BCA 111- Fundamental of Computer

Applications
Lecture no. 4

Asso. Prof. Alexander R. Gaw, MSCA

Series-Parallel Resistances

▪ Overview of Series-Parallel Circuits

▪ A series-parallel circuit, or combination circuit, combines both
series and parallel connections.
▪ Most electronic circuits fall into this category.
Series-parallel circuits are typically used when different voltage and
current values are required from the same voltage source.

▪ Series components form a series string.

▪ Parallel components form a parallel bank.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Finding RT for
Series-Parallel Resistances
● Overview of Series-Parallel Circuits

1
3
V 2

There are three branches in this

circuit; sections 1 and 2 are series strings.
Finding RT for
Series-Parallel Resistances
● Overview of Series-Parallel Circuits
1

V 3

There are three series sections in this

circuit; sections 1 and 2 are parallel banks.
To find RT for a series-parallel
circuit, add the series resistances
and combine the parallel
resistances.
In this diagram, R1 and R2 are in
series, and R3 and R4 are in
parallel. However, R2 is not in
series with the parallel
resistances: Resistances in
series have the same current, but
the current in R2 is equal to the
sum of the branch currents I3 and
I4 .

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

▪ For Figure,
▪ The series resistances are:
0.5kΩ + 0.5kΩ = 1kΩ
▪ The parallel resistances are:
1kΩ / 2 = 0.5kΩ
▪ The series and parallel values are then added for the
value of RT:
1kΩ + 0.5kΩ = 1.5 kΩ
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
In this figure, branch 1
has two resistances in
series; branch 2 has only
one resistance.
Ohm’s Law can be applied
to each branch, using the
same rules for the series
and parallel components

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Resistance Strings in Parallel

▪ Series Circuit ▪ Parallel Circuit

▪ Current is the same in ▪ Voltage is the same
all components. across all branches.
▪ V across each series R ▪ I in each branch R is
is V/R.
I × R. ▪ IT = I1 + I2 + I3 +...+ etc.
▪ VT = V1 + V2 + V3 +...+
etc.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Resistance Strings in Parallel

I is the same
V in this
section.

V is the same across each parallel branch.

Resistance Strings in Parallel

▪ The current in each branch equals the voltage applied across the
branch divided by the branch RT.
▪ The total line current equals the sum of the branch currents for all
parallel strings.
▪ The RT for the entire circuit equals the applied voltage divided by
the total line current.
▪ For any resistance in a series string, the IR voltage drop across that
resistance equals the string’s current multiplied by the resistance.
▪ The sum of the voltage drops in the series string equals the voltage
across the entire string.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Resistance Banks in Series
In this figure, R2 and R3 are
parallel resistances in a bank.
The parallel bank is in series
with R1.
There may be more than two
parallel resistances in a bank,
and any number of banks in
series.
Ohm’s Law is applied to the
series and parallel
Parallel bank of R2 and R3 in series with R1
components as seen (Original circuit).
previously.
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Resistance Banks in Series

To find the total resistance of this type of circuit, combine the parallel resistances in each
bank and add the series resistances.

V
R=
I 10 Ω (of R2 + R3)
6Ω = + 1Ω (R1)
24V 2 branches
R=
4A
24V 6Ω = 5Ω + 1Ω
6Ω =
4A
Resistance Banks and Strings in Series-Parallel

▪ To solve series-parallel (combination) circuits, it is important to

know which components are in series with one another and which
components are in parallel.
▪ Series components must be in one current path without any branch
points.
▪ To find particular values for this type of circuit,
▪ Reduce and combine the components using the rules for
individual series and parallel circuits.
▪ Reduce the circuit to its simplest possible form.
▪ Then solve for the needed values using Ohm’s Law.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

● Example:
○ Find all currents and voltages in Fig. 6-5.

■ Step 1: Find RT.

■ Step 2: Calculate main line current as IT = VT / RT

Reducing a series-parallel circuit to an equivalent series circuit to find the RT. (a) Actual
circuit. (b) R3 and R4 in parallel combined for the equivalent RT.
Resistance Banks and Strings in Series-Parallel

cont. (c) RT and R6 in series added for R13. (d) R13 and R5 in parallel combined for R18.
Resistance Banks and Strings in Series-Parallel

The R18, R1, and R2 in series are added for the total resistance of 50Ω for RT.
▪ In solving such circuits, apply the same principles as
before:
▪ Reduce the circuit to its simplest possible form.
▪ Apply Ohm’s Law.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random Unknowns

▪ Example:
▪ In Fig. 6-6, we can find
branch currents I1 and
I2-3, and IT, and voltage
drops V1, V2, and V3,
without knowing the
value of RT.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random
Unknowns
○ Find I1, I2-3, and IT.
V
I1 =
R
90V (parallel branches have the same voltage)
I1=
30Ω

I1= 3A
Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random
Unknowns
V
I2-3 = IT = I1 + I2-3
R
90V IT = 3A + 2A
I2-3 =
20Ω + 25Ω
IT = 5A
90V
I2-3 =
45Ω

I2-3 = 2A
Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random
Unknowns
○ Find voltage drops
V1, V2, and V3:
Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random Unknowns

V1 = VA (parallel branches have the same voltage)

V1 = 90V
or
V1 = I1R1 V2 = I2-3R2 V3 = I2-3R3
V1 = 3A × 30Ω V2 = 2A(20 Ω) V3 = 2A(25 Ω)
V1 = 90V V2 = 40V V3 = 50V

Note: V2 + V 3 = VA
40V + 50V = 90V
Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits with Random
Unknowns

VA
RT =
IT

90A
RT =
5A

RT = 18Ω
The Wheatstone Bridge

○ A Wheatstone bridge is a circuit that is used to determine the value of an unknown

resistance.

○ The unknown resistor (RX) is in the same branch as the standard resistor (RS).

Wheatstone bridge.
.
The Wheatstone Bridge

▪ Resistors R1 and R2 form the ratio arm; they have

very tight resistance tolerances.
▪ The galvanometer (M1), a sensitive current meter, is
connected between the output terminals C and D.
▪ When R1 / R2 = R3 / R4, the bridge is balanced.
▪ When the bridge is balanced, the current in M1 is zero.

Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1

The Wheatstone Bridge

● Using a Wheatstone Bridge to Measure an Unknown Resistance

○ RS is adjusted for zero current in M1..

○ When the current in M1 = 0A, the voltage division between RX and RS is equal to that
between R1 and R2.
The Wheatstone Bridge

Note: When the Wheatstone bridge is balanced, it can be analyzed as two series strings in
parallel. Note the following relationship:

RX R
= 1
RS R2
R1
RX = RS ×
R2
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

○ The sum of currents entering

any point in a circuit is equal to
the sum of currents leaving that
point.

○ Otherwise, charge would

accumulate at the point,
reducing or obstructing the
conducting path.

○ Kirchhoff’s Current Law may

also be stated as
Fig. 9-1: Current IC out from point P
IIN = IOUT equals 5A + 3A into P.
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Series-parallel circuit illustrating Kirchhoff’s laws.

.
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

The 6-A IT into point C divides into the 2-A I3 and 4-A I4-5

I4-5 is the current through R4 and R5

IT − I3 − I4-5 = 0
6A − 2A − 4A = 0

At either point C or point D, the sum of the 2-A and the 4-A branch currents
must equal the 6A line current.

Therefore, Iin = Iout

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

● Loop Equations
○ A loop is a closed path.

○ This approach uses the algebraic equations for the voltage around the loops of a circuit
to determine the branch currents.

■ Use the IR drops and KVL to write the loop equations.

■ A loop equation specifies the voltages around the loop.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

● Loop Equations
○ ΣV = VT means the sum of the IR voltage drops must equal the applied voltage. This is
another way of stating Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Series-parallel circuit illustrating Kirchhoff’s laws.

.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

In Figure , for the inside loop with the source VT, going counterclockwise
from point B,

90V + 120V + 30V = 240V

If 240V were on the left side of the equation, this term would have a
negative sign.

The loop equations show that KVL is a practical statement that the sum of
the voltage drops must equal the applied voltage.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

● The algebraic sum of the

voltage rises and IR
voltage drops in any
closed path must total
zero.

For the loop CEFDC without

source the equation is
−V4 − V5 + V3 = 0
−40V − 80V + 120V = 0 Fig. 9-2: Series-parallel circuit illustrating
Kirchhoff’s laws.
0=0
.
Method of Branch Currents

Application of
Kirchhoff’s laws to a
circuit with two sources
in different branches.

VR1 = I1R1 VR2 = I2R2 VR3 = I3R3 VR3 = (I1+I2)R3

Loop equations:
V1 – I1R1 – (I1+I2) R3 = 0 V2 – I2R2 – (I1+I2) R3 = 0
Method of Branch Currents

Loop 1:
84 − VR1 − VR3 = 0
Loop 2:
2I − VR2 − VR3 = 0
Method of Branch Currents

Using the known values of R1, R2 and R3 to specify the IR voltage drops,
VR1 = I1R1 = I1  12 = 12 I1
VR2 = I2R2 = I2  3 = 3 I2
VR3 = (I1 + I2) R3 = 6(I1 + I2)
Substituting these values in the voltage equation for loop 1
84 − 12I1 − 6(I1 + I2) = 0
Method of Branch Currents
Also, in loop 2,
2I − 3I2 − 6 (I1 + I2) = 0
Multiplying (I1 + I2) by 6 and combining terms
and transposing, the two equations are

18I1 − 6I2 = −84

−6I1 − 9I2 = −21

Divide the top equation by −6 and the bottom

by −3 which results in simplest and positive
terms
3I1 + I2 = 14
2I1 + 3I2 = 7
Method of Branch Currents

Solving for currents

Using the method of elimination, multiply the top equation
by 3 to make the I2 terms the same in both equations
9I1 + 3I2 = 42
1I1 + 3I2 = 7
Subtracting
7I1 = 35
I1 = 5A
To determine I2, substitute 5 for I1
2(5) + 3I2 = 7
3I2 = 7 − 10
3I2 = −3
I2 = −1A
Method of Branch Currents

This solution of −1A for I2 shows that the current through R2 produced by
V1 is more than the current produced by V2.
The net result is 1A through R2 from C to E
Calculating the Voltages
VR1 = I1R1 = 5 x 12 = 60V
VR2 = I2R2 = 1 x 3 = 3V
VR3 = I3R3 = 4 x 6 = 24V
Note: VR3 and VR2 have opposing polarities in loop 2.
This results in the
−21V of V2
Method of Branch Currents
Checking the Solution
At point C: 5A = 4A + 1A
At point D: 4A + 1A = 5A

Around the loop with V1

clockwise from B,
84V − 60V − 24V = 0

Around the loop with V2

counterclockwise from
F,
.
21V + 3V − 24V = 0
.
Node-Voltage Analysis

○ A principal node is a point where three or more currents divide or combine, other than
ground.

○ The method of node voltage analysis uses algebraic equations for the node currents
to determine each node voltage.

■ Use KCL to determine node currents

■ Use Ohm’s Law to calculate the voltages.

○ The number of current equations required to solve a circuit is one less than the number
of principal nodes.

○ One node must be the reference point for specifying the voltage at any other node.
Node-Voltage Analysis

○ Finding the voltage at a node presents an advantage: A node voltage must be common
to two loops, so that voltage can be used for calculating all voltages in the loops.
Node-Voltage Analysis

.
.
Node-Voltage Analysis
Node Voltage Method
R1 R2
N

I1 I2
V1 I3 R3 V2

At node N: I1 + I2 = I3
or
VR VR VN
1 2 =
+
R1 R2 R3
Node-Voltage Analysis

Fig. 9-7

VR1/R1 + VR2 = VN/R3

VR1/12 + VR2/3 = VN/6

Node-Voltage Analysis

VR1+ VN = 84 or VR1 = 84 − VN Fig. 9-

For the loop with V2 of 21V, 7
VR2 + VN = 21 or VR2 = 21 − VN
Substituting values
I1 + I2 =I3
Using the value of each V in terms of VN
84 − VN/12 + 21 − VN/3 = VN/6
Node-Voltage Analysis

Fig. 9-7

This equation has only one unknown, VN. Clearing fractions by multiplying
each term by 12, the equation is
(84 − VN) + 4(21 − VN) = 2VN
84- VN + 84 − 4VN = 2VN
− 7VN = −168
VN = 24V
Node-Voltage Analysis

Calculating All Voltages and Currents

Loop Equations
Node Equations
● Applies KVL to the
○ Applies KCL to voltages in a closed
currents in and out of path.
a node point. ● Voltages are specified as
IR so the equation of
○ Currents are voltages can be solved
specified as V/R so to find a loop current.
the equation of
currents can be
solved to find a node
Method of Mesh Currents

○ A mesh is the simplest possible loop.

○ Mesh currents flow around each mesh without branching.

○ The difference between a mesh current and a branch current is that a mesh current
does not divide at a branch point.

○ A mesh current is an assumed current; a branch current is the actual current.

○ IR drops and KVL are used for determining mesh currents.

Method of Mesh Currents

○ The number of meshes is the number of mesh currents. This is also the
number of equations required to solve the circuit.

.
Method of Mesh Currents

○ A clockwise assumption is standard. Any drop in a mesh produced by its own mesh
current is considered positive because it is added in the direction of the current.

○ Mesh A: 18IA − 6IB = 84V

○ Mesh B: 6IA + 9IB = −21V

Method of Mesh Currents

● The mesh drops are written collectively here:

Mesh A: 18IA − 6IB = 84

Mesh B: −6IA + 9IB = −21

Method of Mesh Currents
Use either the rules for meshes with mesh currents or the
rules for loops with branch currents, but do not mix the two
methods.

To eliminate IB and solve for IA, divide the first equation by 2

and the second by 3. then
9IA − 3IB = 42
−2IA + 3IB = −7

Add the equations, term by term, to eliminate IB. Then

7IA = 35
IA = 5A
Method of Mesh Currents

Fig. 9-8: The same circuit as Fig. 9-5 analyzed as two meshes.

To calculate IB, substitute 5 for IA in the second equation:

−2(5) + 3IB = −7
3IB = −7 + 10 =3
IB = 1A
The positive solutions mean that the electron flow for both I A and IB is
actually clockwise, as assumed.
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1
Asso. Prof. Aexander Gaw CA department CCS 1