Methods of

Analyzing
DC
Networks
METHODS OF NODAL
 Intended learning outcome:

Analyze complex dc circuits applying

different methods and techniques.
Circuits Methods and Techniques
a. Kirchhoff's law
b. Mesh/Maxwell
c. Thevenin’s & Norton’s
d. Nodal Method
e. Superposition
f. Delta & Wye Transform
Nodal Analysis
A node of a network is defined as a point where two or more branches are joined. If three or more
branches join at a node, then that node is called a principal node or junction. In given Figure ,
points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are nodes, and points 1, 2 and 3 are principal nodes.

A node voltage is the voltage of a particular node with respect to a node called the reference
node. If in given Figure , for example, node 3 is chosen as the reference node then V 13 is assumed
to mean the voltage at node 1 with respect to node 3 (as distinct from V 31).
Similarly, V23 would be assumed to mean the voltage at node 2 with respect to node 3, and so on.
However, since the node voltage is always determined with respect to a particular chosen reference
node, the notation V1 for V13 and V2 for V23 would always be used in this instance.

The object of nodal analysis is to determine the values of voltages at all the principal nodes with respect to the
reference node, e.g., to find voltages V1 and V2 in given Figure. When such voltages are determined, the currents
flowing in each branch can be found

Kirchhoff’s current law is applied to nodes 1 and 2 in turn in given Figure and two equations in unknowns V 1 and V2
are obtained which may be simultaneously solved using determinants.
Figure 1

Figure 2
 Solution:
Consider reference node point A:

This is the same problem as Problem 2 of Slide 8

Methods of
Analyzing
DC
Networks
METHODS OF/NODAL