Chapter 7 – Serial-Parallel Circuits

Introductory Circuit Analysis

Robert L. Boylestad
 7.1 – Introduction
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 in series or parallel.
 7.2 - Series-Parallel Networks
 General approach to circuit analysis:
 Study the problem in total and 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 reduced branches and
undisturbed unknown quantities to maintain clarity.
 When you have a solution, check to see 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 using another
approach or check over your work very carefully
 7.3 – Reduce and Return Approach
 Reduce:
Reduce the circuit to its simplest form across the
source and then determine the source current (Is).
Return:
 Using the resulting source current (Is) to work back
to the desired unknown.
 7.4 – Block Diagram Approach
Network is broken down into combinations of
elements.
 Initially, there will be some concern about identifying
series and parallel elements, but that will come with
practice.
 In reverse, the block diagram approach can be used
effectively to reduce the apparent complexity of a
system by identifying the major series and parallel
components of the network.
 7.5 – Descriptive Examples
 Example 7.5 – Find the current I4 and the voltage V2 for
the network in Fig 7.14.
 Descriptive Examples
 Example 7.6 – Find the indicated currents and voltages
for the network in Fig. 7.17.
 Descriptive Examples
 Example 7.7
a. Find the voltages V1, V2 and Vab for the network in Fig. 7.20.
b. Calculate the source current Is .
 Descriptive Examples
Example 7.8 – For the network in Fig. 7.22, determine
the voltages V1 and V2 and the current I.
 Descriptive Examples
 Example 7.10 – Calculate the indicated currents and
voltage in Fig. 7.26.

Insert Fig. 7.22

 7.6 – Ladder Networks
 Repetitive structure that looks like a ladder
 Method 1 – Calculate the total resistance and resulting
source current, and then work back through the ladder until
the desired current or voltage is obtained.
 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.
EXAMPLE 7.5 Find the
indicated currents and
voltages for the network
of Fig. 7.13.