Lecture 4

SEE 230 - Electric Circuits

Mahda Jahromi Ph.D., P.Eng., SMIEEE
SFU - Sustainable Energy Engineering
Course Coverage 2

Chapters 1-4: Introductory Concepts (Selected Topics)

Chapter 5: Series DC Circuits

Midterm Chapter 6: Parallel DC Circuits

•Chapter 7: Series – Parallel Circuits
•Chapter 8: Methods of Analysis (Selected Topics)
•Chapter 10-11: Capacitors & Inductors (Selected Topics)

•Chapter 13: Sinusoidal Alternating Waveforms

•Chapter 14: Basic Elements & Phasors
•Chapter 15: Series AC Circuits

Final •Chapter 16: Parallel AC Circuits

•Chapter 17: Series-Parallel AC Networks
•Chapter 18: Methods of Analysis
•Chapter 19: AC Network Theorems
•Chapter 20: AC Power
Todays Topics Introductory
Concepts
3

Series - Parallel DC Circuits - (Chapter 7)

• Reduce and Return Approach DC Circuits

• Block Diagram Approach
• Ladder Networks
• Y - ∆ Transforms
• Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws
AC Circuits

Circuit
Analysis

Power
Series – Parallel vs Complex Networks 4
Previously you were introduced to the fundamentals of series and
parallel circuits. Series and Parallel networks form a foundation for all

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the material to follow. Apart from series and parallel, the remaining
network possibilities are essentially either series-parallel or complex.

• A series-parallel configuration is one that is formed by a

combination of series and parallel elements.

• A complex configuration is one in which none of the elements are Example of a Series-Parallel Network
in series or parallel.

Here, we will first examine the series-parallel combination using the

basic laws introduced for series and parallel circuits. There are no new
laws to learn for analyzing series-parallel structures, just approaches.
We will then introduce a useful conversion technique that allows for
the transformation of some complex systems to series-parallel.

Later on, when we introduce the more generic AC/DC networks, we

will learn how to analyze all types of networks (complex and series-
parallel) using the more powerful and systematic methods of analysis,
like mesh and nodal.
Example of a Complex Network
Reduce & Return Approach 5
(Series – Parallel Circuits)

• Take a moment to study the problem “in total” and identify

the elements that are in parallel or in series.
• Make a brief mental sketch of the overall approach you
plan to use.
• Examine each region of the network independently before
tying them together in series-parallel combinations.
• Redraw the network as often as possible with the reduced
branches and undisturbed unknown quantities
• When you have a solution, check that it is reasonable by
considering the magnitudes of the energy source and the
elements in the network. If it does not seem reasonable,
either solve the circuit using another approach or review
your calculations.
Example 1: Reduce & Return Approach 6
Q) Given the following circuit, calculate the voltage across 𝑅𝑅4
A) We can find 𝑉𝑉4 either by finding 𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏 and then applying voltage division or by

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finding 𝐼𝐼𝑅𝑅1 and then applying current division. Either way we start by
reducing the circuit to its simplest form across the source.
• Combine the series resistors 𝑅𝑅3 and 𝑅𝑅4 to form an equivalent resistor 𝑅𝑅𝑅.
• Resistors 𝑅𝑅2 and 𝑅𝑅𝑅 are then in parallel and can be combined to
establish an equivalent resistor 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇′ .
• Resistors 𝑅𝑅1 and 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇′ are then in series and can be combined to find the
total resistance of the network.
The reduction phase of the analysis is now complete as the network cannot be
put in a simpler form. We can now proceed with the return phase whereby we
work our way back to the desired voltage 𝑉𝑉4 .

• Due to the resulting series configuration in figure e, the source current is also
the current through 𝑅𝑅1 and 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇′ .
• The voltage across 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇′ (and therefore across 𝑅𝑅2 ) can be determined using
Ohm’s law.
• Finally, the desired voltage 𝑉𝑉4 can be determined by application of the
voltage divider rule.

The Reduce & Return process enables us to reduce the network to its simplest
form across the source which lets us determine the source current. In the return
phase, we use the resulting source current to work back to the desired
unknown. For most single-source series-parallel networks, the above approach
provides a viable option toward the solution
Block Diagram Approach 7
(Series – Parallel Circuits)
• Although the reduce and return method is relatively easy to
understand, occasionally when we see circuits that have multiple
elements in each path. On such occasions the Reduce and Return
(R&R) method discussed previously is not as obvious and we may
need to look at groups of elements rather than the individual
components.
• In this case we first need to identify the grouping of elements.
• Once the groupings are determined we can replace each grouping
with its equivalent (total) resistance and apply the R&R approach as
before.
• If unknown values within a grouping was required, we can consider
the voltage across (or the current entering the) grouping as an
independent source and treat the group as a separate entity.
• Remember you can always combine the block diagram approach
with other methods like R&R, KVL, KCL etc. when analyzing more
complicated networks
Example 2: Block Diagram Approach 8
Q) Given the following circuit, determine all the currents

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𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2
A) 𝑅𝑅𝐴𝐴 = 𝑅𝑅1 ||𝑅𝑅2 = = 3.6 Ω
𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2
𝑅𝑅4 𝑅𝑅5
𝑅𝑅𝐵𝐵 = 𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 ||𝑅𝑅5 = 𝑅𝑅3 + =4+2=6Ω
𝑅𝑅4 + 𝑅𝑅5

𝑅𝑅𝐶𝐶 = 3 Ω 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = 𝑅𝑅𝐴𝐴 + 𝑅𝑅𝐵𝐵 ||𝑅𝑅𝐶𝐶 = 5.6 Ω

𝐸𝐸 16.8
𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = = = 3 𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼𝐴𝐴 = 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = 3𝐴𝐴
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 5.6

𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅1
𝐼𝐼1 = 𝐼𝐼 = 1.2𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐼 = 1.8𝐴𝐴
𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝐴𝐴 𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝐴𝐴

𝑅𝑅𝐶𝐶
𝐼𝐼𝐵𝐵 = 𝐼𝐼 = 1 𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼𝐶𝐶 = 𝐼𝐼𝐴𝐴 − 𝐼𝐼𝐵𝐵 = 2 𝐴𝐴
𝑅𝑅𝐵𝐵 + 𝑅𝑅𝐶𝐶 𝐴𝐴
Exercise A: Reduce & Return 𝑏𝑏 9
Q) Given the following circuit, calculate:
i. 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇

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ii. 𝐼𝐼1
iii. 𝐼𝐼2
iv. 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎
𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2
× (𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 ) 6 × 12
𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2
Ai) 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = (𝑅𝑅1 | 𝑅𝑅2 || (𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 ) = = ⇒ 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = 4 Ω
𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2 6 + 12
+ (𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 )
𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2

𝐸𝐸 36 (𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 ) 12
Aii) 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = = = 9 𝐴𝐴 (CDR) 𝐼𝐼1 = 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = ×9 ⇒ 𝐼𝐼1 = 6 𝐴𝐴
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 4 𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅4 + (𝑅𝑅1 ||𝑅𝑅2 ) 12 + 6

Aiii) KCL(b) 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝐼𝐼2 ⇒ 𝐼𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 − 𝐼𝐼1 = 9 − 6 ⇒ 𝐼𝐼2 = 3 𝐴𝐴

Aiv) 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎 = 𝑅𝑅4 𝐼𝐼2 ⇒ 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎 = 2 × 3 = 6 𝑉𝑉

 Mahda Jahromi
10

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Networks
Ladder
Resistive Ladder Networks 11
In general, ladder networks are a repetitive structure of
elements in series and/or parallel. Some examples for a

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Mahda Jahromi
ladder network in real life include power transmission
lines and mesh fences.
An example of a Continues Resistive Ladder Network
Ladder networks can either be finite or continuous
(unending) and there are ways to analyze both types. In
this section we will examine continuous and finite ladder
networks that are purely resistive.

Note that in continues ladder networks the same

pattern repeats itself. An example of a Finite Resistive Ladder Network
with similar R values

Note that in finite ladder networks the resistor values

could be the same or different

An example of a Finite Resistive Ladder Network

with different R values
Example 3: Finite Ladder Network 12
Q) Given the following circuit, determine R T and 𝑉𝑉6
A) This is a finite ladder network with different R values.

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Method 1: Apply Reduce and Return method

𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = 𝑅𝑅5 + 𝑅𝑅6 ∥ 𝑅𝑅4 + 𝑅𝑅3 ∥ 𝑅𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑅1 = 8 Ω

𝐸𝐸 240 𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠
𝐼𝐼𝑠𝑠 = = = 30𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼3 = = 15𝐴𝐴
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 8 2
6
𝐼𝐼6 = 𝐼𝐼 = 10𝐴𝐴 𝑉𝑉6 = 𝑅𝑅6 𝐼𝐼6 = 20𝑉𝑉
6+3 3

Method 2: Assign a letter symbol to the last

branch current and work back through the
network to the source, maintaining this
assigned current or other current of interest.
(See page 271 of your book).

The 2nd method is usually more time

consuming and so we will stick to the 1st
method described above
Example 4: Continuous Ladder Network 13
Q) Given the following circuit, determine R T

A) The key to such problems is to separate

one section of the ladder and reduce
the rest of the network to a resistor that is
approximately equal to 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 . Since the
ladder network is continuing for ever,
look through 1 section should not affect
the overall resistance.
= 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 ≈ 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 + 2
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 + 2 ∥ 1 =
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 + 3
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 + 2
∴ 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 =
𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 + 3
+0.73 Ω Note: If both answers
⇒ 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇2 + 2𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 − 2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = � were +ve, the bigger
+ve value would have
−2.73 Ω
been correct
 14

Y’s like you’re

Light and Happy
Δ’s like you’re
Stressed and Heavy
Δ ↔ 𝑌𝑌
Mahda Jahromi
SFU - Sustainable Energy Engineering
Y-∆ Transformation 15
One way of changing a complex network to a series-parallel network is by using wye-delta
transformation. We won’t go into how the transformation equations are derived but we will
practice using them.

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Mahda Jahromi
Δ → 𝑌𝑌 Y→Δ
𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅3
𝑅𝑅1 = 𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 =
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 𝑅𝑅1

𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅3

𝑅𝑅2 = 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 =
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 𝑅𝑅2

𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2 + 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅3 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅3

𝑅𝑅3 = 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 =
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 𝑅𝑅3

If the 3 resistors are equal

𝑅𝑅Δ
𝑅𝑅Δ = 3𝑅𝑅𝑌𝑌 , 𝑅𝑅𝑌𝑌 =
3
Example 5: 𝑌𝑌 ↔ Δ Transformation 16
Q) Given the following circuit, determine R T

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A)

𝑌𝑌 ← Δ
𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 3×6
𝑅𝑅1 = = = 1.5 Ω
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 3+3+6
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 3×6
𝑅𝑅2 = = = 1.5 Ω
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 12
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 3×3
𝑅𝑅3 = = = 0.75 Ω
𝑅𝑅𝑎𝑎 + 𝑅𝑅𝑏𝑏 + 𝑅𝑅𝑐𝑐 12

𝑅𝑅𝑇𝑇 = 4 + 1.5 ∥ 2 + 1.5 + 0.75 = 2.89 Ω

 17

Circuit
Analysis Using
K-Laws
Example 6: Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws 18
Q) Find all the branch currents in the given network

A) Step 1: Since there are three distinct branches (𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐, 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐, 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐), three currents of
arbitrary directions (𝐼𝐼1 , 𝐼𝐼2 , 𝐼𝐼3 ) are chosen, as indicated in the figure. The current
directions for 𝐼𝐼1 and 𝐼𝐼2 were chosen to match the “pressure” applied by sources 𝐸𝐸1
and 𝐸𝐸2 , respectively. Since both 𝐼𝐼1 and 𝐼𝐼2 enter node 𝑎𝑎, 𝐼𝐼3 is leaving.
Step 2: Polarities for each resistor are drawn to agree with assumed current directions,
as indicated in the figure.
Step 3: Kirchhoff’s voltage law is applied around each closed loop (1 and 2) in the
CW/CCW direction. You can choose the direction of the loop current for convenience.
Step 4: Applying Kirchhoff’s current law at node 𝑎𝑎 (in a two-node network, the law is
applied at only one node)
Step 5: Simplify and solve the simultaneous equations

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1 : −𝐸𝐸1 + 𝑅𝑅1 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝑅𝑅3 𝐼𝐼3 = 0 2𝐼𝐼1 + 4𝐼𝐼3 = 2

𝐼𝐼2 + 4𝐼𝐼3 = 6
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 : −𝐸𝐸2 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝐼𝐼2 + 𝑅𝑅3 𝐼𝐼3 = 0 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝐼𝐼2 − 𝐼𝐼3 = 0

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝑎𝑎 : 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝐼𝐼2 − 𝐼𝐼3 = 0 𝐼𝐼1 = −1 𝐴𝐴

𝐼𝐼2 = 2 𝐴𝐴
𝐼𝐼3 = 1 𝐴𝐴
Example 7: Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws 19
Q) Determine the currents of the given network.
-
A) Like any other circuit component, the current source
will also have a voltage difference between its
terminals. We will name this voltage 𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 and assume +
the polarities of a source, i.e., +ve will be where the
current is leaving the source.
Repeat all the steps as the previous example

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1 : −𝐸𝐸1 + (𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅2 )𝐼𝐼1 − 𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 = 0 10𝐼𝐼1 − 𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 = 20

𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 + 2𝐼𝐼2 = 12
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 : 𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 + 𝑅𝑅3 𝐼𝐼2 − 𝐸𝐸2 = 0 𝐼𝐼1 − 𝐼𝐼2 = 4

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝑎𝑎 : 𝐼𝐼1 = 𝐼𝐼 + 𝐼𝐼2
𝐼𝐼1 = 3.33 𝐴𝐴 Note: The book defines this case as a
Supermesh and provides a solution
𝐼𝐼2 = −0.67 𝐴𝐴 method that is slightly different than
𝑉𝑉𝐼𝐼 = 13.33 V what is described here. The results
however are the same.
Example 8: Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws 20
Q) Find all the node voltages in the given network
1 2
A) Step 1&2: Since there are three distinct nodes (1, 2, 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺), two node voltages (𝑉𝑉1 , 𝑉𝑉2 ) are
chosen, as indicated in the figure. Note that the voltage of the ground is always zero and so
only nodes 1 and 2 are analyzed. The current directions for all branches are chosen to match
the “pressure” applied by the sources. Voltage polarities for each resistor are drawn to agree
with assumed current directions.
Step 3: Kirchhoff’s current law is applied to each node (1 and 2). The currents are then written
in terms of the node voltages.
Step 4: Note, for the equations to have distinct solutions the number of equations must be
equal to the number of unknowns. Should there be more unknowns than equations, we need
to applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law around the of the circuits loops to find the missing
equation.
Step 5: Simplify and solve the simultaneous equations

𝐸𝐸 − 𝑉𝑉1 𝑉𝑉1 − 𝑉𝑉2

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1 : 𝐼𝐼1 = 𝐼𝐼2 + 𝐼𝐼 ⇒ = + 𝐼𝐼 3𝑉𝑉1 − 2𝑉𝑉2 = 48
𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2

𝑉𝑉1 − 𝑉𝑉2 𝑉𝑉2

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 : 𝐼𝐼2 + 𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼3 ⇒ + 𝐼𝐼 = 5𝑉𝑉1 − 7𝑉𝑉2 = −40
𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅3
𝑉𝑉1 = 37.82 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉2 = 32.73 𝑉𝑉
Example 9: Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws 21
Q) Determine the nodal voltages 𝑉𝑉1 and 𝑉𝑉2

A) Like any other circuit component, the voltage source 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 𝟐𝟐

will also carry a current. We will name this current 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 1 2 3 4
and take its direction to be that of a source, i.e., the
current leaves the +ve terminal 𝐼𝐼𝐴𝐴 𝐼𝐼𝐵𝐵

Repeat all the steps as the previous example 𝟏𝟏

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1 : 6 = 𝐼𝐼3 + 𝐼𝐼𝐴𝐴

6 = 𝐼𝐼3 + (𝐼𝐼1 − 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 )
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 : 𝐼𝐼𝐴𝐴 + 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 = 𝐼𝐼1 𝐼𝐼1 = 2.67 𝐴𝐴
𝐼𝐼2 = −0.67 𝐴𝐴
𝐼𝐼3 = 1.2 𝐴𝐴
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 4 : 𝐼𝐼3 = 4 + 𝐼𝐼𝐵𝐵 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 = −2.13 𝐴𝐴
𝐼𝐼3 = 4 + (𝐼𝐼2 + 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 )
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 3 : 𝐼𝐼𝐵𝐵 = 𝐼𝐼2 + 𝐼𝐼𝐸𝐸 Note: The book defines this case as a
Supernode and provides a solution
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 1 : −𝑅𝑅1 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝐸𝐸 + 𝑅𝑅2 𝐼𝐼2 = 0 −4𝐼𝐼1 + 12 + 2𝐼𝐼2 = 0 method that is slightly different than
what is described here. The results
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 : 𝑅𝑅3 𝐼𝐼3 − 𝐸𝐸 = 0 10𝐼𝐼3 − 12 = 0 however are the same.
HW: Circuit Analysis Using K-Laws 22
Q) Find the voltage across the 6 A source
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Quiz #8
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End of Lecture 4