How Do You Apply Superposition in Circuit Analysis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the superposition principle in circuit analysis, specifically focusing on how to calculate the partial contributions from different sources in given circuits. Participants explore the methodology for applying superposition to both independent and dependent sources within the circuits presented.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in applying the superposition principle to calculate partial contributions from sources in two provided circuits.
  • Another participant questions whether the contributions should be calculated in terms of voltage, current, or both, noting that power analysis cannot be performed using superposition due to its nonlinear nature.
  • Participants discuss the procedure for applying superposition, including shorting out voltage sources and analyzing the circuit for each source separately.
  • There is a query regarding how to account for dependent sources during the application of superposition, with suggestions to retain them in the analysis after shorting independent sources.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about which current a dependent source is reliant on, indicating a need for clarification on this aspect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of applying superposition but express uncertainty regarding the treatment of dependent sources and the specifics of the analysis process. There is no consensus on how to handle the dependent sources effectively.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of distinguishing between independent and dependent sources when applying superposition, but the discussion does not resolve how to definitively account for dependent sources in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning circuit analysis, particularly those interested in the superposition principle and its application to circuits with both independent and dependent sources.

Quincy
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Homework Statement


1) Given the following circuit:

http://img841.imageshack.us/i/electriccircuit1.jpg/

Using the concept of superposition, calculate the partial contribution from each source.2) Given the following circuit:

http://img713.imageshack.us/i/electriccircuit2.jpg/

Using the concept of superposition, calculate the partial contribution from each source.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not really sure where to start; I read about superposition in the book, but I'm not really getting it, please help!
 
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Calculate the partial contributions in terms of what? Voltage? Current? Both? Note, power analysis cannot work using superposition of power delivered since P is nonlinear.

To apply superposition to the first circuit, redraw the circuit with the first voltage source shorted out and find whatever values you aim to find. This will be the partial contribution of the unshorted voltage source. Then, redraw the circuit with the other voltage source shorted (and the first one present this time), and find whatever values you aim to find. Again, these are the values labeled as a 'partial contribution.'

For the second circuit, you do the same except dependent sources remain, i.e. short the first 12V, analyze the circuit, short the second 12V (with the first one not shorted anymore), analyze the circuit, and you're done.
 
tedbradly said:
For the second circuit, you do the same except dependent sources remain, i.e. short the first 12V, analyze the circuit, short the second 12V (with the first one not shorted anymore), analyze the circuit, and you're done.

How do you account for the dependent sources?
 
Quincy said:
How do you account for the dependent sources?

As you would during any circuit analysis (if you have solved problems with them in there before.) You can go any route you want with mesh or nodal analysis. One problem, though, is that it says "I" but I don't know which current the source is dependent on.

Or are you asking how do you account for it during the superposition? You just leave it in there after shorting out one of the voltage sources, and solve the circuit. Then you short out the other (unshorting the previous one) and leave it in there again.
 

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