DC Circuits
Methods of Analysis
Introduction
Having understood the fundamental laws of circuit theory (Ohm’s law
and Kirchhoff’s laws), we are now prepared to apply these laws to
develop two powerful techniques for circuit analysis: nodal analysis,
which is based on a systematic application of Kirchhoff’s current law
(KCL), and mesh analysis, which is based on a systematic application
of Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL).
With the two techniques to be developed in this chapter, we can analyze
almost any circuit by obtaining a set of simultaneous equations that are
then solved to obtain the required values of current or voltage.
Nodal Analysis
Nodal analysis provides a general procedure for analyzing circuits using
node voltages as the circuit variables.
Example
1. Calculate the node voltages in the circuit below.
Solution
At node 1
𝑣1 𝑣1 − 𝑣2
+ −5=0
2 4
1 1 1
+ 𝑣 − 𝑣 =5
2 4 1 4 2
v2 3𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20 (1)
v1
At node 2
𝑣2 𝑣2 − 𝑣1
+ + 5 − 10 = 0
6 4
1 1 1
− 𝑣1 + + 𝑣2 = 5
4 6 4
−3𝑣1 + 5𝑣2 = 60 (2)
Add Equation (1) and (2)
3𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20
−3𝑣1 + 5𝑣2 = 60
+
4𝑣2 = 80
𝑣2 = 20 V
Subtitute v2 to Equation (1)
3𝑣1 − 20 = 20
𝑣1 = 13,33 V
2. Find the simultaneous equations for node voltages in the circuit
below.
v2
v1 v3
Solution
v2
v1 v3
At node 1
1 1 1 1
+ 𝑣 − 𝑣 − 𝑣 −3=0
2 4 1 2 2 4 3
3 1 1
𝑣1 − 𝑣2 − 𝑣3 = 3
4 2 4
3𝑣1 − 2𝑣2 − 𝑣3 = 12
v2
v1 v3
At node 2
1 1 1 1 1
− 𝑣1 + + + 𝑣2 − 𝑣3 = 0
2 2 4 8 8
1 7 1
− 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 − 𝑣3 = 0
2 8 8
−4𝑣1 + 7𝑣2 − 𝑣3 = 0
v2
v1 v3
At node 3
1 1 1 1 𝑣1 − 𝑣2
− 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 + + 𝑣 +2 =0
4 8 4 8 3 2
3 9 3
𝑣1 − 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = 0
4 8 8
2𝑣1 − 3𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = 0
3. For the circuit shown in figure below, find the node voltages.
Solution
Voltage source in the supernode
−𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = 2 (1)
Applying KCL to the supernode
1 1
𝑣1 + 𝑣2 − 2 + 7 = 0
2 4
1 1
𝑣 + 𝑣 = −5
2 1 4 2
2𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = −20 (2)
Suctract Equation (2) from (1)
−𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = 2
2𝑣1 + 𝑣2 = −20
−3𝑣1 = 22
𝑣1 = −7,33 V
Subtitute v1 to Equation (1)
− −7,33 + 𝑣2 = 2
𝑣2 = −5,33 V
4. For the circuit shown in figure below, find the simultaneous equation
for the node voltages.
Solution
Applying KCL to the supernode
Voltage source KCL at supernode
−𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = 2 (1) 1 1 1
− 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 + 7 = 0
10 10 4
KCL at node 1
2 2 5
1 1 1 − 𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 𝑣3 = −7
+ 𝑣1 − 𝑣2 − 2 = 0 20 20 20
2 10 10
−2𝑣1 + 2𝑣2 + 5𝑣3 = −140 (3)
6𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20 (2)
Mesh Analysis
Mesh analysis provides another general procedure for analyzing
circuits, using mesh currents as the circuit variables.
Example
1. For the circuit in Figure below, find the branch currents I1, I2, and
I3 using mesh analysis.
Solution
For mesh 1
5 + 10 𝑖1 − 10 𝑖2 + 10 − 15 = 0
15 𝑖1 − 10 𝑖2 = 5
3 𝑖1 − 2 𝑖2 = 1 (1)
For mesh 2
−10 𝑖1 + 10 + 6 + 4 𝑖2 − 10 = 0
−10 𝑖1 + 20 𝑖2 = 10
− 𝑖1 + 2 𝑖2 = 1 (2)
Add Equation (1) and (2)
3 𝑖1 − 2 𝑖2 = 1
− 𝑖1 + 2 𝑖2 = 1
+
2 𝑖1 = 2 𝑖1 = 1 A
Subtitute i1 to Equation (1)
3 − 2 𝑖2 = 1
𝑖2 = 1 A
Calculate I1, I2, and I3
𝐼1 = 𝑖1 = 1 A
𝐼2 = 𝑖2 = 1 A
𝐼3 = 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 0 A
2. Use mesh analysis to determine mesh current equations in circuit below
Solution
Current at supermesh
𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 3
At mesh 1 and 2
2𝑖1 + 4 + 8 𝑖2 − 2 + 4 𝑖3 − 6 = 0
2𝑖1 + 12𝑖2 − 6𝑖3 = 6
At mesh 3
−2𝑖1 − 4𝑖2 + 2 + 4 + 2 𝑖3 = 0
−2𝑖1 − 4𝑖2 + 8𝑖3 = 0
