Network Analysis

Node & SuperNode Analysis

Theory

NODE ANALYSIS
Nodal analysis states that the algebraic sum of currents meeting at
junction/ node is zero.
It is completely based on KCL
This analysis is carried out to determine voltages of different nodes with
respect to reference node.
Reference node/ Datum node is also one type of node in the network.
After determination of node voltages, currents in all the branches can be
determined. This method is useful where number of loops is large and
mesh analysis is bit complicated.
Steps for Nodal analysis:
Step 1) Mark all the nodes in the given network.

Here, there are 4 nodes.

Step 2) Select one of the node as reference/ datum node.

Network Analysis

Node & SuperNode Analysis

Theory

NOTE:
1) On observing, we come to know that the Node 3 and Node 4 are
actually the same. Because there is no voltage drop between them due to
any resistor. So both Node 3 and Node 4 can be considered as reference
node.
2) If we consider Note 2 as the reference node, then in this case there
is no other node whose potential will be same as node 2 point. So unlike
point (1) only node 2 will be the reference node.
KEY NOTE: Generally the lower nodes in the network are considered as
reference node to avoid any sort of mistake.
Step 3) Assign the unknown potentials of all nodes with respect to the
reference node.

As Vc and Reference node have zero potential, so we need not consider

Vc.
Step 4) At each node (excluding reference node), assume the unknown
currents and mark their directions arbitrarily. (It's recommended that
consider all the currents moving away from the respective node)

Network Analysis

Node & SuperNode Analysis

Theory

Step 5) Apply the KCL at each node and write the equations in terms of
node voltages.
At node VA:

1 0
1

0
4

=0

All the voltage drop in each term is with respect to reference node.
But VC is same as reference node. Therefore, Vc = 0V.
The equations becomes,
1

i.e.

1
1
1
+
+
1
2
4

1
2

=0
1
1

-----(1)
-----(2)

At node VB:

0
2

0
5

2
3

But Vc = 0V
3

= 0 ----(3)

Network Analysis

Node & SuperNode Analysis

Theory

=0

2
5
3
2
1
1
1
1
+

+
+
=
2
2
5
3
3

-----(4)

Step 6) Solve the equations (2) and (4) to get VA and VB.

SUPERNODE ANALYSIS
Nodes that are connected to each other by voltage sources, but not to the
reference node by a path of voltage source form a super node.
To solve supernode problem, we need one current equation that is KCL
equation and the remaining node voltage equations that is KVL
equations.
Examples of SuperNode:-

Here, V2 & V3 forms a Supernode.

Network Analysis

Node & SuperNode Analysis

Theory

Steps for Supernode analysis:

Step 1) Identify the super node.

Here, V2 and V3 forms a supernode.
Step 2) Apply KCL to the remaining node/s.
Here, V1 is the remaining node. So,
-I +
i.e. V1

1
1

1 2

1
2

=0

2
2

= I -------(1)

Step 3) Write the voltage equation for supernode.

V 2- V 3 = V A
------(2)
Step 4) Apply KCL to supernode.
2 1
2

2
3

1
1
1
+ 2
+
1
2
3

+ 3

4
1
1
+
4
5

3
5

=0
----(3)

NOTE: Observe the KCL equation of supernode properly.

Step 5) Solve the equations and find the node voltages (V1, V2 & V3).