Nodal vs.

Mesh
• In nodal analysis, circuit variables are node voltages
• Nodal analysis applies KCL to find unknown voltages

Mesh Analysis • In mesh analysis, circuit variables are mesh currents

• Mesh analysis applies KVL to find unknown currents

• Both methods result in a system of linear equations

• Mesh analysis is only applicable to a circuit that is planar

Planar vs. Non-planar What is a mesh/mesh current?

• Planar circuit: it can be drawn on a plane surface • A mesh is a loop that does not contain any other
where no element cross any other element loops within it
• Non-planar circuit: there is no way to redraw it and • The current through a mesh is known as mesh
avoid the branches crossing current
a b

c d
C

C C

1
 Steps of Mesh Analysis Example
1. Assign a mesh current to each mesh. R1 R2
2. Apply KVL to each mesh
--- express voltages in terms of mesh currents.
3. Solve the resulting linear equations. Va
R3 Vb

Mesh Equations by Visual Inspection Example

(only for circuits containing resistors and
12 V
independent voltage sources)
• Left-hand side: 1Ω
2Ω
− Diagonal terms is the sum of resistances in the 24 V
3Ω 1Ω
related mesh
− Off-diagonal terms are the negatives of the
resistances common to the meshes.
4Ω 18 V 1Ω
• Right-hand side:
− Algebraic sum of voltage rises of all independent
voltage sources in the related mesh 6V 2Ω

2
 Mesh Analysis with Current Mesh Analysis with Current
Sources Sources (I)
Find Vo
Two cases: 4 mA
• a current source exists only in one mesh
o

+
• a current source exists between two meshes
2 kΩ 6 kΩ
4 kΩ
Vo

2 mA 4 kΩ 3V

-
o

Mesh Analysis with Current Mesh Analysis with Current

Sources (II) Sources (II)
2I2
6Ω 10 Ω Find I1, I2.
-+

2Ω
8Ω I2 40 Ω
20 V 4Ω

I1
6A
5A 80 Ω 64 V
2.5I1