Experiment

DC
Superposition Principle (DC)

3
Objectives:
 To verify experimentally the superposition principle as applied to DC circuits.

Equipment :
- Resistors : (1.2kΩ , 2.2kΩ , 3.3kΩ)
- DMM ( Digital Multimeter ) .
- DC Power Supply.

Theory :

The superposition principle states that the current through or voltage cross any
resistive branch of a multi source network is the algebraic sum of the contributions
due to each source acting independently. When the effects of one source are
considered, the others are replaced by their internal resistances. Superposition is
effective only for linear circuit relationships.

The steps in applying the theorem are as follows :

1. Choose one source at a time , and replace all other voltages sources with a
short circuit ( R = 0 ) , and all other sources with an open circuit ( R = ∞ ) .
2. Determine the currents and voltage required .
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each source in this circuit.
4. The total current or voltages in a branch is the algebraic sum of the individual
source currents or voltages in that branch .

1
PROCEDURE
Part 1:

(a) See Fig 3.1 and measure the value of the resistors using the DMM .

Figure 3.1

Resistors
Nominal Value Measured Value
1.2 kΩ
2.2 kΩ
3.3 kΩ

(b) By using the superposition principle, we first remove one of the sources and
replace it by wire (short circuit). Then fill the table.
(c) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

Figure 3.2

2
 Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error
VsI 10
V'I
V'2 V
V'3
I'1
I'2 mA
I'3
P'1
P'2 mW
P'3
Table 3.2

(d) By using the superposition principle, we remove the other sources and
replace it by wire (short circuit). Then fill the table.
(e) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

Figure 3.3

Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error

Vs2 15
V' ' I
V' ' 2 V
V' ' 3
I' ' 1
I' ' 2 mA
I' ' 3
P' ' 1
P' ' 2 mW
P' ' 3
Table 3.3

3
 (f) Now construct the original circuit as shown in Fig. 3.4 and fill the table .
(g) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

Figure 3.4

Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error

( X' + X'')
Vs1 10
Vs2 15
VI V
V2
V3
11
I2 mA
I3
P1
P2 mW
P3
Table 3.4
Part 2 :

(a) Construct the network of Fig 3.5. Insert the measured resistor values.

Figure 3.5

4
 (b) Using superposition method, remove the first voltage source ( E1 ) and fill
the table .
(c) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error

Vs2 -10
V'I
V'2 V
V'3
I'1
I'2 mA
I'3
P'1
P'2 mW
P'3
Table 3.5

(d) Using superposition method, remove the first voltage source ( E2 ) and fill
the table .
(e) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error

Vs1 20
V' ' I
V' ' 2 V
V' ' 3
I' ' 1
I' ' 2 mA
I' ' 3
P' ' 1
P' ' 2 mW
P' ' 3
Table 3.6

(f) Reconstruct the original circuit and fill the table .

(g) Find the theoretical values by calculation and compare your result with the
measured values. ( Report )

5
 Parameter Unit Theoretical Experimental % Error
( X' + X'')
Vs1 20
Vs2 10
VI V
V2
V3
11
I2 mA
I3
P1
P2 mW
P3
Table 3.7