Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology

Department of Electrical Engineering

BEE351: Circuit Simulation Lab
Date:

Experiment No. 1

Aim: Verification of Principle of Superposition with AC Sources using Multisim/PSpice.

Software Used: Multisim

Theory: The superposition theorem for AC circuits states that the current in any part of a network containing
two or more sources can be calculated by analyzing the network one source at a time. The current due to each
source is calculated for each branch of the network. The net current in each branch of the network is then the
phasor sum of the respective branch currents due to each source.

The next example demonstrates application of the superposition theorem to AC circuits.

Network with one AC voltage source and one AC current source

Case 1: V1 short circuited and I1 active Case 2: V1 active and I1 open circuited

The current through resistance RL with V1 short circuited and I1 active is calculated as:

𝑗6
𝐼′1 = 𝐼 = 1.9∠108.43° 𝐴
𝑗6 + 6 + (−𝑗8)

The current through resistance RL with V1 active and I1 open circuited is calculated as:

𝑉1
𝐼 ′′1 = = 1.58∠78.43° 𝐴
𝑗6 + 6 + (−𝑗8)

The net current through resistance RL are the phasor sums of the currents due to 𝐼 ′1 and 𝐼 ′′1 .

𝐼1 = 𝐼 ′1 + 𝐼 ′ ′1 = 3.362∠94.78° 𝐴
Simulation: The given ciruit is simulated in Multisim:

Paste schematic here.

Multisim Schematic

Paste Output Here.

Multisim Graph Output

Observation Table:

Paste observation table here.

The mean error is ___ %.

Result: Principle of Superposition with AC Sources using Multisim has been verified.

Precautions:

1. Ensure that all connections are correctly established; zoom in for a thorough cross-check.
2. The circuit simulation will only run if the ground is appropriately connected.
3. Record a minimum of three cycles of the output current waveform.

Viva-Voce Questions:

1. What is the Superposition Theorem, and how does it apply to AC circuits?

2. Explain the fundamental principle behind the Superposition Theorem when dealing with AC sources.
3. Can you apply the Superposition Theorem to circuits with multiple AC sources? If so, how?
4. What are the key conditions or prerequisites for applying the Superposition Theorem to an AC
circuit?
5. Are there any limitations or situations where the Superposition Theorem cannot be used for AC
circuits?

Find and write the answers below each question.