- #1
Technique to analyze complex circuits?
- Thread starter Tekneek
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In summary, redrawing the circuit multiple times using the rules given will eventually produce a trivial circuit.
- #2
NascentOxygen
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Hi Tekneek. The best approach is to redraw the circuit, preserving its electrical connections but moving or reorienting the drawing of some elements, perhaps just one at a time. You may have to make many attempts before it becomes clear how the arrangement simplifies. It's a case where your skill at this will improve with practice. (Or so they tell me.)
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epenguin
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Nodes connected by simple wire, i.e. nodes with 0 resistance between them are at the same potential and can be condensed into a single node. As you know. 
This one seems to condense into a fairly trivial circuit.
This one seems to condense into a fairly trivial circuit.
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- #4
Tekneek
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epenguin said:Nodes connected by simple wire, i.e. nodes with 0 resistance between them are at the same potential and can be condensed into a single node. As you know.
I get what you are saying but i am having hard time redrawing the circuit.
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epenguin
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Tekneek said:
I did a bit. The resistors have numbers, 1,2,2,3,4,5. Giving the nodes letters a,b,c,d,e, I found helped. By what we said before some pairs of them can be fused into one.
Aaargh why am I telling you? - nobody told me. Next time you'll get something I don't. Nice thing about this is that this step involves no calculations.
- #6
AlephZero
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There are only 4 different nodes, because of the connecting links. Two are already labeled a and b on your diagram, so label the other two c and d.
To draw a new diagram, start by drawing 4 dots for the nodes and label them. Then draw each resistor between the correct two nodes.
To draw a new diagram, start by drawing 4 dots for the nodes and label them. Then draw each resistor between the correct two nodes.
- #7
NascentOxygen
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See that wire with the neat little bend in the middle of it? Remove it from your schematic. Take it out. This means you have to find somewhere on the remaining circuitry to connect its resistors so that removal of that wire doesn't change a single thing electrically.Tekneek said:
- #8
Tekneek
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Soo is it like this...
---R1---(R2+R2+R4 in parallel)---R5---
---R1---(R2+R2+R4 in parallel)---R5---
- #9
epenguin
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Tekneek said:
That's what I get.
- #10
jim hardy
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The dirt simple general rule is this:
It's an iterative process.
You re-draw the circuit multiple times, in each iteration you combine two elements and replace them with their equivalent. Repeat until it's a trivial circuit.
For example, in your circuit:
You MIGHT go like this:
1. Observing that R3 is in parallel with R2, draw the circuit with R3 omitted and R2 replaced by (R2//R3)
2. Observing that R4 is in parallel with (R2//R3), redraw the circuit with R4 omitted and (R2//R3//R4) up there where R2 used to be.
3. Observing that you now have a series circuit of three resistors, redraw it as a single resistor from point a to point b of value (R1 + R5 + (R2//R3//R4)).
Which is what you got.
Now it's a one step solution for current. So you can figure voltage everywhere by reversing the simplifying steps above.
That's the how behind the what. You got the idea already, this is just a simple statement of the process. I hope it's easy to remember.
Practice, practice, practice.
It's an iterative process.
You re-draw the circuit multiple times, in each iteration you combine two elements and replace them with their equivalent. Repeat until it's a trivial circuit.
For example, in your circuit:
You MIGHT go like this:
1. Observing that R3 is in parallel with R2, draw the circuit with R3 omitted and R2 replaced by (R2//R3)
2. Observing that R4 is in parallel with (R2//R3), redraw the circuit with R4 omitted and (R2//R3//R4) up there where R2 used to be.
3. Observing that you now have a series circuit of three resistors, redraw it as a single resistor from point a to point b of value (R1 + R5 + (R2//R3//R4)).
Which is what you got.
Now it's a one step solution for current. So you can figure voltage everywhere by reversing the simplifying steps above.
That's the how behind the what. You got the idea already, this is just a simple statement of the process. I hope it's easy to remember.
Practice, practice, practice.
- #11
Tekneek
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jim hardy said:
Thanks you and everyone. It does seem practicing with all these different methods is the best :)
FAQ: Technique to analyze complex circuits?
1. What is a complex circuit?
A complex circuit is a combination of multiple electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors that are connected together to perform a specific function. These circuits can range from simple to highly intricate designs, and are often used in advanced electronic devices.
2. What is the purpose of analyzing complex circuits?
The purpose of analyzing complex circuits is to understand how the different components work together and how the circuit functions as a whole. This information is crucial for troubleshooting, designing, and improving electronic devices.
3. What techniques are used to analyze complex circuits?
There are several techniques that can be used to analyze complex circuits, including Kirchhoff's laws, nodal analysis, mesh analysis, superposition, and Thevenin's theorem. These methods involve using mathematical equations and principles to determine voltage, current, and power within the circuit.
4. How do you choose the best technique for analyzing a specific complex circuit?
The best technique for analyzing a complex circuit depends on the specific characteristics of the circuit and the information that you are trying to determine. For example, nodal analysis is best for finding voltage at specific points, while mesh analysis is better for determining current in different branches of the circuit. It is important to consider the complexity of the circuit and the desired results when choosing a technique.
5. Can computer software be used to analyze complex circuits?
Yes, computer software can be extremely helpful in analyzing complex circuits. There are various simulation programs that can accurately model and analyze circuits, providing detailed information on voltage, current, and power. These programs can save time and effort compared to manual calculations, and can also provide visual representations of the circuit's behavior.