Holy Angel University

School of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Electrical Engineering

BASICEEL Laboratory
Experiment #8
NODAL ANALYSIS

BAUTISTA, John Vergil D.

ME – 201
Thursday 10:15 AM – 1:15PM
April 29, 2021

Engr. Ojay D. Santos

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HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY
Electrical Engineering Department
BASICEEL Laboratory Experiment No. 8: NODAL ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION
Nodal analysis is a generalized circuit analysis technique that is particularly useful
in the
analysis of circuits with multiple loops and where the methods of ordinary series-parallel
combination fail. It makes use of Ohm’s law together with Kirchhoff’s current law.
In this experiment you will prove the validity of nodal analysis by calculating the
node voltages and the current through some branch of the experimental circuit. Then you are
going to verify them experimentally by measuring the node voltages and the current through the
branch.

OBJECTIVES
1. To write node equations for a resistive circuit.
2. To verify the validity of the nodal analysis technique in solving electrical networks.
3. To study and determine the correct signs of each quantity involved.

INSTRUMENTS AND COMPONENTS

Power Supply Module
Resistance Module
Connection leads
DC Metering Module

WARNING!
Since high voltages are present in this Laboratory Experiment, make certain that the
Power Supply is OFF before making any connections!

PROCEDURE
1. Write down the nodal equations of the circuit shown in Figure 8-1, take node D as the
reference node.
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2. From equations (1), (2), and (3) calculate the node voltages VA, VB, and VC. Record your
results in Table 8-1.

Node Voltage VA VB VC
Calculated 7.50 65.00 -35.00
Measured 7.527V 65.23V -35.12V
% Error 0.08% 0.08% 0.06%

Table 8-1

3. Connect the circuit shown in Fig. 8-1.

Figure 8-1

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4. Turn on the power supply and slowly advance the variable output control knob until the
voltage source Vs indicates 100 V. Measure and record the node voltages.
Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

VA

VB
 VC

5. Calculate the percent error of each of the node voltages listed in Table 8-1.

6. Compute the values of the currents IAB, IAD, and IAC.

IAB = (VA – VB) / RAB = -143.75mA
IAD = VA / RAD = 37.50mA
IAC = (VA – VC) / RAC =106.25Ma
7. Using the 0-500 mA ammeter, measure the values of currents IAB, IAD, and IAC.
IAB (measured) =-144.00mA
IAD (measured) =37.00mA
IAC (measured) =106.00mA

IAB
IAD

IAC
 Is there a good agreement between the calculated values of Procedure 6 and
the measured values of Procedure 7? YES
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
1. What is a reference node?
2. Find the branch currents using nodal analysis.

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Conclusion:
In conclusion, by measuring node voltages and currents through a branch of the experimental
circuit, we were able to show the importance of nodal analysis in this experiment. Then you'll put them to
the test by measuring node voltages and branch current flow. We meet our objectives such as, write node
equations for a resistive circuit, verify the validity of the nodal analysis technique in solving electrical
networks, study and determine the correct signs of each quantity involved. The instruments we used are
Power Supply Module, Resistance Module, Connection leads, and DC Metering Module

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