Analysis Methods Overview

Solving Linear Equations

Nodal Analysis
Supernodes (Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources)
Mesh Analysis

Analysis Methods

Supermeshes (Mesh Analysis with Current Sources)

Introduction to BJT Transistors

ECE 221

This is a very important chapter.

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2 k

+ v3 +
-

v1

2 k

+ v4 5 k

+
-

v2

7 k

Review of Basic Concepts: Voltage

10 V

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

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

matter what path is chosen

ECE 221

Kirchhos voltage law

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i2

i3

i5

Analysis Methods

i4

Review of Basic Concepts: Current

i1

What goes in, has to come out

Kirchhos current law
Similar to conservation of mass

ECE 221

Conservation of electrons

Circuit

vo

Resistors in Parallel with Voltage Sources

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What is vo in each case?

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Circuit

Ver. 1.66

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

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Is

io
Is

io

Circuit

Resistors in Series with Current Sources

R

Circuit

What is io in each case?

Analysis Methods

R2

35ip

R1

R7

R4

20 V

R8

Analysis Methods

Essential Nodes:
Essential Branches:
Meshes:

R4

ip

Example 1: Terminology

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

2A

Ver. 1.66

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

R3

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R6

ECE 221

Identify the following information

Nodes:
Branches:
EBs with Unknown Current:
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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

2 k

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

Loop Path with last node same as starting node that does not cross
itself

Analysis Methods

Mesh Loop that does not enclose any other loops

ECE 221

Note: this isnt in the text.

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1 k

i3
i4

10 k

i1
i2

5 k

Analysis Methods

2 mA

Example 2: Circuit Analysis The Hard Way

10 V

ECE 221

Can solve with KCL & KVL. Four unknowns.

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Solving Linear Equations

ECE 221

i3
i3

=
=
=
=

Analysis Methods

i4
10k i4

Example 2: Continued (1)

i2
2k i3

0
2m
10
0

Ver. 1.66

Much of our circuit analysis will focus on nding 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 scientic calculators

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i1
1k i1

+ 5k i2
+ 5k i2

= i2 + i3

i4 = i3 + 2m
10 = 1k i1 + 5k i2
5k i2 = 2k i3 + 10k i4

i1

Example 2: Solving Linear Equations

i2
+ 5k i2
+ 5k i2

i3
i3
2k i3

ECE 221

i4

10k i4

Analysis Methods

1
0
10k

i1

i2
i=
i3
i4

Example 2: Continued (2)

1
1
0
2k

=
=
=
=

You should only need to enter A and b

Your calculator will return a vector i

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ECE 221

Analysis Methods

2m
b=

10
0

Ver. 1.66

This will save you time (homework & exams) and reduce errors

Read the manuals for your calculators

Ver. 1.66

0
2m
10
0

Rewrite so variables are in consistent order on left side and constants

are on the right side
i1
1k i1

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Ai = b where

1
1

0
0
A=
1k
5k
0 +5k

Simultaneously solves for all the unknown variables

Your calculator should be able to solve this directly

In Matrix form this becomes

1 1
1
0
i1
0

i2 2m
0
1
1
0

i
1k
5k
0
0
10
3
i4
0 5k 2k 10k
0

Ai = b

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Much faster than Cramers rule or brute-force algrebra

ECE 221

or

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10

12

Linear Equations:

1k
0

0
i1
0
i2 2m
1
=
0 i3 10
10k
i4
0

Example 2: Continued (3)

1 1
0
1
5k
0
5k 2k

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Calculator should return:

i1
+0.909

i2 +1.818 mA
=

i
0.909
3
i4
+1.091

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1 k

2 k

5 k

10 k

Ver. 1.66

2 mA

Nodal Analysis: Step 1 Identify Essential Nodes

10 V

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

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

wire)

ECE 221

Circle the entire node to prevent errors

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Nodal Analysis: Introduction

Analysis Methods

2 k

2 mA

Ver. 1.66

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 rst
Based on KCL

Must understand terminology introduced earlier

Use to solve for voltages

ECE 221

All voltages have a common reference point

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1 k

5 k

10 k

Nodal Analysis: Step 2 Pick a Reference

10 V

Second step is to pick a reference node

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Is often easiest to choose the node that interconnects the most

branches
Must be an essential node
Usually is at bottom of circuit

ECE 221

Label with the same symbol used for ground

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16

1 k

2 k

5 k

10 k

2 mA

Nodal Analysis: Step 3 Label Other Essential Nodes

10 V

Also a bit easier if voltages are labeled

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

All voltages are measured relative to the reference node

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Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Nodal Analysis: Step 5 Solve Linear Equations

Linear Equations:

ECE 221

Solution (from calculator):

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1 k

+
v1
-

2 k

5 k

+
v2
-

ECE 221

10 k

2 mA

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Nodal Analysis: Step 4 Apply KCL All Labeled Nodes

10 V

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1 k

i1

+
v1
-

2 k

i3
5 k

i2

+
v2
-

ECE 221

10 k

i4

2 mA

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Nodal Analysis: Step 6 Solve for Variables of Interest

i1

=
=
=

10 V

i2
i3
i4

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18

20

Nodal Analysis: Review of Steps

Step 1: Identify essential nodes
Step 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
Step 3: Label other essential nodes
Step 4: Apply KCL to all labelled nodes except reference node

ECE 221

80

+
v2
-

Analysis Methods

Analysis Methods

3A

Example 3: Nodal Analysis

10

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

Step 5: Solve linear equations

Generates voltage at each node (relative to reference node)

+
v1
-

Step 6: Solve for variables of interest

Usually easy after Step 5

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144 V

Solve for v1 and v2 .

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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

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Analysis Methods

Example 3: Workspace

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

24

22

KVL is used to determine the voltage drop across the resistors

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20 mA

+
v1
-

+
v2
-

2.7 k

10 k

2.7 k

3.3 k

Analysis Methods

+
v3
-

Example 4: Nodal Analysis

4.7 k

2 k

Solve for v1 , v2 , and v3 .

ECE 221

10

10

v
/5

30

39

+
-

v

5V

Ver. 1.66

78

Example 5: Dependent Voltage Source

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50 V

Solve for v
.
What eect does the 10 resistor have on the circuit?
What is the current owing through the dependent source?

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

How can we apply KCL at the essential nodes without this

information?
Ans: One extra variable

ECE 221

Implies we need an extra equation

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25 Portland State University

50 V

Solve for v
.

27 Portland State University

v

Analysis Methods

Example 4: Workspace

ECE 221

v
/5

30

Analysis Methods

39

Example 5: Continued
10

10

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

78

Ver. 1.66

26

28

Analysis Methods

Example 5: Workspace

ECE 221

10

10

v
/5

30

+
-

v

Analysis Methods

39

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

78

Example 6: Dependent Source Continued

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50 V

ECE 221

Solve for v
. Use a supernode.

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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)

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Analysis Methods

Example 6: Workspace

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

32

30

Still need to use voltage source to generate one of the equations

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20
i

40

80

ECE 221

500

Analysis Methods

1 k

10 V

Analysis Methods

i3

Example 8: Nodal Analysis

11 mA

250

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

3.125v

Example 7: Dependent Voltage Source

35i

+ v
20 V

i2

Find the power developed by the 20 V source.

i1

25 k

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20 V

Solve for i1 , i2 , and i3 .

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33 Portland State University

35 Portland State University

Analysis Methods

Example 7: Workspace

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Example 8: Workspace

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

36

34

1A

Solve for v.

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i
+
v
2

Analysis Methods

Example 9: Nodal Analysis

3i
1

ECE 221

Mesh Analysis: Introduction

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

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

ECE 221

Mesh analysis is the other

Applies KVL to solve for currents
More abstract
Work with imaginary currents
Only applies to planar circuits

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ia

ib

Analysis Methods

Example 9: Workspace

ECE 221

45

1.5

ic
64 V

Mesh Analysis: Step 1 Label Meshes

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40 V

Find the branch currents ia , ib , and ic .

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

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

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38

40

40 V

=
=
=

ib

45

1.5

ic

ECE 221

64 V

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Mesh Analysis: Step 2 Apply KVL to Each Mesh

ia

ia

ib

45

1.5

ic

ECE 221

64 V

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Mesh Analysis: Step 4 Solve for Variables of Interest

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40 V

ia
ib
ic

Portland State University

Analysis Methods

= 9.8 A
= 10 A

50 45
45 50.5

i1
i2

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

44

42

Mesh Analysis: Step 3 Solve Linear Equations


   
i1
40
=
64
i2

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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

ECE 221

Limitation: Only works with planar circuits

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110 V

10

12

70V

Example 10: Mesh Analysis

6

12 V

3A

Analysis Methods

15 V

Example 11: Mesh Analysis

ECE 221

Find the total power developed in the circuit.

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18 V

Find the total power dissipated.

Analysis Methods

Problem: What is the voltage across the 3 A source?

Solutions
1 Add it as a variable
2 Use a supermesh

ECE 221

Second option requires less work

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Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

45 Portland State University

18 V

Analysis Methods

Example 10: Workspace

ECE 221

15 V

Example 11: Mesh Analysis

9

3A

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Find the total power dissipated. Add a variable.

47 Portland State University

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

48

46

Portland State University

Portland State University

Analysis Methods

Example 11: Workspace

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Example 12: Workspace

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

18 V

id

25

10

ib

ie

15 V

Example 12: Mesh Analysis

9

3A

4.3 id

50

ic

100

Analysis Methods

Analysis Methods

Example 13: Mesh Analysis

ECE 221

Find the total power dissipated. Use a supermesh.

ia

49 Portland State University

200 V

10

ECE 221

Find the branch currents ia ie .

51 Portland State University

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

52

50

Portland State University

Portland State University

Analysis Methods

Example 13: Workspace

ECE 221

Analysis Methods

Example 14: Workspace

ECE 221

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

1.5 mA

4 k
i

Solve for i

2 k

3 k

53 Portland State University

7 k

5 k

Analysis Methods

4 k

Example 14: Mesh Analysis

3i

8V

4 k

ECE 221

Nodal versus Mesh Analysis

You should know how to do both

Which is more ecient 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:

Ver. 1.66

Ver. 1.66

Mesh Analysis
KVL
Mesh Currents
Current Sources

Analysis Methods

Nodal Analysis
KCL
Node Voltages
Voltage Sources

ECE 221

Method
Solve For
Super Conditions

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