Tutorial Letter 001/3/2021

Circuit Analysis 3
ECA3701

Year module

Department of Electrical and Mining

Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife email address and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, ECA3701-21-ALL, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module and therefore it is only available on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Getting started .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 4
3.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 4
4 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Joining myUnisa ........................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Recommended books ................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 5
4.4 Library services and resources information ................................................................................... 5
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 5
6 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE ............................................................................................................ 6
6.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ....................................................................................... 6
6.2 myUnisa tools ............................................................................................................................... 6
7 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 6
7.1 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 6
Unique assignment numbers .................................................................................................................... 8
7.2 Year mark and final examination/other options ............................................................................. 8
8 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................. 8
APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Semester 1 Assignments .......................................................................................................................... 9
ASSIGNMENT 1 (Multiple-choice) ............................................................................................................ 9

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

As part of this tutorial letter, we wish to inform you that Unisa has implemented a transformation
charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response to this charter, we have also
placed curriculum transformation high on the agenda. For your information, curriculum
transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical
renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and
the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be
integrated at both the programme and module levels, as a phased-in approach. You will notice
the implementation in your modules, and we encourage you to fully embrace these changes
during your studies at Unisa.

Welcome to the subject Circuit Analysis (ECA3701) at UNISA. This tutorial letter serves as a
guideline to this subject. It provides you with general administrative information as well as
specific information about the subject. Read it carefully and keep it safe for future reference.
We trust that you will enjoy this course.

Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
learning activities. Visit the website for ECA3701 on myUnisa frequently. The site for your
module is ECA3701-21-ALL.
1.1 Getting started
Given the nature of this module, you can read about it and find your study material online. Go to
the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and password. You
will see ECA3701-20-ALL in the row of modules displayed in the orange blocks at the top of the
web page. Select the More tab if you cannot find the module you require in the blocks
displayed. Then click on the module you wish to open.
We wish you every success in your studies!

2 OVERVIEW
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this module is to enable students develop competencies and skills in solving
problems in circuit analysis. Qualifying students will be able to analyze the circuits, design the
circuits, and apply the theories of circuit analysis to solve industry problems. Students also
engage in the intermediate introductory knowledge, skills and values which will support further
studies and applications in the sector of engineering and related design. Successful completion
of this module will allow students entry to electrical engineering and related engineering design
fields.

3
2.2 Outcomes
The student can use the basic theories of circuit analysis to solve the circuit problems, analyze
and design the desired circuits.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)
The primary lecturer for this module is: TS Hlalele
Department: Electrical and Mining Engineering
Telephone: 0114712099
Email: hlalets@unisa.ac.za
3.2 Department
You can contact the Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering as follows:
Email: electrical&mining@unisa.ac.za
Secretary’s contact details:
Telephone number: Tel: 011 471 3706
E-mail : muldeem@unisa.ac.za

3.3 University
To contact the university, follow the instructions in the brochure Study@Unisa. Remember to
have your student number available whenever you contact Unisa.
When you contact a lecturer, please include your student number to enable him/her to help you
more effectively.

4 RESOURCES
4.1 Joining myUnisa
The myUnisa learning management system is the university's online campus which will help you
communicate with your lecturers, fellow students and Unisa’s administrative departments.
To access the myUnisa website directly, go to https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the Claim UNISA
Login on the top of the screen on the myUnisa website. You will then be prompted to enter your
student number in order to claim your initial myUnisa details, as well as your myLife email login
details.
For more information on myUnisa, consult the brochure Study@Unisa, which you received with
your study material: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies
4.2 Recommended books
Prescribed books
The prescribed book for this subject is Robert L. Boylestad, 2010. Introductory Circuit Analysis.
Pearson Press: Twelfth Edition. ISBN 0-13-214240-6.

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

This book can be ordered from Pearson-press.

Recommended books
4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)
There are no electronic reserves for this module.
4.4 Library services and resources information
The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• for brief information go to: https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• for more detailed Library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• for research support and services (e.g. Personal Librarians and literature
search services), go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• request and find library material/download recommended material:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
• postgraduate information services:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• finding and using library resources and tools:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• Frequently asked questions about the Library: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Services to students living with disabilities:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability

Important contact information:

• https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask - Ask a Librarian

• Lib-help@unisa.ac.za - technical problems accessing library online services
• Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za - general library related queries
• Library-fines@unisa.ac.za - for queries related to library fines and payments

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study@Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies
This brochure has all the tips and information you need to succeed at distance learning and,
specifically, at Unisa.

5
6 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE
6.1 What does it mean to study fully online?
Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying other modules at Unisa.

• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online via myUnisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will complete all
your activities and submit all your assignments via myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT
post your assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the university happens online. Your lecturers will
communicate with you via email and SMS, and by using the Announcements, Discussion
Forums and Questions and Answers tools. You can also use all of these ways to ask
questions and contact your lecturers.
6.2 myUnisa tools
We will mainly be using the Lessons tool, which provides the content of, and assessments for,
your module. At times you will be directed to join discussions with your fellow students, and to
complete activities and assessments before continuing with the module.
It is crucial that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you do so at least once a
week, to do the following:

• Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife email account so that you
receive announcement emails on your cell phone.
• Complete the Discussion Forum activities. When you complete the activities for each
learning unit, we want you to share your answers with the other students in your group. You
can read the instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you will need to go
online to post your messages. To this end we provide a Social Cafe where you can
socialise with other students taking this module.
• Complete other online activities. For certain learning unit activities you may need to post
something on the Blog tool, take a quiz or complete a survey under the Self-Assessment
tool. Do not skip these activities, because they will help you complete the assignments and
activities for the module.
We hope that by giving you extra ways of studying the material and practising all of the
activities, you will succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module you
MUST go online regularly, to complete the activities and assignments on time.

7 ASSESSMENT
7.1 Assessment plan
This module will use continuous assessment which means that you will do several smaller
assessments throughout the semester instead of the usual series of assignments and an
examination. You will find your assignments for this subject in this Tutorial Letter. All
assignments and tests are compulsory and will be used in the calculation of your year mark..

The mark for Circuit Analysis (ECA3701) is calculated as follows:

• The year mark contributes to 100%.

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The year mark is based on all the assignment marks obtained and their contribution towards the
final year mark are as shown in the table below:

ASSIGNMENT NUMBER CONTRIBUTION

TOWARDS YEAR MARK

01 2%

02 2%

03 3%

04 3%

Online test 1 15%

Online test 2 20%

Online test 3 15%

Online test 4 25%

Practical 15%

TOTAL =100%

The following is a breakdown of the formal assessment activities as they become due during the
year:

THE CUT-OFF SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE :

Assignment 1: 20210512
Minor Online test 1: 20210520
Assignment 2: 20210609
Online Major test 2: 20210701
Assignment 3: 20210811

Minor Online test 3: 20210826

Assignment 4: 20210915
Online Major test 4: 20211007
20210929
Practical

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Unique assignment numbers

1 Assignment MCQ1 742654

2 Minor Online test 1 645736
3 Assignment MCQ2 609001
4 Online Major test 2 890207
5 Assignment MCQ3 552817
6 Minor Online test 3 554199
7 Assignment MCQ 4 590846
8 Online Major test 4 632005
9 Practical 833099

*The assignments are provided in this tutorial letter.

To submit an assignment via myUnisa:
• Go to myUnisa.
• Log in with your student number and password.
• Select the module.
• Click on assignments in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the assignment number you wish to submit.
• Follow the instructions

Note: Assignment 1,2,3 & 4 must be completed on the online “Mark Reading Sheet”.
NO LATE ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

7.2 Year mark and final examination/other options

The mark is calculated as follows:
• The year mark contributes to 100%.

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general examination guidelines and examination
preparation guidelines.

8 CONCLUSION
Do not hesitate to contact us via email if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.
We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that
you will complete the module successfully.
Enjoy the journey!
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND MINING ENGINEERING

APPENDIX
NA

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

Semester 1 Assignments

ASSIGNMENT 1 (Multiple-choice)

Question 1
The motor of a power saw is rated 68.5% efficient. If 1.8 hp are required to cut a particular piece of
lumber, what is the current drawn from a 120V supply?

1. 15.34 A
2. 16.34A
3. 14.54A
4. 15.34A

Question 2

A resistor of 10 Ω has charge flowing through it at the rate of 300 coulombs per minute (C/min). How
much power is
dissipated?

1. 230W
2. 255W
3. 250W
4. 240W

Question 3

How much does it cost to use a 24 W radio for 3 h at 9¢ per kilowatthour?

1. 0.56c
2. 0.54c
3. 0.45c
4. 0.65c

For the circuit in figure 1 answer question 4 and 5

Figure 1
Question 4
The value of V2 is ………………………

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 1. 5V
2. 7V
3. 9V
4. 8V

Question 5
The value of V3 is …………………….
1. 28V
2. 33V
3. 38V
4. 22V

ASSIGNMENT 2

Question 1

For the circuit in figure 1 answer question 1

Figure 1

The value of R3 is …………………….

1. 50Ω
2. 60Ω
3. 70Ω
4. 75Ω

Question 2
The unknown resistors in Figure 2 given the fact that R2 = 5R1 and R3 = (1/2)R1 are
……………………….

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

1. R1= 64Ω, R2=320Ω and R3= 32Ω

2. R1=46Ω, R2=230Ω and R3 =23Ω
3. R1=56Ω, R2=330Ω and R3 =43Ω
4. R1 =45Ω, R2=440Ω and R3 =43Ω

Question 3

The power delivered by the DC battery in figure 3 is …………………..

Figure 3
1. 1.36 KW

2. 1.34KW

3. 1.22KW

4. 1.26KW

Question 4
Determine the current I for the network in figure 4

11
 Figure 4
1. 2.04A
2. 2.34A
3. 2.14A
4. 2.44A

Question 5
Using Millman’s theorem the current through RL in figure 5 is …………………………….

Figure 5
1. 6.12A
2. 7.12A
3. 3.12A
4. 5.12A

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Assignment 3
1. In a TV camera, a current of 2.4 mA passes through a resistor of 3.3 kΩ. What is the voltage drop
across the resistor?
1. 7.92V
2. 3.92V
3. 4.43V
4. 7.03 V

2. The voltage Vad in figure 1 is …………………

1. 220V
2. 222V
3. 230V
4. 225V

Figure 1
3. For the integrated circuit in figure 2 the current I is ………………………..
1. 10.5 A
2. 2.5A
3. 1.5A
4. 20.5

Figure 2

For the circuit in figure 3 answer questions 4 and 5.

13
 Figure 3
Question 4
Determine Is and VL
1. 1.88A and 11.90V
2. 1.99A and 11.90V
3. 1.89A and 11.90V
4. 1.188A and 11.90V

Question 5
Determine Is if RL is shorted out.
1. 122mA
2. 130mA
3. 120mA
4. 100mA

ASSIGNMENT 4
Question 1
For the circuit in figure 1 answer questions 1.

Figure 1

Determine VL if RL is replaced by an open circuit.

1. 12V
2. 21V
3. 14V
4. 22V

For the multiple ladder configuration in figure 4 answer question 7,8,9 and 10

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

Figure 4
Question 2
The value of I is ……………………
1. 12.9A
2. 12A
3. 11.0A
4. 21A

Question 3
The value of I4 is ……………………………….
1. 0.3A
2. 0.2A
3. 0.5A
4. 0.6A

Question 4
The value of I6 is ……………………………..
1. 0.4A
2. 0.5A
3. 0.3A
4. 0.6A

Question 5
The value of I10 is …………………………………
1. 5A
2. 3A
3. 4A
4. 6A

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 PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT
Make use of the Multisim software or PSpice software to simulate the circuits and give
graphic presentations, for example schematics, to show the results where necessary (you
can also do simulation in the laboratory of the department of Electrical and Mining
Engineering, Florida Campus, UNISA).

Question 1 [20]

Refer to Fig 1 when answering question 1.

4
a

DC 5A 2 3 10

Fig 1.

(i) Simulate the circuit shown in Fig 1 in PSpice/Multisim and determine the value of the voltage at Node a in
Volts (4)
(ii) Measure the current through and power dissipated in the resistor (6)
(iii) Compare the measured and analytical values in question (i) and (ii) above (10).

Note: Show the PSpice/Multisim circuit schematic and the calculations for part (iii) of the question.

Question 2 [20]

(i) Use the nodal analysis to determine the node voltages at points 1,2 and 3 in Fig.2 (7)
(ii) Simulate the circuit diagram of Fig 2 in PSpice/MultiSim and determine the measured values of the nodal
voltages. Compare the answers with the calculated values in part (i) (8).
(iii) Determine the total power dissipated in the circuit in watts (5)
Note: Show the circuit schematic and the calculations for part (i) of the question.

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

Fig 2.

Question3 [25]

Refer to Fig 3 when answering question 3.

In the circuit , , and . The switch was at position a for a very long
time and is switched to position b at t=0.

Ra a
+
b c vc (t )
V0
Rb -
ic (t )

Fig 3.

(i) Find the capacitor voltage, as a function of time after the switch closes to position b at using
the analytical approach (5).
(ii) What will be the value of current at the instance of the switch change? (5)
(iii) At what point in time will the potential difference across the capacitor be 15% of the original value? (5)
(iv) Build the circuit of Fig 3 in PSpice or Multism. Simulate and measure the power and energy dissipated in
the circuit between t=0s and t=15ms (10)

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 SEMESTER 2

THE CUT-OFF SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE :

Assignment 1: 20210512
Minor Online test 1: 20210520
Assignment 2: 20210609
Online Major test 2: 20210701
Assignment 3: 20210811

Minor Online test 3: 20210826

Assignment 4: 20210915
Online Major test 4: 20211007
Practical 20210929

1 Assignment MCQ1 652565

2 Minor Online test 1 828441
3 Assignment MCQ2 699745
4 Online Major test 2 720085
5 Assignment MCQ3 578452
6 Minor Online test 3 876048
7 Assignment MCQ 4 793718
8 Online Major test 4 767994
9 Practical 566442

ASSIGNMENT 1 (Multiple-choice)

Question 1
The motor of a power saw is rated 68.5% efficient. If 1.8 hp are required to cut a particular piece of
lumber, what is the current drawn from a 120V supply?

5. 15.34 A
6. 16.34A
7. 14.54A
8. 15.34A

Question 2

A resistor of 10 Ω has charge flowing through it at the rate of 300 coulombs per minute (C/min). How
much power is
dissipated?

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

5. 230W
6. 255W
7. 250W
8. 240W

Question 3

How much does it cost to use a 24 W radio for 3 h at 9¢ per kilowatthour?

5. 0.56c
6. 0.54c
7. 0.45c
8. 0.65c

For the circuit in figure 1 answer question 4 and 5

Figure 1
Question 4
The value of V2 is ………………………
5. 5V
6. 7V
7. 9V
8. 8V

Question 5
The value of V3 is …………………….
5. 28V
6. 33V
7. 38V
8. 22V

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 ASSIGNMENT 2

Question 1

For the circuit in figure 1 answer question 1

Figure 1

The value of R3 is …………………….

5. 50Ω
6. 60Ω
7. 70Ω
8. 75Ω

Question 2
The unknown resistors in Figure 2 given the fact that R2 = 5R1 and R3 = (1/2)R1 are
……………………….

5. R1= 64Ω, R2=320Ω and R3= 32Ω

6. R1=46Ω, R2=230Ω and R3 =23Ω
7. R1=56Ω, R2=330Ω and R3 =43Ω
8. R1 =45Ω, R2=440Ω and R3 =43Ω

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

Question 3

The power delivered by the DC battery in figure 3 is …………………..

Figure 3
5. 1.36 KW

6. 1.34KW

7. 1.22KW

8. 1.26KW

Question 4
Determine the current I for the network in figure 4

Figure 4
5. 2.04A
6. 2.34A
7. 2.14A
8. 2.44A

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Question 5
Using Millman’s theorem the current through RL in figure 5 is …………………………….

Figure 5
5. 6.12A
6. 7.12A
7. 3.12A
8. 5.12A

Assignment 3
4. In a TV camera, a current of 2.4 mA passes through a resistor of 3.3 kΩ. What is the voltage drop
across the resistor?
5. 7.92V
6. 3.92V
7. 4.43V
8. 7.03 V

5. The voltage Vad in figure 1 is …………………

5. 220V
6. 222V
7. 230V
8. 225V

Figure 1
6. For the integrated circuit in figure 2 the current I is ………………………..
5. 10.5 A
6. 2.5A
7. 1.5A
8. 20.5

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

Figure 2

For the circuit in figure 3 answer questions 4 and 5.

Figure 3
Question 4
Determine Is and VL
5. 1.88A and 11.90V
6. 1.99A and 11.90V
7. 1.89A and 11.90V
8. 1.188A and 11.90V

Question 5
Determine Is if RL is shorted out.
5. 122mA
6. 130mA
7. 120mA
8. 100mA

23
 ASSIGNMENT 4
Question 1
For the circuit in figure 1 answer questions 1.

Figure 1

Determine VL if RL is replaced by an open circuit.

5. 12V
6. 21V
7. 14V
8. 22V

For the multiple ladder configuration in figure 4 answer question 7,8,9 and 10

Figure 4
Question 2
The value of I is ……………………
5. 12.9A
6. 12A
7. 11.0A
8. 21A

Question 3
The value of I4 is ……………………………….
5. 0.3A
6. 0.2A

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

7. 0.5A
8. 0.6A

Question 4
The value of I6 is ……………………………..
5. 0.4A
6. 0.5A
7. 0.3A
8. 0.6A

Question 5
The value of I10 is …………………………………
5. 5A
6. 3A
7. 4A
8. 6A

PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT
Make use of the Multisim software or PSpice software to simulate the circuits and give
graphic presentations, for example schematics, to show the results where necessary (you
can also do simulation in the laboratory of the department of Electrical and Mining
Engineering, Florida Campus, UNISA).

Question 1 [20]

Refer to Fig 1 when answering question 1.

4
a

DC 5A 2 3 10

Fig 1.

(iv) Simulate the circuit shown in Fig 1 in PSpice/Multisim and determine the value of the voltage at Node a in
Volts (4)
(v) Measure the current through and power dissipated in the resistor (6)
(vi) Compare the measured and analytical values in question (i) and (ii) above (10).

25
 Note: Show the PSpice/Multisim circuit schematic and the calculations for part (iii) of the question.

Question 2 [20]

(iv) Use the nodal analysis to determine the node voltages at points 1,2 and 3 in Fig.2 (7)
(v) Simulate the circuit diagram of Fig 2 in PSpice/MultiSim and determine the measured values of the nodal
voltages. Compare the answers with the calculated values in part (i) (8).
(vi) Determine the total power dissipated in the circuit in watts (5)
Note: Show the circuit schematic and the calculations for part (i) of the question.

Fig 2.

Question3 [25]

Refer to Fig 3 when answering question 3.

In the circuit , , and . The switch was at position a for a very long
time and is switched to position b at t=0.

Ra a
+
b c vc (t )
V0
Rb -
ic (t )

Fig 3.

(v) Find the capacitor voltage, as a function of time after the switch closes to position b at using
the analytical approach (5).
(vi) What will be the value of current at the instance of the switch change? (5)
(vii) At what point in time will the potential difference across the capacitor be 15% of the original value? (5)

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 ECA3701/001/3/2021

(viii) Build the circuit of Fig 3 in PSpice or Multism. Simulate and measure the power and energy dissipated
in the circuit between t=0s and t=15ms (10)

27