NETWORK THEORY

3.1 Introduction
Having understood the fundamental laws of circuit theory (Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s
laws), we are now prepared to apply theses laws to develop two powerful techniques for circuit
analysis: nodal analysis, which is based on systematic application of Kirchhoff’s current law
(KCL), and mesh analysis, which is based on a systematic application of Kirchhoff’s voltage law
(KVL).

3.2 Nodal Analysis

It is the method that provides a general procedure for analyzing circuits using node voltages
as the circuit variables. It is also known as Node-Voltage method.
Steps in Determining Node Voltages
1. Select a reference node. It is commonly called ground since it is assumed to have
zero potential.
2. Assign voltage designations to nonreference nodes. Apply KCL to each
nonreference node in the circuit.
3. Then express the branch circuit currents in terms of node voltages using Ohm’s
law.
Note: Current flows from a higher potential to a lower potential in a resistor. We can express this
principle as
𝑽𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 − 𝑽𝒍𝒐𝒘
𝑰=
𝑹

3.2.1 Nodal Analysis with current source

Example 1: Nodal Analysis with current source
Calculate Node Voltages in the given circuit.
Figure 1: Nodal Analysis with current source (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)
Solution:
Step 1: Assign the node voltages as 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 and also mark the directions of branch
currents with respect to the reference node.

Figure 2: Nodal Analysis with current source (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)

Step 2: Apply KCL at nodes 1 and 2

KCL at node 1,
𝑖1 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖3 (1)
KCL at node 2,
𝑖2 + 𝑖4 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖5 (2)

Step 3: Apply Ohm’s Law to KCL equations

Ohm’s law to KCL equation at node 1,
 𝑖1 = 𝑖2 + 𝑖3
𝑣1 − 𝑣2 𝑣1 − 0
5= +
4 2
Simplifying, we get
3𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20 (3)
Ohm’s law to KCL equation at node 2,
𝑖2 + 𝑖4 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖5
𝑣1 − 𝑣2 𝑣2 − 0
+ 10 = 5 +
4 6
Simplifying, we get
−3𝑣1 + 5𝑣2 = 60 (4)

Step 4: Solve the equations 3 and 4 to get the values of node voltages
Using elimination method,
3𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20
−3𝑣1 + 5𝑣2 = 60
4𝑣2 = 80
𝒗𝟐 = 𝟐𝟎 𝑽
Substitute the value of 𝑣2 to equation 3 and we get,
3𝑣1 − 𝑣2 = 20
3𝑣1 − 20 = 20
40
𝑣1 =
3
𝒗𝟏 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝑽
3.2.2 Nodal Analysis with voltage source
If we are solving a circuit with voltage sources, we will be considering the two
possibilities:
 Case 1: If a voltage source is connected between the reference node and a
nonreference node, we simply set the voltage at the nonreference node equal to the
voltage of the voltage source.
Case 2: If the voltage source (dependent or independent) is connected between
two nonreference nodes, the two nonreference nodes form a generalized node or
supernode; We apply both KCL and KVL to determine the node voltages.
A supernode is formed by enclosing a (dependent or independent) voltage source
connected between two nonreference nodes and any elements connected in parallel with
it.

Example 2: Supernode
Find the node voltages.

Figure 3: Supernode (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)

Solution:
Apply KCL to the supernode,

Figure 4: Supernode (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)

 2 = 𝑖1 + 𝑖2 + 7
𝑣1 − 0 𝑣2 − 0
2= + +7
2 4
8 = 2𝑣1 + 𝑣2 + 28
𝑣2 = −2𝑣1 − 20 (1)
To get the relationship between 𝑣1 and 𝑣2, we apply KVL to the circuit,

Figure 5: Supernode (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)

−𝑣1 − 2 + 𝑣2 = 0
𝑣2 = 𝑣1 + 2 (2)
Substitute the equation 2 to equation 1,
𝑣1 + 2 = −2𝑣1 − 20
3𝑣1 = −22
𝒗𝟏 = −𝟕. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝑽
Substitute the value of 𝑣1 to the equation 2, we get
𝑣2 = 𝑣1 + 2
𝑣2 = −7.333𝑉 + 2
𝒗𝟐 = −𝟓. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝑽
3.3 Mesh Analysis
Mesh analysis is also known as loop analysis or the mesh-current method. It provides
another general procedure for analyzing circuits, using mesh currents as the circuit variables.
Steps in Determining Mesh Currents
1. Identify the number of mesh and assign mesh currents
2. Apply KVL to each of the n meshes. Use Ohm’s law to express the voltages in
terms of the mesh currents
3. Solve the resulting n simultaneous equations to get the mesh currents

Example 3: Mesh analysis

Find the branch currents 𝐼1, 𝐼2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼3 using mesh analysis.

Figure 6: Mesh Analysis (Image: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits)

Solution:
Apply KVL at mesh 𝑖1,
−15 + 5𝑖1 + 10(𝑖1 − 𝑖2) + 10 = 0
15𝑖1 − 10𝑖2 = 5
3𝑖1 − 2𝑖2 = 1 (1)
Apply KVL at mesh 𝑖2,
(6 + 4)𝑖2 + 10(𝑖2 − 𝑖1) − 10 = 0
10𝑖2 + 10𝑖2 − 10𝑖1 − 10 = 0
−10𝑖1 + 20𝑖2 = 10
𝑖1 = 2𝑖2 − 1 (2)
Substitute the equation 2 to equation 1,
3𝑖1 − 2𝑖2 = 1
 3(2𝑖2 − 1) − 2𝑖2 = 1
6𝑖2 − 3 − 2𝑖2 = 1
4𝑖2 = 4
𝒊𝟐 = 𝑰𝟐 = 𝟏𝑨
Substitute the value of 𝑖2 to equation 2,
𝑖1 = 2𝑖2 − 1
𝑖1 = 2(1) − 1
𝒊𝟏 = 𝑰𝟏 = 𝟏𝑨
Solving for 𝐼3,
𝐼3 = 𝐼1 − 𝐼2
𝐼3 = 1 − 1
𝑰𝟑 = 𝟎𝑨

3.3.1 Mesh Analysis with Dependent Sources

If the circuit contains dependent sources, the mesh-current equations must be
supplemented by the appropriate constraint equations.
A supermesh results when two meshes have a dependent or independent source in
common.
Procedure in Supermesh Analysis
1. Make sure the circuit is planar.
2. Redraw the circuit if we can simplify it.
3. Make meshes in every loop you can find and assign the labels. It is easier to
draw the meshes in the clockwise direction (it is up to you, though).
4. Form a supermesh if you find a current source between two meshes.
5. Use KVL and maybe some KCL to the supermesh branch. One KCL is needed
for each supermesh branch.
6. Solve all the math equations.