RESISTIVE NETWORK ANALYSIS

2.0. Introduction The purpose of network analysis is to find unknown currents and voltages. This involves linear algebra: N equations with N unknowns, where N is the number of nodes or meshes in the network. The equations come from the application of KCL or KVL. The resistive network analysis covers the following topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Node-Voltage Analysis. Mesh-Current Analysis. Superposition Method. Thvenin Equivalent Circuits. Norton Equivalent Circuits.

2.1. Node-Voltage Analysis

In the node voltage method, we assign the node voltages va and vb (refer to Figure 1). The branch current flowing from a to b is then expressed in terms of these node voltages using Ohm's Law (as in Figure 1).

Figure 1 Although they are very important concepts, series/parallel equivalents and the current/voltage division principles are not sufficient to solve all circuit problems. Thats how the node-voltage analysis comes in. A node is a point at which two or more circuit elements are joined together. In nodevoltage analysis, we first select one of the nodes as the reference node (ref. node = below voltage source for most node). Please refer to Figure 2. Next, we label the voltages at each of the other nodes. Write equations (KCL) to solve for the voltages, then the current. Prepared by Dr. Harlisya Harun, UPM

Figure 2
v v3 v v1 v 2 ( ) 2 ( ) 2 0 0 R2 R3 R4 v1 v3 0 v3 v 2 v3 0 R1 R5 R3

Apply KCL at node 2, we get: Apply KCL at node 3, we get:

Example 1 Write equations that can be solved for the node voltages v1, v2 and v3 shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Example 2 Use KCL to write equations at each node (except the reference nodes) for the circuit shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Example 3 Write the equations for the network shown in Figure 5 and put them into standard form.

Figure 5

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2.2. Mesh-Current Analysis The current i, defined as flowing from left to right, establishes the polarity of the voltage across R (as in Figure 6).

Figure 6

Once the direction of current flow has been selected, KVL requires that (refer to Figure 7):

Figure 7

Example 1 Write the equations needed to solve for the mesh currents in Figure 8.

Figure 8

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Example 2 Write the equations needed to solve for the mesh currents in Figure 9.

Figure 9

Example 3 Use the mesh-current technique to solve for the currents labeled in the circuits shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10

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2.3. Superposition Method In a linear network containing two or more energy sources, the response is given by the sum of the responses with one source acting at a time while the rest are suppressed. A voltage source is suppressed by shorting it while a current source is suppressed by opening it. voltage source short circuit; v = 0; current source open circuit; i = 0; While calculating the sum, be particular about the directions of the currents and voltages since you have to take the algebraic sum. One drawback of the superposition theorem is that it can't be applied to powers.

2.3.1. Additivity Property

Figure 11 The current through the resistor is the sum of currents due to source V1 and source V2, acting alone. When the contribution due to source V1 is to be calculated, the contribution due to source V2 should be zero. Hence source V2 can be replaced by a short circuit. When source V2 is replaced by a short circuit, its contribution has to be nil. Similarly, when the contribution due toV2 is to be calculated, the contribution due to source V1 should be zero. Hence source V1 can be replaced by a short circuit. The relevant circuits are shown above.

Prepared by Dr. Harlisya Harun, UPM

Example 1

Figure 12 A simple circuit is used to illustrate how the principle of superposition can be used to obtain the current through the resistor in the circuit shown in Figure 12.

2.4. Thvenin Equivalent Circuits

Any network of sources and resistors will appear to the circuit connected to it as a voltage source and a series resistance (as shown in Figure 13). vTH= open circuit voltage at terminal. RTH= Resistance of the network.

Figure 13 Table 1 is the summary on how to find the thvenin equivalent circuits.

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Table 1

2.5. Norton Equivalent Circuit

Any network of sources and resistors will appear to the circuit connected to it as a current source and a parallel resistance, as in Figure 14.

Figure 14 Table 2 is the summary on how to find the Norton equivalent circuits. Table 2

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Example 1

Find the Thvenin and Norton Equivalent Circuit.

Prepared by Dr. Harlisya Harun, UPM