +6 i1 = 0
i3
9i1 + 6i2 – 5i3 = 50 ……………….. (1) 3Ω 2Ω
For Mesh (3)
i1 i2
3(i3–i1) + 10i3 + 2(i3 –i2) = 0 100 V +- + 50 V
-
-3i1 - 2i2 + 15i3 = 0 ……………….. (2)
The third equation will be the additional equation of
the current source of the super-mesh 6Ω 4Ω
- i1 + i2 = 5 ………………………… (3)
Super-mesh
Example 3-12
2
For the circuit shown in Fig., Ω
determine the mesh currents
i1-i4. i1

4Ω 2
Ω io
5A

6Ω i2 i3 8Ω i4 +
-
3i
o
 2
Solution
Ω
For the Super-Mesh
2 i1 + 4i3 + 8(i3 – i4) + 6i2 = 0 i1

4Ω 2
2i1 + 6i2 + 12i3 – 8i4 = 50 ..
Ω io
(1)
For Mesh (4) i2 i3 i4 + 10 V
6Ω 8Ω -
8(i4–i3) + 2i4 + 10 = 0
-8i3 + 10i4 = -10 …….. (2)

For the independent current

sources Solving equations (1)-(4), we can get
- i1 + i2 = 5 ………… (3) i1 = -7.5 A
For the dependent current sources
i2 = -2.5 A
i2 – i3 = 3io But io =
i3 = 3.93 A
- i4
i4 = 2.143 A
then i2 – i3 + 3i4 =0 ………..
(4)
 Superposition (SP)
 The idea is that we can isolate the effect of
2 or more independent power sources.
5W 5W
5W 5W

10V 10A 10V +

+
-
5W i’
-
5W i?

5W 5W

10A
i = i’ + i” = 1A + 5A = 6A
5W i”

10/20/2015 Dr. MOHAMED HASSAN-MTC

 Superposition
 Check using Mesh Eq.’s
5W 5W
Mesh Equations:
10V 10A 10i1- 5i2= 10
+
i1 5W i? i2 i2 = -10A
-

i1 = -4A
Using KCL:
i = 6A

10/20/2015 Dr. MOHAMED HASSAN-MTC

Example 3-13 6A

For the circuit shown in Figure Find iO using the SP

Solution 20 Ω 10 Ω
v = v’ + v’’ +
where v’ and v’’ are due to the 100-V voltage
100 V +- v 40 Ω 2.5 Ω
source and 6-A current source respectively.
Applying the NVM on the first circuit:- -
20 Ω v’ 10 Ω
V' -100 V' V' 1000
+ + =0 v' = V +
20 40 10+2.5 31
Applying the MCM on the second circuit:- 100 V +- v’ 40 Ω 2.5 Ω
For Mesh (1) -
20(i1 - 6) + 40(i1-i2) = 0
3i1 - 2i2 = 6 ……………….. (1) 6A
For Mesh (2)
40(i2 – i1) +10(i2-6) + 2.5i2 = 0 6A
-40i1 + 52.5i2 = 60 ……………….. (2) 20 Ω 10 Ω
+
Solving equations (1), (2) together:-
i1 = A, i2 = A v’’ = 40(i1 – i2) = 240/31 i1 v’’ 40 Ω i2 2.5 Ω
V = v’ + v’’ = 1000/31 + 240/31 = 40 V -
 2Ω
Example 3-14
For the circuit shown in Figure Find iO using
the SP 3Ω

Solution 5io
1Ω
iO = iO’ + iO’’ 4A
+ -
where iO’ and iO’’ are due to the 4-A current source io
and 20-V voltage source respectively. 4Ω
5Ω

We can get iO’ due to the 4-A source using the

MCM as following:- + -
For Mesh (1) 20 V
i1 = 4 A
For Mesh (2) 2Ω

3(i2-i1) + 2i2 - 5iO’ + 1(i2-i3) = 0 3Ω i2

But iO’ = i1 – i3
5i’
3i2 + 2i3 = 16 ……………….. (1) 1Ω o-
For Mesh (3) 4A i +
1 i’o
5(i3 – i1) + 1(i3 – i2) +5iO’ + 4i3 = 0
i3 4Ω
-i2 + 5i3 = 0 ……………….. (2) 5Ω
i3
Solving equations (1), (2) together:-
i2 = 80/17 A , i3 = 16/17 A iO’ = 4 – 16/17 = 52/17 A
We can get iO’’ due to the 20-V source using
2Ω
the MCM as following:-

For Mesh (4)

3Ω i4
3i4 + 2i4 - 5iO’’ + 1(i4-i5) = 0
5i’’
But iO’’ = – i5 1Ω o-
+
3i4 - 2i5 = 0 ……………….. (3)
I’’o
For Mesh (5)
5Ω i5 4Ω
-20 + 5i5 + 1(i5 – i4) +5iO’’ + 4i5 = 0
-i4 + 5i5 = 20 ……………….. (4)
+ -

Solving equations (3), (4) together:- 20 V

i5 = 60/17 A iO’’ = – 60/17 A

iO = iO’ + iO’’ = 52/17 – 60/17 = -8/17 A

Example 3-15 20 Ω V
X
For the circuit shown in Figure Find vX
using the SP
10 V +- 2A 4Ω
Answer 0.1VX

vX = 12.5 V