IEC Lab Experiment Manual 4

American International University- Bangladesh

Faculty of Engineering (FE)
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)
EEE 2109: Introduction to Electrical Circuits Lab

Title of the Experiment:

Study of Superposition Theorem.

Objectives:

The objectives of this experiment are to-

a) Investigate the application of the superposition theorem to multiple DC source circuits in terms of
both voltage and current measurements.
b) Verify the superposition theorem for a DC circuit having multiple DC sources.
c) Examine the power measurement.
d) Compare the measured, simulated, and computed values.

Introduction:

The superposition theorem states that in a linear bilateral multi-source DC circuit, the current through or
voltage across any element may be determined by considering the contribution of each source independently,
with the remaining sources replaced with their internal resistance. The contributions are then summed, paying
attention to polarities, to find the total value. Superposition cannot in general be applied to non-linear circuits
or to non-linear functions such as power.

Theory and Methodology:

The principle of superposition is applicable only to linear systems. The concept of superposition can be explained
mathematically by the following response and excitation principle:
𝑖1 → 𝑣1
𝑖2 → 𝑣2
𝑖1 + 𝑖2 → 𝑣1 + 𝑣2
Then, the quantity to the left of the arrow indicates the excitation, and to the right, the system response. Thus, we
can state that a device, if excited by a current i1 will produce a response v1. Similarly, an excitation i2 will cause
a response v2. Then if we use an excitation i1 + i2, we will produce a response v1 + v2. Here, the linear relationship
means all the variables have unity power and they are directly proportional to each other, i.e., 𝑖 ∝ 𝑣.

The principle of superposition can reduce a complicated problem to several easier problems each containing only
a single independent source.

The superposition theorem states that,

In any linear circuit containing multiple independent sources, the current or voltage at any point in the
network may be calculated as an algebraic sum of the individual contributions of each source acting alone.

When determining the contribution due to a particular independent source, we disable all the remaining
independent sources. That is, all the remaining voltage sources are made zero by replacing them with short
circuits, and all remaining current sources are made zero by replacing them with open circuits. Also, it is important
to note that if a dependent source is present; it must remain active (unaltered) during the process of superposition.

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Action Plan:
(i) In a circuit comprising of many independent sources, only one source is allowed to be active in the
circuit, the rest are deactivated (turned off).
(ii) To deactivate a voltage source, replace it with a short circuit, and to deactivate a current source, replace
it with an open circuit.
(iii) The response obtained by applying each source, one at a time, is then added algebraically to obtain the
overall response.

Limitations: Superposition is a fundamental property of linear equations and, therefore, can be applied to any
effect that is linearly related to the cause. That is, we want to point out that the superposition principle applies
only to the current and voltage in a linear circuit, but it cannot be used to determine power because power is a
non-linear function with the input signal, such as voltage or current.

Pre-Lab Homework:

Study the superposition theorem for series and parallel circuits and perform the simulation using MultiSIM and
must present the simulation results to the instructor before the start of the experiment. Try to solve and analyze
different DC circuits from your textbook and compare those with your experimental circuit.

Homework 1: Find Vout using the superposition theorem of Figure 1.

Figure 1: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC voltage sources.

Homework 2: Find the current in the 6 Ω resistor using the superposition theorem for the circuit of Fig. 2.

Figure 2: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC sources, one voltage and one current.

Apparatus:
1. Trainer Board
2. Voltmeter
3. Ammeter
4. Multimeter
5. DC power sources
6. Resistors
7. Connecting wires

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Precautions:
✓ When measuring voltage, the multimeter must be connected to the two points of a circuit to obtain the desired
value. Be careful not to touch the bare probe tips together while measuring voltage, as this will create a short
circuit! Before turning on the power, consult with your course teacher or laboratory staff.
✓ Never read the value of resistance or perform a continuity test with a multimeter in a circuit that is energized.
✓ When measuring current, the multimeter must be connected to the circuit so that the electrons flow through
the meter.
✓ The voltmeter must be connected in parallel, and the ammeter must be connected in series to the resistor.
✓ Multimeters have practically no resistance between their leads. This is intended to allow electrons to flow
through the meter with the least possible difficulty. If this were not the case, the meter would add extra
resistance to the circuit, thereby affecting the current reading.
✓ While measuring the values using the multimeter, note and write down the unit properly.

Experimental Procedure and Calculation:

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 3.

2. Remove the supply voltage E2 by a short circuit.
3. Measure the node voltage VA. Be sure to note the polarity.
4. Reconnect the supply voltage E2.
5. Remove supply voltage E1 by a short circuit.
6. Measure the node voltage VA. Be sure to note the polarity.
7. Reconnect the supply voltage E1.
8. Measure node voltage VA. Be sure to note the polarity.
9. Complete Table 1 with the necessary data.
10. Check the deviation between experimental, simulation, and theoretical values. Use the following formula
for the computation of the percentage of deviations:
𝑉 −𝑉
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. experimental), 𝜺𝒕𝒆 = 𝐴𝑡𝑉 𝐴𝑒 × 100%
𝐴𝑡
𝑉𝐴𝑡 −𝑉𝐴𝑠
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. simulation), 𝜺𝒕𝒔 = 𝑉𝐴𝑡
× 100%

Figure 3: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC voltage sources.

Table 1 Data for studying the superposition theorem using Figure 3 through voltage measurement.
Values of Voltage Sources: E1 = _______ V, E2 = ____________ V
Deviation
Source VAt Theory VAe Experimental VAs Simulation
𝜺𝒕𝒆 𝜺𝒕𝒔
E1 active only
E2 active only
Both E1 & E2 active

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1. Now, connect the circuit as shown in Figure 4.

2. Repeat procedure steps 2 to 9 of the previous experiment but measure the current, IR4 and the power,
PR4 across the resistor, R4. Be sure to note the direction of current flow through the resistor, R4.
3. Complete Tables 2 and 3 with the necessary data.
4. Check the deviation between experimental, simulation, and theoretical values. Use the following formula
for the computation of the percentage of deviations:
𝐼 −𝐼
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. experimental), 𝜺𝒕𝒆 = 𝑅4𝑡𝐼 𝑅4𝑒 × 100%
𝑅4𝑡
𝐼𝑅4𝑡 −𝐼𝑅4𝑠
Percentage of deviation (theoretical vs. simulation), 𝜺𝒕𝒔 = 𝐼𝑅4𝑡
× 100%
5. Does power calculation maintain the superposition theorem? Explain your observation on Table 3.

Figure 4: Series-parallel resistance connected with two DC voltage sources.

Table 2 Data for studying the superposition theorem using Figure 4 through current measurement.
Values of Voltage Sources: E1 = _______ V, E2 = ____________ V
Deviation
Source IR4t Theory IR4e Experimental IR4s Simulation
𝜺𝒕𝒆 𝜺𝒕𝒔
E1 active only
E2 active only
Both E1 & E2 active

Table 3 Data for studying the superposition theorem using Figure 4 through power measurement.
Values of Voltage Sources: E1 = _______ V, E2 = ____________ V
Deviation
Source PR4t Theory PR4e Experimental PR4s Simulation
𝜺𝒕𝒆 𝜺𝒕𝒔
E1 active only
E2 active only
Both E1 & E2 active

Simulation and Measurement:

Use the MultiSIM simulator to simulate all circuits of Figures 1-4. Similar way, complete Tables 1, 2, and 3 with
the simulated data, also. Compare the simulation results with your theoretically computed and experimental data
and finally calculate the percentage of errors again.

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Result and Calculation:

1. Theoretically calculate the voltage, current, and power for the designated element in the circuits and
compare them to the measured values.
2. Compute the percentage errors in the two measurements and provide a brief explanation for the error.
3. Verify the superposition theorem from the simulated data of Tables 1 and 2. Comment on your results.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Interpret the data/findings and determine the extent to which the experiment was successful in complying with
the goal that was initially set. Discuss any mistake you might have made while conducting the investigation and
describe ways the study could have been improved.

Questions:
1. How much is the difference between theoretical values and measured values using the multimeter? If
you have found any difference, then explain the reason.
2. Write the laboratory report following the template as given before.

Reference:
[1] Robert L. Boylestad, “Introductory Circuit Analysis,” 12th Edition, Prentice Hall, New York, 2005-2006, p. 524.
[2] Multisim 14.2 Tutorial Part 01 (Getting started: Introduction and circuit construction), YouTube video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jiasd0K7Co, accessed on 13 June 2023.
[3] Multisim 14.2 Tutorial Part 02 (DC Sweep and Parameter Sweep), YouTube video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld1aqfOlm3w, accessed on 13 June 2023.

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