Electro-Technique 143

Introduction to the Mesh-Current Method

(Section 4.5)
 Agenda

1 Introduction to the Mesh-Current Method

2 Applying the Mesh-Current Method

V

3 Example 4.6

4 Problem 4.24

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 Summary: Node-Voltage Method
 The Node-Voltage Method was used to solve the unknowns in a
circuit by writing KCL for all nonreference essential nodes and
generating simultaneous equations
 If a dependent source was present, then we require an
additional constraint equation for each dependent source
 Special cases exist when a voltage source is the only element in
a branch which connects two essential nodes
 If one of the essential nodes is the reference node, then the node voltage at
the other node is the value of the voltage source (no KCL equation required
at that node)
 If neither of the nodes is a reference node, the voltage source and the
essential nodes are combined into a supernode
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 Summary: Node-Voltage Method (cont.)
 A KCL equation is written for the supernode as well as a
supernode constraint equation
 Solve the simultaneous equations and determine the node
voltages
 Use the node voltages to solve the unknown currents, voltages
and power for every circuit component

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 Introduction to the Mesh-Current Method
 The Mesh-Current Method is used to solve the circuit’s
unknowns by generating simultaneous Kirchoff’s Voltage Law
(KVL) equations for the circuit’s meshes
 The simultaneous equations are solved to find the mesh
currents
 Just like with the Node-Voltage Method, if a dependent source is
present then an additional constraint equation is required for each
dependent source
 The mesh currents are then used to find the voltage, current and
power of every component within the circuit

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 Introduction to the Mesh-Current Method (cont.)
 The Mesh-Current Method has symmetries with the Node-
Voltage method
 In Engineering this symmetry is known as duality
 In comparing the two circuit techniques, we see that the
following are duals:
Node-Voltage Method Mesh-Current Method
Essential nodes Meshes
KCL KVL
Voltages Currents
Supernodes Supermeshes
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 Applying the Mesh-Current Method
 Remember that a mesh is defined as a loop which encloses no
other loops
 A mesh current is a current that exists in the perimeter of a
mesh
 A mesh current is represented on a circuit diagram by using a
curved arrow

Figure 4.20
Figure 4.3
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 Applying the Mesh-Current Method (cont.)
 The Mesh-Current Method is also step-by-step procedure, just like the
Node-Voltage Method
 5-step process:
1. Identify the meshes using a directed curved arrow that follows the perimeter of
the mesh (number of meshes = number of simultaneous equations required)
2. Label the mesh current for each mesh (i.e. 𝑖𝑖𝑎𝑎, 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖, 𝑖𝑖𝑐𝑐 etc. - use different name
convention for branch current and mesh current to avoid confusion)
3. Write KVL equation for each mesh
4. Solve the simultaneous mesh current equations
5. Use the mesh currents to solve the currents, voltages and power for all circuit
components

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 Example 4.6

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 Example 4.6 (cont.)

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