ACECE 4 Circuits 1, Lecture

Module 2: DC Circuit Analysis

This module tackles DC Circuit Analysis focusing on basic network analysis, which includes
the source conversion of circuits, mesh, loop and nodal analysis as well as dependent or
controlled source circuits. The topics covered involves their definitions, concepts and sample
solved problems as exercise.

Definition of Network Analysis

The analysis of an electrical network consists of determining each of the unknown branch
currents and node voltages. It is therefore important to define all the relevant variables as
clearly as possible, and in systematic fashion. Once the known and unknown variables have
been identified, a set of equations relating these variables is constructed, and these equations
are solved by means of suitable techniques. The analysis of electric circuits consists of
writing the smallest set of equations sufficient to solve for all the unknown variables.

Part 1: Source Conversion

Depending on the type of analysis, a circuit with either no voltage sources or no current
sources may be preferable. Because a circuit may have an undesired type of source, it is
convenient to be able to transform voltage sources to equivalent currents and vice versa. For
a transformation, each voltage source should have a series resistance internal resistance and
each current source a parallel internal resistance.

Practical Voltage and Current Sources

For the voltage source, if RS = 0 Ω or is so small compared to any series resistor that it can be
ignored, then we have an “ideal” voltage source. For the current source, if Rs = ∞ Ω or is large
enough compared to other parallel elements that it can be ignored, then we have an “ideal”
current source.
If the internal resistance is included with either source, then that source can be converted to
the other source type. But take note that, source conversions are equivalent only at their
external terminals and the internal characteristics of each are quite different.

Voltage Source to Current Source Conversion

Based on the figures shown above, the transformation of voltage source to an equivalent
current source, the same resistor is in parallel with the current source, and the current
source is equal to the original source voltage divided by the series resistance. The current
source arrow is direct toward the terminal nearest the positive terminal of the voltage
source.

Current Source to Voltage Source Conversion

On the other hand, the transformation of current source to an equivalent voltage source, the
same resistor is in series with the voltage source which is equal to the original source current
multiplied by its parallel resistance. The positive terminal of the voltage source is nearest
the terminal toward which the arrow of the current source is directed. These same
procedures apply to transformations of dependent sources.
Sample Problem:
Find the currents and voltages of the circuit below. Convert the current source
and 2-ohm resistor to an equivalent source and again find the resistor currents
and voltages.

Given:

Solution:
Converting the given circuit to its equivalent source, we have,
𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 𝐼𝑅
𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 16(2) = 𝟑𝟐 𝑽

Hence,

Solving for the currents and voltages before conversion, the voltage across the
components is,
𝑉𝐵𝐶 = 𝑉2Ω = 𝑉6Ω = 𝐼𝑅𝑇
2∗6
= 16 ( )
2+6
𝑽𝑩𝑪 = 𝑽𝟐Ω = 𝑽𝟔Ω = 𝟐𝟒 𝑽

And,
24
𝐼2Ω = = 𝟏𝟐 𝑨
2
24
𝐼6Ω = =𝟒𝑨
6

Solving for the currents and voltages after conversion, the current flowing on the
components is,
 Sample Problem: (cont.)
𝑉𝐴𝐶
𝐼𝐴𝐶 = 𝐼2Ω = 𝐼6Ω =
𝑅𝑇
32
=
2+6
𝑰𝑨𝑪 = 𝑰𝟐Ω = 𝑰𝟔Ω = 𝟒 𝑨

And,
𝑉2Ω = (2)(4) = 𝟖 𝑽
𝑉6Ω = (6)(4) = 2𝟒 𝑽

To summarize, refer on the table below,

Before Conversion (BC) After Conversion (AC)

I (A) 16 4
V (V) 24 32
I2Ω (A) 12 4
I6Ω (A) 4 4
V2Ω (V) 24 8
V6Ω (V) 24 24

Part 2: Mesh Analysis

Loop
A loop is any closed path in a circuit.

Mesh
A mesh is a loop that does not have any closed path inside it. No components are inside the
mesh.

In mesh analysis, preferably all current sources are converted to voltage sources and all
conductances are converted to resistances. KVL is applied with mesh currents which are
current preferably referenced to flow clockwise around the meshes, one at a time.
For the mesh network:
By applying KVL at mesh I, we have
𝑉1 − 𝐼1 𝑅1 − 𝑅2 (𝐼1 − 𝐼2 ) − 𝑉2 = 0

Using self-resistance / mutual-resistance concept of mesh analysis, we have

(𝑅1 + 𝑅2 )𝐼1 − 𝑅2 𝐼2 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2

Applying similar method on mesh II, we will obtain,

−𝑅2 𝐼1 + (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 )𝐼2 = 𝑉2 − 𝑉3

Basically, the steps to conduct mesh analysis are as follows:

1. Assign a loop current to each independent, closed loop in a clockwise direction.
2. The number of required equations is equal to the number of chosen independent,
closed loops. Column 1 of each equation is formed by summing the resistance values of
those resistors through which the loop current of interest passes and multiplying the
result by that loop current.
3. Consider the mutual terms which are always subtracted from the first column. A
mutual term is simply any resistive element having an additional loop current passing
through it. It is possible to have more than one mutual term if the loop current of
interest has an element in common with more than one other loop current. Each term
is the product of the mutual resistor and the other loop current passing through the
same element.
4. The column to the right of the equality sign is the algebraic sum of the voltage sources
through which the loop current of interest passes. Positive signs are assigned to those
sources of voltage having a polarity such that the loop current passes from the negative
to the positive terminal. A negative sign is assigned to those potentials for which the
reverse is true.
5. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the desired loop currents.

Sample Problem:
Find the mesh current in the circuit below.

Solution:
Using self-resistance/mutual-resistance concept of mesh analysis, we have
(6 + 4)𝐼1 − 4𝐼2 = 40 − 12
−4𝐼1 + (4 + 12)𝐼2 = 12 + 24
Solving algebraically,
𝑰𝟏 = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝑨
𝑰𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟕𝟖 𝑨
 Sample Problem:
Find the mesh current in the circuit below.

Solution:
Using self-resistance/mutual-resistance concept of mesh analysis, we have
(3 + 4)𝐼1 − 4𝐼2 − 0𝐼3 = 42 + 25
−4𝐼1 + (4 + 5 + 6)𝐼2 − 6𝐼3 = −25 − 57 − 70
0𝐼1 − 6𝐼2 + (6 + 7)𝐼3 = 70 + 4
Solving algebraically,
𝑰𝟏 = 𝟓 𝑨
𝑰𝟐 = −𝟖 𝑨
𝑰𝟑 = 𝟐 𝑨

Supermesh
Supermesh are meshes that share a common current source with other meshes and none of
which contains a current source in their loop. When a current source is present between two
meshes, we remove the branch having the current source and then the remaining loop is
known as supermesh.

To perform supermesh analysis, we have to:

1. Start as before and assign a mesh current to each independent loop including the
current sources, as if they were resistors or voltage sources.
2. Then redraw the network to remove the current sources (replace with open-circuit
equivalents)
3. Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to all the remaining independent paths of the network
using the mesh currents just defined. Any resulting path, including two or more mesh
currents, is said to be the path of a supermesh current.
4. Then relate the chosen mesh currents of the network to the independent current
sources of the network, and solve for the mesh currents.
 Sample Problem:
Using mesh analysis, determine the currents of the network below.

Solution:
Identifying the mesh currents and removing the shared current source, we have,

Applying KVL on the path of supermesh current,

𝐸1 − 𝐼1 𝑅1 − 𝐼1 𝑅2 − 𝐼2 𝑅3 + 𝐸2 = 0
20 − 10𝐼1 − 2𝐼2 + 12 = 0
10𝐼1 + 2𝐼2 = 32

Applying KCL on the node where the current source is located,

𝐼1 − 𝐼2 = 4

Hence, with two equations and two unknowns,

𝑰𝟏 = 𝟑. 𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝑨
𝑰𝟐 = −𝟎. 𝟔𝟔𝟕 𝑨

Part 3: Loop Analysis

Loop Analysis
Loop analysis is similar to mesh analysis, the principal difference being the current paths
selected are loops that are not necessarily meshes. Also, there is no convention on the
direction of the loop currents; they can be clockwise or counter-clockwise, as a result, mutual
terms can be positive when KVL is applied to the loops.

For loop analysis, no current source need be transformed to a voltage source. But each
current source should have only one loop current flowing through it so that the loop current
is known. Also, then KVL is not applied to this loop because the current source voltage is
unknown.
If the current through only one component is desired, the loops should be selected such that
only one loop current flows through this component. Then, only one current has to be solved
for. In contrast for mesh analysis, finding the current through an interior component
requires solving for two mesh currents.

Sample Problem:
Use loop analysis to find the current flowing to the right through the 5 kΩ resistor
in the circuit below.

Solution:
Applying the loops to find the current through the 5 kΩ resistor, we have,

Using self-resistance/mutual-resistance concept of loop analysis, we have

11𝐼1 − 6𝐼2 + 2𝐼3 = 0
−6𝐼1 + 19.5𝐼2 − 15𝐼3 = 0
2𝐼1 − 15𝐼2 + 16𝐼3 = 26
Solving algebraically,
𝑰𝟓𝒌Ω = 𝑰𝟏 = 𝟐 𝒎𝑨
𝑰𝟐 = 𝟔 𝒎𝑨
𝑰𝟑 = 𝟕 𝒎𝑨

Part 4: Nodal Analysis

Nodal Analysis
In nodal analysis, preferably all voltage sources are converted to current sources and all
resistances are converted to conductances. Then, KCL is applied to all nodes except for the
ground node. Almost always the bottom node is considered as the ground node.
Conventionally voltages on all non-graduated nodes are considered to be positive in
potential with respect to the ground node.

For the nodal network,

By applying KCL (at node V1) on the nodal network, we have,

𝐼1 − 𝐼𝐺1 − 𝐼𝐺2 − 𝐼2 = 0
𝐼1 − 𝐺1 𝑉1 − (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )𝐺2 − 𝐼2 = 0

Using nodal analysis via self-conductance / mutual-conductance concept, we have,

(𝐺1 + 𝐺2 )𝑉1 − 𝐺2 𝑉2 = 𝐼1 − 𝐼2

Applying similar method on the second node, we will obtain,

−𝐺2 𝑉1 + (𝐺2 + 𝐺3 )𝑉2 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3

Basically, the steps to conduct nodal analysis are as follows:

1. Choose a reference node and assign a subscripted voltage label to the remaining nodes
of the network.
2. The number of equations required for a complete solution is equal to the number of
subscripted voltages. Column 1 of each equation is formed by summing the
conductances tied to the node of interest and multiplying the result by that subscripted
nodal voltage.
3. Considering the mutual terms, they are always Column 1 of each equation is formed by
summing the conductances tied to the node of interest and multiplying the result by
that subscripted nodal voltage. Each mutual term is the product of the mutual
conductance and the other nodal voltage tied to that conductance.
4. The column to the right of the equality sign is the algebraic sum of the current sources
tied to the node of interest. A current source is assigned a positive sign if it supplies
current to a node and a negative sign if it draws current from the node.
5. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the desired voltages.
Sample Problem:
Solve for the node voltages on the given circuit below.

Solution:
Using self-resistance/mutual-resistance concept of nodal analysis, we have

1 1 1
( + ) 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 = −2
6 3 3
1 1 1
− 𝑉1 + ( + ) 𝐼2 = 3
3 3 4
Solving algebraically,
𝑽𝟏 = −𝟎. 𝟗𝟐𝟑 𝑽
𝑽𝟐 = 𝟒. 𝟔𝟏𝟓 𝑽
 Sample Problem:
Solve for the node voltages on the given circuit below.

Solution:
Using self-resistance/mutual-resistance concept of nodal analysis, we have

(3 + 4 + 5)𝑉1 − 5𝑉2 − 4𝑉3 = 150 − 74 − 100

−5𝑉1 + (5 + 6 + 7)𝑉2 − 6𝑉3 = 74 + 23 + 15
−4𝑉1 − 6𝑉2 + (4 + 6 + 8)𝑉3 = 100 − 15 − 191
Solving algebraically,
𝑽𝟏 = −𝟐 𝑽
𝑽𝟐 = 𝟒 𝑽
𝑽𝟑 = −𝟓 𝑽

Supernode
This is a case in nodal analysis when the voltage source is connected between two non-
reference nodes.

To perform supernode analysis:

1. Start as before and assign a nodal voltage to each independent node of the network,
including each independent voltage source as if it were a resistor or current source.
2. Replace the independent voltage sources with short-circuit equivalents.
3. Apply Kirchhoff’s current law to the defined nodes of the network. Any node including
the effect of elements tied only to other nodes is referred to as a supernode.
4. Relate the defined nodes to the independent voltage sources of the network, and solve
for the nodal voltages.
 Sample Problem:
Determine the nodal voltages that is unknown on the figure below.

Solution:
Replacing the independent voltage source of 12 V with a short-circuit equivalent,
we have,

Applying KCL on the supernode,

6 + 𝐼3 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 4 + 𝐼3
𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = 2
𝑉1 𝑉2
+ =2
4 2
Relating the defined nodal voltages to the independent voltage source, we have
𝑉1 − 𝑉2 = 12

Hence, with two equations two unknowns,

𝑽𝟏 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟔𝟔𝟕 𝑽
𝑽𝟐 = −𝟏. 𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝑽

Part 5: Dependent or Controlled Source

Dependent or Controlled Source

These are sources that produces a voltage or current that depend on a voltage or current
elsewhere in a circuit. If there are circuits containing dependent sources, a good first step is
to solve for the dependent source controlling quantities in terms of the mesh or loop currents
or node voltages being solved for.

Voltage-dependent and Current-dependent Current Source / Voltage-dependent and

Current-dependent Voltage Source

Sample Problem:
Find V for the circuit below.

Solution:
Using Ohm’s Law, we have
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅
𝑉 = −(5000)(8𝐼)

But,
𝑉𝑆 1
𝐼= =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 400 + 600
𝐼 = 1 𝑚𝐴

Hence,
𝑉 = −(5000)(8 ∗ 1 × 10−3 )
𝑽 = −𝟒𝟎 𝑽
Sample Problem:
Solve for the unknown node voltages in the circuit below.

Solution:
First, we have to convert the circuit with voltage source to its equivalent current
source circuit, we have,

Using self-conductance concept of modal analysis, we have,

1 1 1 1
( + + ) 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 = 1.6
10 3 2 2
1 1 1
− 𝑉1 + ( + ) 𝑉2 = 3𝐼
2 2 4

But observing on the circuit, the current flowing at 3-ohm resistor is the same as
the current source 3I because it is connected in series to each other, therefore,
𝑉1 = 𝑉2
𝑉1
𝐼 = 𝐺𝑉2 = 𝐺𝑉1 =
3

Hence,
1 1 1 1
( + + ) 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 = 1.6
10 3 2 2
1 1 1 𝑉1
− 𝑉1 + ( + ) 𝑉2 = 3 ( )
2 2 4 3

Solving algebraically,
𝑽𝟏 = −𝟐𝟒 𝑽
𝑽𝟐 = −𝟒𝟖 𝑽
Sources:
• Basic Circuit Analysis 2nd ed. by John O’Malley, Ph. D.
• Engineering Circuit Analysis 7th ed. by W. Hayt, J. Kemmerly and S. Durbin

Other references:
Source Transformation EP.19 (Tagalog/English Electronics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxuiT2STtkA&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=19

Mesh Analysis EP.17 (Tagalog/English Electronics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntRQEvnhigk&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=17

Nodes, Branches and Loops EP.12 (Tagalog/English Electronics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9HN6AdDLmY&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=12

Nodal Analysis EP.16 (Tagalog/English Electronics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mN10l5cJEo&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=16

Independent and Dependent Voltage and Current Sources EP.11 (Tagalog/English Electronics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsEt_Z9R8aE&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=11

Supermesh and Supernode EP.45 (Tagalog Electronics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXIwRDR2Jk4&list=PLy8CVak7-
Br6atMM75FWTjb9zDSzIEi16&index=45