Series and Parallel Circuits

Electric Circuit Analysis

(CSE-251)
Yanbu University College
Series and Parallel Resistances

The objective of resistor combination is to represent a

complex network, composed of multiple series and parallel
resistor combinations, with one equivalent resistance.

parallel series

equivalent resistance

Req
Series Resistance

Resistors are in series if they are all in the same branch and
are carrying the same current.

Two or more series resistors can be summed to represent an

equivalent series resistance.

R1 R2 R3

Rn Req

Req = R1 + R2 +R3 + … + Rn
Parallel Resistance

Resistors are in parallel if they are connected across the same

two nodes and share a common voltage across their terminals.
Two or more parallel resistances can be combined by summing
their conductances.

R1 R2 R3 Rn Req

1
R eq =
1 1 1 1
+ + + ... +
R1 R2 R3 Rn
or
Geq = G1 + G2 + G3 + … + Gn
Parallel Resistance
Continued…
Commonly appearing in electronic
circuits are two resistors in parallel. R1 R2

For these situations, the parallel equivalent resistance Req can be

solved for using an alternate, and more compact formula (equ.1):

R1  R2
Req = (1) This formula takes the product of
R1 + R2 two parallel resistors and divides
by the sum of those resistors to
Geq = G1 + G2 (2) give a new equivalent resistance.
Combining parallel resistances can now be done using either
formula. In some cases however, it may be easier to use
equation 1.
Parallel Resistance Example

Given: Consider the following resistive network pictured below

where R1=2 kΩ, R2=8 kΩ and R3=4 kΩ.
Find: The equivalent parallel resistance Req of the network
This
Solution
Solution
example
2:
1: can also be done
Req R1 RReq1 R3 using
Usingan
Using equ.
thealternative
conductance method.
1 on previous formula
slide
2
Let’s keep the first answer we
Geq = G Rand R
1 +G +2 G3 2000 with
8000
Solution 1: Req1 =
attained =
compare
2 that
1 + R2 we2000
the newRanswer + 8000
get using
Req = 1143 Ω = 1.14 kΩ this
Req11 alternative
==1.61 kΩ 1way.1
+ +
Notice, both methods give Req R1 R2 R3
us the same answer. Use Req1  R3 1600 4000
Req1 == 1 + =1 + 1
the method you can easily Req R2000 eq1 + R38000 1600 + 4000
4000
remember. RR ==11431143ΩΩ==1.14 1.14kΩ
kΩ
eqeq
Voltage Division

Voltage division provides a relationship for dividing voltage

among series resistors in direct proportion to their resistances.
For example, consider the circuit below:
Using KVL, we can drive a
voltageVoltage
relationship for states,
Division V1 and V2.
Iin
+ V1 -
Vin=V1V +V2= V R2
R1 +
+ 2 in
Vin R2 V2
R 1 R 2
or
- V =I R +I
in in 1 in 2R
R1
Vin=IinV =V
(R11+R2) in
Substituting equ.2 into equ.1, R1 + R2
Notice
gives with
rise to avoltage division, it’sIinthe
fundamental =Vresistor
in/(R1+Ryou
2) want (1)
to find the
voltagerelationship
voltage across divided by the sum of resistors in series, regardless
known Iin=V1/R1 = V2/R2 (2)
ofvoltage
as the number of resistors there are in series.
division.
Current Division

Current division provides a relationship for dividing current

among parallel resistors in inverse proportion to their resistances.
For example, consider the circuit below:
Io1=Current
Using
V IinKCL,
(1/R 1)we
/(1/R
/(1/R1Division
+1/R can 2)1+1/R(1)2) a
derive
states,
current relationship Or Rfor I1 and I2.
Vo=I1IR1 or = I2in 2
I R 1 (2)
R1 +
+ I =I +I2
I1 R1 I2 R2 1 Requ.1
in
I =1 I 2(1/R )/(1/R +1/R )
Iin Substituting
2 in 2equ.2 into 2 2
Vo or
V = I R = Iin/R/(1/R
IMultiplying
ino=Vo1/R11+Vothese
R1+1/R 2)
-
I1 = IOr 2 two 2

1) 2+
in
Iin=Vo(1/Rby
equations 1+1/R (RR 12R R21R2)
)/(R
However
Notice with
if multiple
current division,
resistors it’s
appearV
the =inI2parallel,
R2 a=you
o resistor
provides Iin/(1/R
useful current
don’t 1+1/R
want 2)to
division
equation
Vo = Iin/(1/R1+1/R2) (1)
can be
find theequated
currentby
through
placing
divided
the conductance
byforthe sumyou
current ofdivision.
resistors
want over in the
sum of conductances in parallel. Vo=I1R1 orI1I2=RI2in [G1/Σ(2)
parallel. G’s]