Nortonization and nodal analysis

In summary, Nortonization and nodal analysis are two techniques used in electrical circuit analysis to simplify and solve complex circuits. Nortonization involves replacing a portion of a circuit with an equivalent current source and resistance, while nodal analysis involves applying Kirchhoff's Current Law to find the voltage at different nodes in a circuit. These techniques are useful in analyzing and designing circuits, especially in the field of electronics. They provide a systematic approach for determining the behavior of a circuit and can help in troubleshooting and optimizing circuit performance.
  • #1
PainterGuy
940
70
Hi, :)

Please have a look on the following link:
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1554/circuitmm.jpg

1: I was trying to solve a circuit. I was successful except the part where I was trying to apply the nodal analysis (it's at the very end of the linked scan). Where am I going wrong? By nodal analysis I get Isc = 1/3 A which is wrong. Where did I go wrong?

2: How would we proceed while applying nodal analysis if the 12V voltage source's polarities are reversed?

It would be very nice of you if you could help me with the above queries. Thanks

Cheers
 
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  • #2
PainterGuy said:
Hi, :)

Please have a look on the following link:
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1554/circuitmm.jpg

1: I was trying to solve a circuit. I was successful except the part where I was trying to apply the nodal analysis (it's at the very end of the linked scan). Where am I going wrong? By nodal analysis I get Isc = 1/3 A which is wrong. Where did I go wrong?
In your third line,

2 + (V - 12)/4 - (V - 0)/16 = 0

For the voltage source branch you've made the assumption that the current will be flowing into the node, but you've written the term as if it is flowing out of the node.

It's generally easier to NOT make any assumptions about the current direction for branches that don't have fixed currents (like the one containing the 2A current source). Just assume that current is flowing out of the node for all such branches. So,

2A - I - Isc = 0

2A - (V - 12)/4 - (V - 0)/16 = 0

proceed...
2: How would we proceed while applying nodal analysis if the 12V voltage source's polarities are reversed?

The "V - 12" would become "V + 12".
 
  • #3
Many, many thanks, gneill.

Cheers
 

FAQ: Nortonization and nodal analysis

1. What is Nortonization and how is it different from nodal analysis?

Nortonization is a technique used in circuit analysis to simplify complex circuits into an equivalent Norton circuit, which consists of a current source in parallel with a resistor. Nodal analysis, on the other hand, is a method for solving circuit equations by considering the voltage at each node in the circuit. While both methods are used for circuit analysis, Nortonization simplifies the circuit while nodal analysis provides a more detailed understanding of the circuit.

2. How do you perform Nortonization on a circuit?

To perform Nortonization, you first need to identify the two terminals of the circuit. Then, you find the equivalent resistance between these two terminals by shorting all voltage sources and opening all current sources. Next, you calculate the short-circuit current by dividing the voltage difference between the terminals by the equivalent resistance. Finally, you create the Norton equivalent circuit by replacing the voltage sources with a current source equal to the short-circuit current and placing a resistor in parallel with it with a value equal to the equivalent resistance.

3. What are the advantages of using nodal analysis?

Nodal analysis offers several advantages, including the ability to solve circuits with multiple voltage sources, as well as the ability to easily handle circuits with dependent sources. It also provides a more detailed understanding of the circuit, as it considers the voltage at each node rather than just the overall current and voltage in the circuit.

4. Can nodal analysis be used for non-linear circuits?

Yes, nodal analysis can be used for non-linear circuits, as long as the non-linear elements can be approximated as linear elements within the analysis. This is often done by using small-signal models for the non-linear elements.

5. When should Nortonization be used over nodal analysis?

Nortonization is most useful for circuits with a large number of parallel elements, as it simplifies the circuit and reduces the number of equations that need to be solved. It is also useful for circuits with multiple current sources. Nodal analysis, on the other hand, is better for circuits with a large number of series elements or for more detailed analysis of the circuit. Ultimately, the method used will depend on the specific circuit and the desired level of analysis.

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