Bicol University

Bicol University College of Engineering

Electrical Engineering Department

Experiment 3

The Superposition Theorem and Linearity

GRADES
Name: ____________________________________
Course Code/Section: _______________________

Date of Performance: ________________________

Date of Submission: _________________________

Engr. Rogie Mar Bolon

 Experiment 3
The Superposition Theorem and Linearity
Objectives
1. To look into the consequences of a network with numerous active linear sources.
2. To ensure that the linear response of a linear circuit with numerous independent
linear sources is equal to the algebraic sum of individual responses produced by each
independent source acting alone at any point in the circuit.
3. to demonstrate the linearity concept
Theoretical Discussion
A linear element is a passive component with a voltage-current relationship that
is linear. It was defined as a "linear voltage-current relationship" when a current through
an element was multiplied by a constant K. The resistor is one passive element that has
a linear voltage-current relationship.
V(t) = R i(t)
The term "linear circuit" refers to a circuit that is fully made up of independent
sources and linear constituents. It is thus possible to demonstrate that the reaction is
proportional to the source using this definition.
The principle of superposition asserts that in a linear circuit with more than one
independent source, the response (a desired current or voltage) can be produced by
summing the responses induced by the different independent sources functioning alone.
The basic idea of superposition is to examine each independent source (and the
answer it produces) one at a time, with the other independent sources "shut off" or
"zeroed out." A voltage source is comparable to a short circuit, while a current source is
equivalent to an open circuit when setting a source to zero.
Because superposition is a result of linearity, it can't be used in circuits where the
dependent source's output current or voltage is proportional to the second (or third,
fourth, etc.) power of some current or voltage variable in the circuit.
Only linear circuits, i.e. circuits made solely of independent sources, linear dependent
sources, and linear constituents, are capable of superposition. It can only be proven that
the response is proportional to the source by employing this concept of a linear circuit,
or that multiplying all independent source voltages and currents by a constant k raises
all current and voltage responses by the same factor k.

Laboratory Equipment
Tina Pro software

Procedure
1. Given the resistances R1=100, R2=466, R3=675, R4=100, R5=214, VS1=15
and VS2=5 and connect them in the circuit indicated in fig 5.1 (refer to the
suitable trainer's connection set-up).
2. Under the on-on situation, measure the currents I1, I2, and I3 and the voltages
V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 from fig 5.1 and enter the measured data on table 5.1. Take
note of the responses' polarity.
3. Disconnect the 5V dc source by "shorting" the circuit's terminals, as indicated
in fig. 5.2.

4. In the on-off condition, measure the currents I1, I2, and I3 as well as the
voltages V1', V2', V3', V3, V4', and V5'. Take note of the responses' polarity.
5. Disconnect the 15V dc source by “shorting” the circuit terminals as illustrated
in fig. 5.3.
6. Under the off-on situation, measure the currents I1”, I2”, and I3” and the
voltages V1”, V2”, V3”, V4”, and V5” from fig 5.3 and enter the measured readings
on table 5.2. Take note of the responses' polarity.
11. Using the procedure below, compute the calculated values
I1= I1’ + I1” I2 = I2’ + I2”
I3 = I3’ + I3” V1= V1’ + V1”

V2 = V2’ + V2” V3 = V3’ + V3”

V4 = V4’ + V4” V5 = V5’ + V5”

Questions and problems

1. What does a negative superposition reaction imply?
2. In a given circuit, how many replies can be obtained from a N number of
independent sources?
3. Can superposition be used to reduce dependent sources?
4. What are some of the superposition theorem's limitations?