BEEE203L

Circuit Theory
Module : 2 Lecture : 1
Module : 2 – Network Theorems

• Network theorems for a.c.circuits

• Superposition theorem

• Reciprocity theorem

• Thevenin’s theorem

• Norton’s theorem

• Maximum power transfer theorem and

• Millman’s theorem
 Superposition theorem
• The superposition theorem can be used to analyze an ac network containing more than
one source.

• The superposition theorem states that in a network containing more than one voltage
source or current source, the total current or voltage in any branch of the network is the
phasor sum of currents or voltages produced in that branch by each source acting
separately. As each source is considered, all of the other sources are replaced by their
internal impedances. This theorem is valid only for linear systems. This theorem does
not applicable for non-linear systems.
 Steps to apply superposition principle

1. Turn off all independent sources except one source. Find the output (voltage or
current) due to that active source.

2. Repeat step 1 for each of the other independent sources.

3. Find the total contribution by adding algebraically all the contributions due to the
independent sources.

Analyzing a circuit using superposition has one major disadvantage: it may very likely
involve more work. If the circuit has three independent sources, we may have to analyze
three simpler circuits each providing the contribution due to the respective individual
source.
Superposition theorem. Problem-1
Prob:-1. Use superposition theorem to find the current through the (3 + j4) ohm
impedance for the circuit shown in figure-1.1

• Solution Figure-1.1

• Step-I
• When the 50 ∠90° V source is acting alone in Figure-1.2

Figure-1.2
 Superposition theorem. Problem-1

By current division rule,

Step II.
When the 50∠0° V source is acting alone in Fig-1.3

Figure-1.3
Superposition theorem. Problem-1
By current division rule,

Figure-1.3

Step-III By superposition theorem,

Superposition theorem. Problem-2
Prob-2. Determine the voltage across the (2 + j5) ohm impedance for the network shown
in figure 2.1

Figure-2.1
Solution
Step-I
When the 50∠0° V source is acting alone in figure-2.2

Figure-2.2
 Superposition theorem. Problem-2
• Voltage cross (2 + j5) Ω impedance
V′ = (2 + j5) (5.42 ∠− 77.47°)
= 29.16 ∠− 9.28° V

Step II
When the 20∠30° A, source is acting alone (Fig. 2.3)
By current division rule,

Voltage across (2 + j5) Ω impedance

V′′ = (2 + j5) (8.68 ∠42.53°)
Figure-2.3
= 46.69 ∠110.72° V
 Superposition theorem. Problem-2
• Step III
• By superposition theorem,
• V = V′ + V′′
• = 29.16 ∠−9.28° + 46.69 ∠110.72°
• = 40.85 ∠72.53° V

• References
• Network Analysis & Synthesis – Ravish R. Singh,
McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited NEW DELHI, 2013,
Chapter : 6, Section : 6.4, Pages :6.14 – 6.22.