Lab 2: Superposition Theorem

Introduction

Superposition Theorem - Superposition theorem is one of those strokes of genius

that takes a complex subject and simplifies it in a way that makes perfect sense. A
theorem like Millmans certainly works well, but it is not quite obvious why it
works so well. Superposition, on the other hand, is obvious.
The strategy used in the Superposition Theorem is to eliminate all but one source
of power within a network at a time, using series/parallel analysis to determine
voltage drops (and/or currents) within the modified network for each power source
separately. Then, once voltage drops and/or currents have been determined for
each power source working separately, the values are all superimposed on top of
each other (added algebraically) to find the actual voltage drops/currents with all
sources active

Objective
To verify current flow and voltage drop using Superposition Theorem.
Equipment

Digital multimeter GDM-357

Jumper
Resistor(200, 330 and 560)
Breadboard
DC power supply
Laptop with EWB software

Procedure

1.
2.
3.
4.

Figure 2
Construct the circuit shown in Figure 2 by using related simulation software.
Set up a circuit by connecting with three resistor, R1, R2, R3 as shown in Figure 2.

By using multimeter, measure the current flow at resistor 200, 330, and
560.
By using multimeter, measure the voltage drop at resistor 200, 330, and
560.

5.

The measurement of the measured voltages and currents are recorded in tabular

6.

form as shown in Table 2.

Calculate the current flow and the voltage drop at each resistor as shown in Figure 2

7.
8.

by using superposition theorem.

In the Table 2, the calculated answers are compared.
A conclusion is made.

Result
Short Circuit the 9V
EWB
I1

14.72

V1

I2

5.4574

V2

I3

9.2615

V3

2.943
8
3.056
2
3.056
2

I1

Theory
(mA)
14.72

Measured
(mA)
14.36

V1

Theory(
V)
2.94

Measur
ed (V)
2.93

I2

5.46

5.39

V2

3.05

3.04

I3

9.26

9.05

V3

3.06

3.04

Measur
ed (V)

V1

Theory(
V)
6.22

Shot Circuit the 6V

EWB
I1

18.85

V1

I2

4.9614

V2

I3

13.89

V3

6.221
6
2.778
4
2.778
4

I1

Theory
(mA)
18.85

Measured
(mA)
18.49

I2

4.96

4.82

V2

2.78

2.76

I3

13.89

13.55

V3

2.78

2.76

By using EWB (Short circuit the 9V)

Measured

by

using
multimeter by
carry out the
experiment.
(Short Circuit
the 6V)

By using EWB
(Short circuit

the 6V)

Measured

by

using
multimeter by
carry out the
experiment.
(Short Circuit
the 6V)

Calculation in theory
A. Short circuit 9V
1. To calculate the total resistance in the circuit.
RT = 200 +
= 200 +
= 200+
= 407.64
2.

1
1 1 1

33018480
89 560

18480
89

To find the current flow in the circuit. On the same time, find the current flow, I1 at
resistor 200.
VS = IT +RT
6V = IT + 407.64k
IT =
IT =14.72mA

6V
407.64

IT = I1
I1 = 14.72mA
3.

By using Current divider to find current flow,I2 at resistor 3.3k.

I2 = 14.72mA
I2 = 14.72mA
I2 = 5.46mA

4.

330k
56033
330
89

To find the current flow, I3 at resistor 2k

I3 = I1 - I2
I3 = 14.72mA - 5.46mA
I3 = 9.26mA

5.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 200.

V1 = I1R1
V1 = (14.72mA) (200)
V1 = 2.94V

6.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 560.

V2 = I2R2
V2 = (5.46mA) (560)
V2 = 3.06V

7.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 330.

V3 = I3R3
V3 = (9.26mA) (330)
V3 =3.06V

B. Short circuit 6V
1. To calculate the total resistance in the circuit.
RT = 330 +
= 330 +
= 330+
= 477.37
2.

1
1 1 1

5602800
19 200

2800
19

To find the current flow in the circuit. On the same time, find the current flow, I1 at
resistor 200.
VS = IT +RT
9V = IT + 477.37k
IT =
IT =18.85mA

9V
477.37

IT = I1
I1 = 18.85mA
3.

By using Current divider to find current flow,I2 at resistor 3.3k.

I2 = 18.85mA
I2 = 18.85mA
I2 = 4.96mA

4.

200k
200
5605
19

To find the current flow, I3 at resistor 2k

I3 = I1 - I2
I3 = 18.85mA - 4.96mA
I3 = 13.89mA

5.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 330.

V1 = I1R1
V1 = (18.85mA) (330)
V1 = 6.22V

6.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 560.

V2 = I2R2
V2 = (4.96mA) (560)
V2 = 2.78V

7.

To find the voltage drop at resistor 200.

V3 = I3R3
V3 = (13.89mA) (200)
V3 =2.78V

Discussion
Precaution
1. The experiment is carried out without necessary delay in the process to prevent the
wire from heating up which would increased the resistance of the circuit. As a result,
it would affecting the result of the experiment.
2. The Voltage supply has been checked by using multimeter to ensure the voltage
supply is the same which is 9V.
3. Every resistor has been checked by using multimeter to ensure that the correct
resistor used before the experiment started.
4. The resistor of R2 and R3 is in parallel series so the voltage measured in
experiment, calculation in theory and in EWB should be the same.
Source of error
1.The resistors have been used constantly for lab work, and have been exposed to

regular wear and tear. That could have altered the values of the experiment.
2.The power supplied is not supplied constantly. There is a voltage drop after the
switch is on and off frequently when it is checked by using multimeter.
3.By using calculation in theory, there is an error. The error is the decimal places
problem.
4.By using measured in experiment, there is an error in the experiment. The error is
the measured voltage and current is not fixed due to the power supply not supplied
constantly.
Ways to improve the result
1. Using a brand new resistor.
2. Using a more accuracy DC power supply.
In calculation in theory, fixed a decimal fixed point for the calculation calculated.