Can Supernode Analysis Solve Your Circuit Analysis Problems?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of using supernode analysis in circuit problems, particularly in the context of nodal analysis and the complexities introduced by dependent sources and complex numbers. Participants share their attempts at solving specific circuit problems, express confusion over certain equations, and seek advice on methodologies.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with their KCL equation, particularly regarding the sign of the current in their expression.
  • Another participant identifies an error in their KCL equation related to a missing term.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of solving for node voltages symbolically without specific component values.
  • Participants discuss the implications of using a voltage source in a node equation and the constraints that arise from it.
  • Suggestions are made to number equations for clarity and to derive a single equation from multiple equations.
  • One participant mentions confusion about separating real and imaginary parts in equations and questions how to handle zero in this context.
  • There is a discussion about the tools available for solving systems of equations, including limitations of certain calculators and software access.
  • Another participant expresses frustration about the exam being imminent and the lack of time to resolve their issues.
  • A final post offers to provide a step-by-step process for supernode analysis if needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various levels of confusion and frustration regarding the circuit analysis problem, with no clear consensus on the best approach or resolution to the issues raised. Multiple competing views on methodologies and tools remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the complexity of the problem and the potential for errors in their equations, indicating that assumptions about component values and the nature of sources may affect their analyses. There is also uncertainty about the applicability of certain methods under exam conditions.

gfd43tg
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Hello, I am having some difficulty solving this problem and I have doubts regarding my expression with the supernode. Basically, I said that current is negative if the current in my first KCL equation in the first term

V1 - vs / ZL1

Here is my attempt

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399686096.520212.jpg
And here is a photo to part B that I will start working on now

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399686146.239933.jpg
 
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I caught an error in my third KCL equation with not including v2/R2, but I'm still working on the power delivery part
 
Here is my work for part b and c...I'm just not finding anything that will get me the current going into the dependent voltage source

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399688591.474179.jpg
 
Were you given component values and source voltage specifications for this problem? Otherwise the algebra will soon become horrendous, solving for the individual node voltages symbolically.

If you were given values, use them while constructing your node equations. Then you'll only be carrying around the variables for the node voltages as you simplify the complex constants.
 
Far chance if that happening. The problem is intended to be horrendous. My professor is evil

Although part b gives values to d numerical calculations.
 
Looking at the third term in your third equation, you have (V1-Vs)/ZL1, which is apparently intended to be the current in the dependent source. Is that your intention? That expression is the current in L1; how do you get the current in the dependent source from that?

But, besides that, the source in the lower right is a voltage source, not a current source. You can't write a usual node equation at node 3. In a another thread you said "I remember the professor saying to never do KCL at the output of an op-amp". The reason you can't do that is that the output pin of an (ideal) opamp is a voltage source. That's why you can't write a node equation at node 3 of this problem; you'll need a constraint equation there.

And, finally, where is the equation for node 4?
 
Ok here is my next attempt.

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399773016.474095.jpg


ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399773047.736749.jpg
 
I recommend numbering equations to match the number of the corresponding node. I would number your equation 3 as number 4.

Your equations 4 and 5 should be used to derive a single equation, V3 = 10((V1-V2)/R1), or casting in the form the problem requires:

(10/R1)*V1 - (10/R1)*V1 - V3 = 0

I would call this equation 3.
 
How does this look?

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399925398.253017.jpg


ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399925411.527537.jpg
 
  • #10
Looks pretty good.
 
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  • #11
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399931148.972598.jpg


Ok so this is part b and c. How will I find if it is absorbing or delivering power using my equations from part (a)?
 
  • #12
Nodal with supernode

I tried doing a mesh to find all the loop currents but I think solving a system of linear equations with complex numbers is way too complicated

ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399933615.959925.jpg


I had read in this thread

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=195567

that you can split the system into its real part and imaginary part, but I am a bit confused on that. Well, do I keep everything on the right side of the equation the same? because zero is not imaginary, so how could I have imaginary parts on the right??
 
  • #13
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1399933773.844389.jpg
 
  • #14
What sort of tools do you presently use to solve systems of equations with pure real coefficients?

Do you have access to any mathematical software such as Matlab, Mathcad, etc.?

Do you have a calculator that can do complex arithmetic? What calculator do you have?
 
  • #15
Normally I use a system solver on my calculator the ti 36x pro, but it cannot do complex systems of equations. All these questions that I have been doing are from previous exams so there is no access to Matlab
 
  • #16
Maylis said:
I tried doing a mesh to find all the loop currents but I think solving a system of linear equations with complex numbers is way too complicated

View attachment 69733

I had read in this thread

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=195567

that you can split the system into its real part and imaginary part, but I am a bit confused on that. Well, do I keep everything on the right side of the equation the same? because zero is not imaginary, so how could I have imaginary parts on the right??

This method doesn't work.
 
  • #17
Maylis said:
Normally I use a system solver on my calculator the ti 36x pro, but it cannot do complex systems of equations. All these questions that I have been doing are from previous exams so there is no access to Matlab

You say these problems are from previous exams; are you just doing them for practice?

When you say there is no access to Matlab, do mean that during an exam you wouldn't be allowed to use Matlab? Because if you're just doing this for practice you could use any software you wanted, couldn't you? Maybe you're saying that if this were a real exam, you wouldn't be allowed to use Matlab so you want to learn how to do the problems without Matlab.

Can you use any calculator you want on an exam? Because solving the problem in this thread really needs to use some method that can do complex arithmetic, including complex system solving. I see TI86 calculators for sale on eBay for $10, and they can do complex system solving. Even though it's discontinued, it will still do what you need. Maybe you should get one of those older TI calculators that can do complex arithmetic.
 
  • #18
Oh well the exam is today so not much I can do about it anyway
 
  • #19
First of all, verify that if you can go with Nodal or supernode circuit analysis...
if you can't find a way, then this post is specially for you. Supernode analysis
if still face the problem in analyzing the circuit, then i can send you the whole process (step by step) thanks.
 

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