How to get absolute confidence in
Since
your circuit analysis?
The circuit below was taken from the book
“Fundamental of Electric Circuits” which asked for
the value of vo and io.
Every circuit analysis has its own perks over the
other which may also depend on your own partiality.
As for the coverage we had tackled, we are limited
to using only Nodal and Mesh Analyses.
Say for example, we solved the given circuit by Nodal
Analysis. When using Nodal Analysis, we must note
that this method is advantageous if the active
elements in a circuit are current sources. However,
having voltage sources do not limit as from using the
said method. If that is the case, there are two things
we need to be cautious of.
1. Voltage source located between the non-
reference and reference nodes. In this case,
the voltage at that non-reference node is
equal to the value of the voltage source.
2. Voltage source located between two non-
reference nodes. In this case, we have to
use the so called supernode which is
literally assuming that the said non-
reference nodes are one node so that KCL is
applied on both simultaneously. Merging could actually be flowing in that branch.
two nodes in one also means that our the circuit has four nodes (3 non-reference
number of equations was diminished by nodes and 1 reference node), we are expecting
one. Since the number of unknown is still to have 3 independent equations. However
the same, we have to come up with an because of the voltage source in Node 3, this
additional equation. This is possible by circuit can already be solved by only using
using KVL at the loop were the voltage Nodes 1 and 2.
source is located.
Now, let us apply KCL.
Solving the given circuit using Nodal Analysis
At node 1
Mostly given circuits do not provide current
direction or even node voltage notations. So it is 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 = 0
our first task to properly assign current and 𝑉1 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 𝑉1 − 𝑉3
voltage notations to avoid confusions in the + + =0
2 1 3
later part of our solution. Say for example we
have the following notations below. (Note: 3𝑉1 + 6𝑉1 − 6𝑉2 + 2𝑉1 − 2𝑉3 = 0
Random notation assignment is acceptable but
11𝑉1 − 6𝑉2 − 2𝑉3 = 0 1
being orderly such as left to right or top to
bottom is advisable.) Before moving to the next node, make sure that
your KCL is correct and so is your Algebra.
At node 2
𝐼2 + 2𝑖𝑜 + 𝐼4 = 0
Note that 𝑖𝑜 = 𝐼1
2𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 𝐼4 = 0
𝑉1 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 𝑉3 − 𝑉2
2( )+ + =0
Notice that, the circuit has one current source 2 1 2
and one voltage source. And again, current 2𝑉1 + 2𝑉1 − 2𝑉2 + 𝑉3 − 𝑉2 = 0
source do not add complexity to Nodal Analysis
however voltage source does since there is no 2𝑉1 + 2𝑉1 − 2𝑉2 + 𝑉3 − 𝑉2 = 0
way of determining the current flowing from the
4𝑉1 − 3𝑉2 + 𝑉3 = 0 2
voltage source in advance. This also is the
reason why, there is no current notation placed
The third equation is obtained from the fact that
on the branch where the voltage source is
3
located although we know that some current 𝑉3 = 16
If you prefer to have two equations and two Still, we arrived at an equality which signifies correct
unknowns, you may also substitute the value of values. And again, it is only truly correct if the KCL
𝑉3 before solving the simultaneous equations. equations were also correct. In addition, the
determined values should always satisfy all possible
Using the calculator and equations 1, 2 and 3, we KCL and KVL within the circuit.
have:
Although an extra effort is needed, the best way to
64 check if your circuit analysis is correct with high level
𝑉1 = of certainty is to use another circuit analysis. Let us
3
𝑉3𝛺 + 𝑉2𝛺 − 𝑉1𝛺 = 0 try to solve the same circuit this time using Mesh
304 Analysis.
𝑉2 =
9 16
𝑉3𝛺 = (𝑉1 − 𝑉3 ) = The same with Nodal Analysis, in using Mesh
𝑉3 = 16 3
Analysis there are some considerations we need to
160
Since the problem is looking for the values of vo and 𝑉2𝛺 = (𝑉3 − 𝑉2 ) = − note of. Since this method utilizes KVL, it tells us that
9 having voltage sources would be easier to work on.
io, we have to relate these parameters to our
assigned notations. 112 However, having current sources in a circuit is also
𝑉1𝛺 = (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 ) = −
9 possible. The presence of current sources in a circuit
Basing from the figures, 𝑣𝑜 = 𝑉2 , while 𝑖𝑜 = 𝐼1 can be categorized as follows:
16 160 112
+ (− ) − (− )=0
Therefore 3 9 9 1. Not-In-Between two meshes. In this case,
𝟑𝟎𝟒 we assign the mesh current as equal to that
0=0
𝒗𝒐 = 𝑽 current source (or equal to the negative of
𝟗
Also This simple checking proves that your obtained that current source if the mesh current
values are correct. However one must note that it is direction opposes the current direction).
𝑉1 64⁄3 still possible to get equality even if the values 2. In-Between two meshes. In this case, we
𝑖𝑜 = 𝐼1 = = obtained is wrong. It can happen if your KVL is wrong have to apply the so-called supermesh to
2 2
in the first place. Notice that even if without avoid applying KVL on the current source
𝟑𝟐
𝒊𝒐 = 𝑨 knowing each value of V1, V2 and V3, the equation since there is no way of knowing in advance
𝟑
will still result to zero which tells us that the KVL is the voltage across current sources. Because
correctly applied. of supermesh, the number of independent
Now going back to the first question on how to be so equations derived from KVL would be one
Say for example, we use KCL (Equation 1) less than required. The additional equation
sure that these solved parameters are correct? We
can check the known values (aside from having able should be obtained from the KCL at the
11𝑉1 − 6𝑉2 − 2𝑉3 = 0
to check every equation at every step) using simple node where the current source is passing
KVL or KCL. 64 304 from or to.
11 ( ) − 6 ( ) − 2(16) = 0
3 9
Say for example, we apply KVL at loop 1. Solving the given circuit using Mesh Analysis
0=0
To apply mesh analysis, we need to establish meshes KCL at Node 0
which also indicate the direction of our mesh
currents as shown in the figure below. Note that 𝑖3 − 𝑖2 − 2𝑖𝑜 = 0
mesh directions are arbitrary; however KVL
Referring to the given circuit, 𝑖𝑜 = −𝑖2
equations could be systematically determined if all
mesh currents have the same direction in which for 𝑖3 − 𝑖2 − 2(−𝑖2 ) = 0
the case below is all clockwise.
𝑖2 +𝑖3 = 0 3

(Double check your equations)

Using the calculator and equations 1, 2 and 3, we

have:

16
𝑖1 =
9
32
𝑖2 = −
3
32
𝑖3 =
By inspecting the circuit elements, we notice that 3
there is voltage source (no additional complexity for
In relation to the problem, we need to find vo and io.
Mesh Analysis) and a current source which is In-
Between Mesh 1 and Mesh 2. It follows that the To find vo, we need to apply KVL at mesh 3 (can also
concept of supermesh must be applied to able to be done at mesh 2)
analyze this circuit.
−𝑣𝑜 + 2𝑖3 − 2𝑖1 + 16 = 0
KVL at mesh 1 Prepared By: Date:
𝑣𝑜 = 2𝑖3 − 2𝑖1 + 16
(3 + 2 + 1)𝑖1 − 1𝑖2 − 2𝑖3 = 0 Jason C. Muring October 6, 2018
32 16
𝑣𝑜 = 2 ( ) − 2 ( ) + 16
6𝑖1 − 𝑖2 − 2𝑖3 = 0 1 3 9

(Double check your equations) 𝟑𝟎𝟒

𝒗𝒐 = 𝑽 Reference:
𝟗
KVL at supermesh 2 and 3 Fundamental of Electric Circuits
(2 + 1)𝑖2 − 1𝑖1 + 2𝑖3 + 16 − 2𝑖1 = 0 For io, it was defined above that 𝑖𝑜 = −𝑖2
Charles K. Alexander
Matthew N. O. Sadiku
3𝑖1 − 3𝑖2 − 2𝑖3 = 16 2 Therefore 𝟑𝟐
𝒊𝒐 = 𝑨
𝟑
(Double check your equations)