Methods of Analysis

Circuits 1
Fall 2005
Harding University

Jonathan White
 Outline
Nodal Analysis
Define a symbol for all unknown node voltages.
Write KCL at each node where variables occur
Using Ohms Law, solve resulting equations.
Mesh Currents
Set up the currents
Use KVL
Methods to solve linear equations
Substitution
Determinants
Calculator
Method from Numerical Methods
 Nodal Analysis
Steps:
Define a voltage at every node in the circuit
Note: Some may be known, such as the source and
ground
Write KCL at the nodes where the unknown voltages
exist
Now, plug into these KCL equations with the unknown
voltages, remembering how Ohms Law works. In this
case, I = (VH VL)/R, because we are writing voltages
for nodes, not just resistors. Since current flows from a
higher potential to a lower potential, the voltage over a
resistor that is connected to 2 nodes is just VH VL
Other current and voltage sources must be factored in
to either the KCL equations or the unknown voltages.
They sometimes actually make the equations easier.
Solve for the unknown voltages.
Nodal Analysis Example 1
Find all voltages and currents.
Nodal Analysis Example 2
Find Vo

+ Vo -
 Mesh Currents
Steps:
Label each unknown current in each mesh, going
clockwise.
A mesh is a loop which does not contain any other loops
within it.
Also, write down the polarities of the currents as they go
through each resistor.
Write KVL equations for each mesh. In this case, use
V=I*R. When resistors are in both meshes, I=(I1-I2).
Use Ohms Law to express the voltages in terms of the
mesh currents.
Again, you may need extra equations if there are other
current/voltage sources.
Solve for the unknown currents.
Mesh Current Example - 1
Calculate the mesh currents.
Mesh Current Example - 2
Find the current through the 1 ohm R
 Methods of Solving Sets of
Equations
Calculator
rref function
solve function
Linear Algebra
Substitution
Graphing
Euclids Method