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Electric Circuits

Methods of Analysis

Dr Jalal Al Roumy

Israa University
2019/2020
 Introduction:
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 This chapter introduces two powerful techniques for

circuit analysis:
 Nodal analysis, which is based on a systematic application of
Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL).
 Mesh analysis, which is based on a systematic application of
Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL).

‫ وهو يتناول أسلوبين مهمين من أساليب تحليل‬،‫ هذا الفصل هو أهم فصول المساق‬
)‫ التحليل العقدي للدرات (مبني على قانون كيرشوف للتيار‬:‫الدرات الكهربية وهما‬
.)‫والتحليل الشبكي للدرات (مبني على قانون كيرشوف للجهد‬
 Nodal Analysis:
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 Nodal analysis provides a general procedure for

analysing circuits using node voltages as the circuit
variables in order to reduce the number of equations to
be solved simultaneously.
 Nodal Analysis Steps:
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1. Select a node as the reference.

The number of non-reference nodes is equal to the number of

independent equations that we will derive.
 Nodal Analysis Steps:
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2. Assign voltage designations 3. Apply KCL to each non-

to non-reference nodes. reference node in the circuit.
 Nodal Analysis Steps:
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4. Use Ohm’s law to express

the unknown currents in terms
of node voltages.

5. Solve for the node voltages.

 Example 3.1:
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 Example 3.2:
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 Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources:
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 CASE 1:
If a voltage source is connected between the reference
node and a non-reference node, we simply set the voltage
at the non-reference node equal to the voltage of the
voltage source.
 Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources:
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 CASE 2:
If the voltage source is connected between two non-
reference nodes, the two non-reference nodes form a
supernode; we apply both KCL and KVL to determine the
node voltages.
 Supernode:
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 A supernode is formed by enclosing a voltage source

connected between two non-reference nodes and any
elements connected in parallel with it.

 A supernode may be regarded as a closed surface

enclosing the voltage source and its two nodes.
 Supernode Properties:
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 The voltage source inside the supernode provides a

constraint equation needed to solve for the node
voltages.

 A supernode has no voltage of its own.

 A supernode requires the application of both KCL and

KVL.
 Example 3.3:
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 Mesh Analysis:
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 Mesh analysis provides another general procedure for

analysing circuits using mesh currents as the circuit
variables in order to reduce the number of equations to
be solved simultaneously.
 Mesh Analysis Steps:
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1. Assign mesh currents i1 and i2 to meshes 1 and 2.

Assume the mesh currents flow clockwise.

 Mesh Analysis Steps:
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2. Apply KVL to each mesh.

3. Solve for the mesh currents.

 Example 3.4:
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 Exercise 1:
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 Exercise 2:
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 Mesh Analysis with Current Sources:
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 CASE 1:
If a current source exists only in one mesh, we simply set
the current at this mesh equal to the current of the current
source.
 Mesh Analysis with Current Sources:
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 CASE 2:
If the current source exists between two meshes, we create
a supermesh by excluding the current source and any
elements connected in series with it.
 Supermesh:
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 A supermesh results when two meshes have a current

source in common.
 Supermesh Properties:
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 The current source in the supermesh provides a

constraint equation necessary to solve for the mesh
currents.

 A supermesh has no current of its own.

 A supermesh requires the application of both KVL and

KCL.
 Example 3.7:
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 Nodal Analysis Vs. Mesh Analysis:
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 Both nodal and mesh analyses provide a systematic way

of analysing a complex network. The choice of the better
method is dictated by two factors:
 The nature of the particular network.
 The information required.

 If node voltages are required, nodal analysis is preferred,

whereas if branch or mesh currents are required, it may
be better to use mesh analysis.

 The key is to select the method that results in the smaller

number of equations.
 Nodal Analysis Vs. Mesh Analysis:
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 Networks that contain many series-connected elements,

voltage sources, or supermeshes are more suitable for
mesh analysis, whereas networks with parallel-
connected elements, current sources, or supernodes are
more suitable for nodal analysis.

 Also, a circuit with fewer nodes than meshes is better

analysed using nodal analysis, while a circuit with fewer
meshes than nodes is better analysed using mesh
analysis.
 HW #3:
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 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 3.16, 3.44, 3.51,3.60, 3.62.

 Assignment is due to 21/10/2019.