Unit 5: Electrical network analysis. Introduction: junction, branch, loop, network (multi-loop circuit).

Kirchhoffs Rules: junction and loop rules. Superposition principle. Equivalent resistor of a passive network. Thvenins theorem.

Introduction: definitions

Electrical network:

Set of dipoles (active and passive elements) interconnected between them. If all the dipoles show linear rates between V and I, the circuit is a linear network.

R R

L C

Introduction: definitions

Junction: point of the net where are joined three

or more wires being different the electric potential. Network with three junctions:

R R

L C

There are the same junction

Introduction: definitions

Branch: is the path joining two junctions. Electrical

network with five branchs:

R R

L C

This is not a branch

Introduction: definitions

Loop: closed circuit made with branchs, without

anyone inside. Electrical network with three loops:

R R

L C

Kirchhoffs Rules: Junction rule Junction Rule: The sum of the currents into the junction must be equal to the sum of the currents out of the junction. Algebraic addition = 0.
Its an expression of the charge conservation principle.

I2

I3

Ik In

=0

I1

Tipler, chapter 25, section 25.5

Kirchhoffs Rules: loop rule Loop rule: Algebraic sum of the changes in potential around a loop must be equal zero.
Its an expression of energy preservation principle. A point can not have two different potentials at the same time.

1 Vn

V1

2 V2

=0

n Vk

k
Tipler, chapter 25, section 25.5

Kirchoffs rule application To solve a circuit, must be writen:

(Junctions -1) equations of junction rule Loops equations of loop rule
Example: 2 equations of junction rule + 3 equations of loop rule = 5 equations 5 unknown (intensity of currents)

L
V

R R C

L C

Superposition principle. On a circuit with several generators, the solution of the circuit (calculus of currents and potentials) is the algebraic sum corresponding to each generator (ideal) acting alone.
a
RA

RB
a
RA

RB

RA

RB

I1
RC
c

I2
RD

I1A
RC
c

I2 A
RD

I1B
RC
c

I 2B
RD

I1 = I1A + I1B

I 2 = I 2 A + I 2B

This calculus can be made not only for currents, but for potentials too.

Equivalent resistor of a passive network. Is a resistor ( Req) such that when applying the same d.d.p., current flowing is the same:

I1
1

2 4 ...

I1
Req

... n

Passive network

Thevenins theorem A linear active circuit with output terminals A and B is equivalent to a generator of e.m.f. equal to the difference of potential between A and B, and an internal resistance equal to the equivalent resistance of the passive network between A and B (without ideal generators).

Linear Active circuit

RT = Req

T = VAB

Its useful to analyze circuits by splitting it in little pieces.