Lab 4: Series Parallel Circuit

1. Objective

The objective of this Lab is to apply Ohms Law to series-parallel circuits and verify
the current and voltage rules.

2. Equipments

 Breadboard, Digital Multimeter ,DC Power Supply,

 Various Resistors,LED’s

3. Theory

Series-Parallel Circuits
A series –Parallel circuit is a combination of the series and parallel circuit. The analysis of a
series –Parallel dc networks requires a firm understanding of the basics of both series and
parallel networks .In a series parallel configuration, you will have to isolate series and
parallel configurations and make the necessary combinations for reduction as you work
towards finding out the desired unknown quantity.

Series Circuits facts:

a. The current is the same in all parts of a DC circuit when resistors and loads
are connected in series with the voltage source.
b. In DC circuits with resistors or loads in series, the voltage drop across each
resistor or load depends on the resistance of each resistor or load.
c. Total resistance (Rtot) in a series DC circuit is the sum of the individual
resistances (Rtot = R1 + R2 + R3 + …)
d. For any resistor, given the current through it and the voltage across it, you
can use Ohm's law to find the resistance.

Parallel Circuits facts:

a. The current is NOT the same in all parts of a DC circuit when resistors and
loads are connected in Parallel with the voltage source. The total current is
the sum of the current in each branch of the circuit. Itot = I1 + I2 + I3 + …..
b. In DC circuits with resistors or loads in parallel, the voltage drop across each
resistor is the same.
c. Total resistance (Rtot) in a parallel DC circuit is found using this equation:
1/Rtot = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + …..
d. The total resistance in a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest
resistance in any one of the parallel branches.
e. For any resistor, given the current through it and the voltage across it, you
can use Ohm's law to find the resistance.
 4. Pre-Lab

1) Simulate the circuits in Fig 1 using Multisim and measure all the voltages and
currents as outlined in the procedure and bring the simulation results along with you
when you come for the Lab.

5. Lab Work

Procedure
Series –parallel Circuit

Figure 1 Schematic Diagram of a series-parallel circuit

1. Measure the value of resistors given to you using DMM and record it in the column
#2 of the Data Table # 1.Calculate the circuits total resistance theoretically and
record it below.
RTotal calculated = ___________Ω

2. Using the above resistors, power supply and connecting wires construct the circuit as
shown in Figure 3.

3. Isolate the power supply and measure the total resistance R Total across points A-D
using DMM as Ohmmeter.

RTotal measured = ___________Ω

4. Measure the voltage across each resistor V1,V2,V3 of the circuit and record the values
in Data Table 1
5. Measure the current I1,I2,I3 in the circuit and record the values Data Table 1
 6. Measurements and Results

Data Table #1

Measured Measured Measured Multisim Multisim Theoretical Theoretical % Difference

Resistor Voltage Current Voltage Current Voltage Current between
Values values values values values values values Theoretical &
Measured (V)
(I)

R1 = Ω V1= V I1= A V1= V I1= A V1= V I1= A

R2 = Ω V2= V I2= A V2= V I2= A V2= V I2= A

R3 = Ω V3= V I3= A V3= V I3= A V3= V I3= A

Rtot = Ω Vtot= V Itot = A Vtot= V Itot= A Vtot = V Itot = A

7. Post Lab

Write a suitable conclusion for the experiment (show comparative analysis if any) and
answer the following questions.

Questions:

1. Theoretically calculate the voltages across VR1, VR2, VR3 in Figure 1 using voltage
divider rule and compare them with the voltages measured in step 6. Write your
comment. (Show your calculations )
2. Theoretically calculate the current through each branch of the circuit in Figure 1
using current divider rule and compare it with the currents measured in step
5.Write your comment. (Show your calculations)