Analysis Methods Overview

Solving Linear Equations

Nodal Analysis
Supernodes (Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources)
Mesh Analysis
Supermeshes (Mesh Analysis with Current Sources)
This is a very important chapter.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Review of Basic Concepts: Current

i1

i2

i3

i4

i5

What goes in, has to come out

Kirchhoffs current law
Similar to conservation of mass
Conservation of electrons

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Review of Basic Concepts: Voltage

2 k

+ v3 10 V

2 k

+
v1

v-4

5 k

+
v2

7 k

The voltage drop from one node to another is the same, no

matter what path is chosen
Kirchhoffs voltage law

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Resistors in Parallel with Voltage Sources

+

Vs

vo

Circuit

Vs

vo

Circuit

What is vo in each case?

What effect does the resistor have on the current pumped into the
circuit?

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Resistors in Series with Current Sources

R
io
Is

io

Circuit

Is

Circuit

What is io in each case?

What effect does the resistor have on the voltage seen by the
circuit?

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Solving Linear Equations

Much of our circuit analysis will focus on finding a set of linear
equations and solving these equations
Need as many equations as there are unknowns
Three possible approaches
Algebra (elimination, substitution, etc.)
Cramers rule
Linear algebra
Last is easiest and least susceptible to errors
Requires use your scientific calculators

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Example 1: Solving Linear Equations

i1

= i2 + i3

i4 = i3 + 2m
10 = (1k)i1 + (5k)i2
(5k)i2 = (2k)i3 + (10k)i4
Rewrite so variables are in consistent order on left side and constants
are on the right side
i1
(1k)i1

J. McNames

i2

+ (5k)i2
+ (5k)i2

i3
i3

(2k)i3

Portland State University

ECE 221

i4

(10k)i4

=
=
=
=

Analysis Methods

0
2m
10
0

Ver. 1.68

Example 1: Continued (1)

i1
(1k)i1

i2

+ (5k)i2
+ (5k)i2

i3
i3

(2k)i3

In Matrix form this becomes

1 1
1
0
0
0
1
1

1k 5k
0
0
0 5k 2k 10k

i4

(10k)i4

=
=
=
=

0
2m
10
0

0
i1
i2 2m

i3 = 10
0
i4

or
Ai = b

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Example 1: Continued (2)

Ai = b where

1
1
1
0
0
0
1
1

A=
1k
5k
0
0
0 +5k 2k 10k

i1
i2

i=
i3
i4

0
2m

b=
10
0

Your calculator should be able to solve this directly

You should only need to enter A and b
Your calculator will return a vector i
Simultaneously solves for all the unknown variables
Much faster than Cramers rule or brute-force algrebra
Read the manuals for your calculators
This will save you time (homework & exams) and reduce errors

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

Example 1: Continued (3)

Linear Equations:

1
0

1k
0

0
1 1
0
i1

0
1
1
i2 = 2m
5k
0
0 i3 10
0
5k 2k 10k i4

Calculator should return:

+0.909
i1
i2 +1.818

=
i3 0.909 mA
+1.091
i4

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Network Terminology
Planar Circuit A circuit that can be drawn on a plane with no
crossing branches
Node Point or portion of a circuit where 2 or more elements are
joined
Essential Node Point or portion of a circuit where 3 or more
elements are joined
Branch Path that connects 2 nodes
Essential Branch Path that connects 2 essential nodes w/o passing
through an essential node
Loop Path with last node same as starting node that does not cross
itself
Mesh Loop that does not enclose any other loops

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Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 2: Terminology
35ip

R3

R6

R1

R2

R4

R4

R7

20 V

R8

2A

ip

Identify the following information

Nodes:
Branches:
EBs with Unknown Current:

J. McNames

Portland State University

Essential Nodes:
Essential Branches:
Meshes:

ECE 221

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Example 3: Circuit Analysis The Hard Way

10 V

1 k

2 k

i1

i3
5 k

2 mA

10 k

i2

i4

Can solve with KCL & KVL. Four unknowns.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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13

Nodal Analysis: Introduction

There is an another way to solve for currents and voltages
Easier
More methodical
Still based on Ohms law, KVL, & KCL
Nodal analysis is one of two key methods
Mesh analysis is the other
We will discuss nodal analysis first
Based on KCL
Must understand terminology introduced earlier
Use to solve for voltages
All voltages have a common reference point

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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14

Nodal Analysis Steps

1. Identifiy essential nodes
2. Pick a reference node
3. Label all other essential nodes
4. Apply KCL to all labelled nodes
5. Solve linear equations for all node voltages
6. Solve for variables of interest

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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15

Nodal Analysis: Step 1 Identify Essential Nodes

1 k

10 V

2 k

5 k

10 k

2 mA

Some essential nodes may include portions of the circuit (pieces of

wire)
Circle the entire node to prevent errors

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

16

Nodal Analysis: Step 2 Pick a Reference

1 k

10 V

2 k

5 k

10 k

2 mA

Second step is to pick a reference node

Is often easiest to choose the node that interconnects the most
branches
Must be an essential node
Usually is at bottom of circuit
Label with the same symbol used for ground

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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17

Nodal Analysis: Step 3 Label Other Essential Nodes

1 k

10 V

2 k

5 k

10 k

2 mA

Also a bit easier if voltages are labeled

All voltages are measured relative to the reference node

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

18

50 k

Nodal Analysis: Step 4 Apply KCL All Labeled Nodes

1

1 k

10 V

J. McNames

+
v1
-

2 k

5 k

+
v2
-

Portland State University

10 k

ECE 221

2 mA

Analysis Methods

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Nodal Analysis: Step 5 Solve Linear Equations

Linear Equations:

Solution (from calculator):

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Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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50 k

Nodal Analysis: Step 6 Solve for Variables of Interest

1

1 k

i1
10 V

i1
i2

=
=

i3
i4

=
=

J. McNames

+
v1
-

2 k

i3
5 k

i2

+
v2
-

Portland State University

10 k

2 mA

i4

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Nodal Analysis: Review of Steps

1. Identify essential nodes
2. Pick a reference
Must be an essential node
Always label with the ground symbol
Best to pick essential node with most branches
Often at the bottom of the circuit diagram
3. Label other essential nodes
4. Apply KCL to all labelled nodes except reference node
5. Solve linear equations
Generates voltage at each node (relative to reference node)
6. Solve for variables of interest
Usually easy after Step 5

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

22

Nodal Analysis: Use of Laws

All three laws are used
KCL is applied at each labelled node except the reference node
Ohms law is used to determine the current in branches that
contain resistors
KVL is used to determine the voltage drop across the resistors

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

23

Example 4: Nodal Analysis

4

144 V

80

+
v1
-

10

+
v2
-

3A

Solve for v1 and v2 .

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

24

Example 4: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 5: Nodal Analysis

2.7 k

4.7 k

20 mA

+
v1
-

2 k

+
v2
-

10 k

2.7 k

+
v3
-

3.3 k

5V

Solve for v1 , v2 , and v3 .

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

26

Example 5: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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80 k

Example 6: Dependent Voltage Source

v /5
10

+
50 V

10

30

39

78

Solve for v .
What effect does the 10 resistor have on the circuit?
What is the current flowing through the dependent source?
How can we apply KCL at the essential nodes without this
information?
Ans: One extra variable
Implies we need an extra equation

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

28

100 k

Example 6: Continued
v /5
10

+
50 V

10

30

39

78

Solve for v .

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

29

Example 6: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Nodal Analysis and Supernodes

Supernodes eliminate the need to introduce an extra variable
(unknown current)
Necessary when a voltage source is between two labeled nodes
(excluding reference node)
Still need to use voltage source to generate one of the equations

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

31

160 k

Example 7: Dependent Source Continued

v /5
10

+
50 V

10

30

39

78

Solve for v . Use a supernode.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

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Example 7: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 8: Dependent Voltage Source

35i

+ v 20

20 V

40

80

3.125v

Find the power developed by the 20 V source.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

34

Example 8: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 9: Nodal Analysis

500

11 mA
25 k

i1
20 V

250

1 k

i2

i3

10 V

Solve for i1 , i2 , and i3 .

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

36

Example 9: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 10: Nodal Analysis

1

1A
2

i
4

+
v
-

3i

Solve for v.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

38

Example 10: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Mesh Analysis: Introduction

Recall: There is an easier way to solve for currents and voltages
than applying KVL and KCL directly
Nodal analysis is one of two key methods
Mesh analysis is the other
Applies KVL to solve for currents
More abstract
Work with imaginary currents
Only applies to planar circuits

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

40

Mesh Analysis: Step 1 Label Meshes

4

ib

ia
40 V

ic
45

64 V

1.5

Find the branch currents ia , ib , and ic .

Recall: A mesh is a loop that does not enclose any other loops

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

41

Mesh Analysis: Step 2 Apply KVL to Each Mesh

4

ib

ia
40 V

45

J. McNames

ic
64 V

1.5

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Analysis Methods

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42

Mesh Analysis: Step 3 Solve Linear Equations


   
50 45 i1
40
=
45 50.5 i2
64
i1
i2

J. McNames

Portland State University

= 9.8 A
= 10 A

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Mesh Analysis: Step 4 Solve for Variables of Interest

4

ib

ia
40 V

45

ia
ib
ic

ic
64 V

1.5

=
=
=

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

44

Mesh Analysis: Review of Steps

Step 1 Label Meshes
Step 2 Apply KVL to Each Mesh
Step 3 Solve Linear Equations
Step 4 Solve for Variables of Interest
Usually easy after Step 3
Limitation: Only works with planar circuits

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

45

Example 11: Mesh Analysis

6

12

10

110 V

70V
12 V

Find the total power developed in the circuit.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

46

Example 11: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 12: Mesh Analysis

3

18 V

3A

15 V

Find the total power dissipated.

Problem: What is the voltage across the 3 A source?
Solutions
1 Add it as a variable
2 Use a supermesh
Second option requires less work

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

48

Example 12: Mesh Analysis

3

18 V

3A

15 V

Find the total power dissipated. Add a variable.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

49

Example 12: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Example 13: Mesh Analysis

3

18 V

3A

15 V

Find the total power dissipated. Use a supermesh.

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

51

Example 13: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

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Example 14: Mesh Analysis

ic
4.3 id

10

ia
25

100

id
200 V

50

ie

ib
10

Find the branch currents ia ie .

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

53

Example 14: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

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Example 15: Mesh Analysis

2 k

1.5 mA

7 k

3i

5 k

3 k

8V

4 k

4 k

i
4 k

Solve for i

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.68

55

Example 15: Workspace

J. McNames

Portland State University

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

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Nodal versus Mesh Analysis

You should know how to do both
Which is more efficient depends on the problem
Will learn which to use with experience
Nodal analysis used more often
On exams, I will specify which method to use
Concise Summary:
Method
Solve For
Super Conditions

J. McNames

Nodal Analysis
KCL
Node Voltages
Voltage Sources

Portland State University

ECE 221

Mesh Analysis
KVL
Mesh Currents
Current Sources

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