Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

NETWORK THEOREMS
Guys we know Krichoffs Law, Mesh Analysis and Node Analysis are
some of the methods to analyze the circuits.
But there are certain theorems which can also be used to make the circuit
analysis simpler.
Those theorems are,
1) Superposition Theorem.
2) Thevenins Theorem.
3) Nortons Theorem.
4) Maximum Power Transfer Theorem.
5) Millimans Theorem.
Friends we have learned some of these theorems in BEE subject, in
chapter called D.C Circuits.
But there we have used these theorems in circuits containing
Independent sources.
Here, we will apply these theorems in circuits containing Dependent
Sources.

1) Superposition Theorem:
Statement:
In a linear network containing more than one sources, the resulted
current in any branch is the algebraic sum of the currents that would be
produced by each source (independent or dependent) acting alone, all
other sources of EMF being replaced by their respective internal
resistance.
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Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

NOTE:
In case of circuits containing both dependent and independent
sources.
The independent voltage sources are replaced by their internal
resistance and independent current sources are represented by infinite
resistance.
The dependent sources are not sources actually, but dissipative
components. Hence they remain active all the times.
Steps for Superposition Theorems:
1. Find the current through the load resistance when only one
independent source is acting by replacing all other independent
sources by respective internal resistance.
2. Repeat Step 1 for each of the independent sources given in the
network.
3. At last, find the resultant current through the load resistance by
superposition theorem and taking into consideration the direction
and magnitude of each current.
4. While finding the current through resistance when any one
independent source is active first find the value of dependent
source(if any) present in the circuit in that condition when all other
independent sources are inactive.
REMEMBER:
The value of dependent sources may change each time, the condition
changes. i.e. Each time when any particular independent source is
made active.

Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

And we have discussed in Network Analysis chapter, Dependent

sources topic, how to find the value of Dependent sources.
Same methods can be used anywhere, to find the value of any
dependent source present.
For better understanding we will take one different type of example.
Ex. 1)

In this example we will find Vx by superposition theorem.

Solution:
Step 1) Consider 20V independent source to be active. So replace 10A
independent source by infinite resistance.

Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

First we have to find the value of dependent current source and for that
we have to find the value of Vx in this condition because Vx is the
controlling parameter of the dependent source present in this example.
Vx is the voltage across 6 resistor. So,
Here we apply the same school logic as discussed in Network Analysis
Dependent sources.
Consider current I1, flowing through 6. Mark the polarities across 6
with respect to current I1 as shown in fig. above.
After marking those polarities we can compare those polarities with the
Vx polarities as shown in fig.
On comparing and by applying school logic we get,

+ + = +
- - = +
From this we can write
Vx = (+) (I1 I2)

----(A)

What if instead of I1, current I2 was considered.

Well, we have answer for that, look below,

Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

If we consider current I2, then assign the polarities across 6

accordingly as shown in fig. above.
Now compare those polarities with the Vx polarities as shown in fig.
above.
On comparing and by applying that schools logic we get,

+ - =-

or

+ - = -

From this we can write,

Vx = (-)(I2 I1)

---(B)

Eqn. (A) and (B) are one and the same thing.
So, from this we can say that, we can choose any of the current, the
value of dependent source will remain same.
Now,
As.

Vx = 6(I1 - I2)

---(1)

Apply KVL to mesh (1)

20 - 2I1 6(I1 - I2) = 0
8I1 - 6I2 = 20

---(2)

For mesh (2),

I2 =

= 3I1 - 3I2

3I1 - 4I2 = 0

---(3)

Solve (2) and (3) we get,

I1 = 5.71A

I2 = 4.29A
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Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

Vx = 6(I1 - I2) = 8.52V

Therefore,

Step 2) When 10A independent source is active:

We again find the value of dependent source for this condition.

i.e. find Vx.
Vx = 6(I1 - I2)

--- (1)

Apply KVL to mesh (1)

-2(I1 I3) - 6(I1 - I2) = 0
8I1 - 6I2 - 2I3 = 0

---(2)

For mesh (2),

I2 =

Vx
2

6(1 2 )
2

= 3(I1 - I2).

I2 = 3I1 - 3I2
3I1 - 4I2 = 0

---(3)
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Network Theorems

Introduction

Theory

For mesh (3)

I3 = -10A

---(4)

Form (2), (3) & (4)

I1 = -5.71A
I2 = -4.29A
I3 = -10A
Therefore, Vx = 6(I1 - I2) = 6(-5.71 + 4.29)
Vx = -8.52V
Step 3) Apply Superposition theorem,
Vx = Vx + Vx
= 8.52 8.52
Vx = 0V
For more such examples refer our Solved Section of this topic.