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CSC 217 Notes 7

The superposition theorem states that in a linear, bilateral network with multiple sources, the response across any element is the sum of the responses from each source considered separately. To apply this theorem, other sources are replaced by their internal resistance, and it is crucial to note that it does not apply to power calculations. The theorem is essential for simplifying complex circuits into equivalent forms for analysis.

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5 views

CSC 217 Notes 7

The superposition theorem states that in a linear, bilateral network with multiple sources, the response across any element is the sum of the responses from each source considered separately. To apply this theorem, other sources are replaced by their internal resistance, and it is crucial to note that it does not apply to power calculations. The theorem is essential for simplifying complex circuits into equivalent forms for analysis.

Uploaded by

olamaths2019
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CSC 217 Note_7

Superposition Theorem
Superposition theorem states that in any linear, bilateral network where more
than one source is present, the response across any element in the circuit is the
sum of the responses obtained from each source considered separately. In
contrast, all other sources are replaced by their internal resistance. Let us know
more about the superposition theorem, solved examples and limitations.

What is Superposition Theorem?


The superposition theorem is a circuit analysis theorem used to solve the
network where two or more sources are present and connected.

Superposition theorem states the following:

“In any linear and bilateral network or circuit having multiple independent
sources, the response of an element will be equal to the algebraic sum of
the responses of that element by considering one source at a time.”

To calculate the individual contribution of each source in a circuit, the


other source must be replaced or removed without affecting the final
result. This is done by replacing the voltage source with a short circuit.
While removing a voltage source, its value is set to zero. When removing a
current source, its value is set to infinite. This is done by replacing the
current source with an open circuit.

The superposition theorem is very important in circuit analysis because it


converts a complex circuit into a Norton or Thevenin equivalent circuit.

Guidelines to keep in mind while using the superposition theorem

• When you sum the individual contributions of each source, you should be
careful while assigning signs to the quantities. It is suggested to assign a
reference direction to each unknown quantity. If a contribution from a source
has the same direction as the reference direction, it has a positive sign in the
sum; if it has the opposite direction, then a negative sign.
• All the components must be linear to use the superposition theorem with
circuit currents and voltages.
• It should be noted that the superposition theorem does not apply to power, as
power is not a linear quantity.
How to Apply Superposition Theorem?
• The first step is to select one among the multiple sources present in the
bilateral network. Among the various sources in the circuit, any one of the
sources can be considered first.
• Except for the selected source, all the sources must be replaced by their
internal impedance.
• Using a network simplification approach, evaluate the current flowing through
or the voltage drop across a particular element in the network.
• The same considering a single source is repeated for all the other sources in
the circuit.
• Upon obtaining the respective response for individual source, perform the
summation of all responses to get the overall voltage drop or current through
the circuit element.

Superposition Theorem Solved Example


Let us understand how to use the superposition theorem to analyze circuits
with the help of an example.

Example 1: Find the current flowing through 20 Ω using the superposition


theorem.

Solution:

Step 1: First, let us find the current flowing through a circuit by considering
only the 20 V voltage source. The current source can be open-circuited,
hence, the modified circuit diagram is shown in the following figure.
Step 2: The nodal voltage V1 can be determined using the nodal analysis
method.

The nodal equation at node 1 is written as follows:

Therefore, the current flowing through the 20 Ω resistor to due 20 V voltage


source is 0.4 A.

Step 3: Now let us find out the current flowing through the 20 Ω resistor
considering only the 4 A current source. We eliminate the 20 V voltage
source by short-circuiting it. The modified circuit, therefore, is given as
follows:
In the above circuit, the resistors 5 Ω and 10 Ω are parallel to each other, and this
parallel combination of resistors is in series with the 10 Ω resistor. Therefore, the
equivalent resistance will be:

Step 4: The summation of currents I1 and I2 will give us the current flowing
through the 20 Ω resistor. Mathematically, this is represented as follows:

I = I1 + I2

Substituting the values of I1 and I2 in the above equation, we get

I = 0.4+1.6 = 2 A

Therefore, the current flowing through the resistor is 2 A.

Limitations of Superposition Theorem


• The theorem does not apply to non-linear circuits. The requisite of linearity
indicates that the superposition theorem is only applicable to determine
voltage and current but not power. Power dissipation is a nonlinear function
that does not algebraically add to an accurate total when only one source is
considered at a time.
• The application of the superposition theorem requires two or more sources in
the circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs


Q1 What is the superposition theorem?
Superposition theorem is a circuit analysis theorem that is used to solve
the network where two or more sources are present and connected.

Q2 Is the superposition theorem valid for AC circuits?


The superposition theorem is valid for AC circuits.

Q3 Is the superposition theorem applicable to power?


The requisite of linearity indicates that the superposition theorem is only
applicable to determine voltage and current, but not power. Power
dissipation is a nonlinear function that does not algebraically add to an
accurate total when only one source is considered at a time.

Q4 Can the superposition theorem be applied to non-linear


circuits?
No, the superposition theorem can only be applied to non-linear circuits.

Q5 Why do we use the superposition theorem?


The superposition theorem is very important in circuit analysis because it
converts a complex circuit into a Norton or Thevenin equivalent circuit.

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