Why Does Superposition Give Different Results in PSPICE?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the discrepancies observed when applying superposition and Thevenin's theorem in PSPICE simulations for a given circuit. The user calculated Thevenin equivalents, finding Vth = 5 V and Rth = 15.1 kΩ for one network, and Vth = 7.5 V and Rth = 8.15 kΩ for another. Using superposition, the expected load voltage was calculated to be 6.12 V, while PSPICE simulation yielded 4.33 V. The error was identified as neglecting the internal resistance of voltage sources when applying superposition.

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  • Understanding of Thevenin's theorem
  • Knowledge of superposition principle in circuit analysis
  • Familiarity with PSPICE simulation software
  • Basic concepts of parallel and series resistances
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  • Study the superposition principle in electrical circuits
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jesuslovesu
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Never mind, did superposition incorrectly.

Homework Statement



http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9206/jesus2gn2.th.png

Find Vload using superposition and thevenin's equivalent

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Well for network on the left of Rload, I found Vth = 5 V and Rth = 15.1 kohms
For the network on the right of Rload, I found Vth = 7.5 V and Rth = 8150 ohms.

So using superposition I would do:
1) 5 V * 10k / (10k+15.1k) = 1.99 V on Rload
2) 7.5 V * 10k / (10k + 8150) = 4.13 V
Adding those I get 6.12 V.

However, when I simulate this in PSPICE I get 4.33 V.
I also checked each side and I get 1.99 V on the left (when I disconnect the right) and I get 4.13 V on the right (when I disconnect the left).

What am I doing wrong, I can't even remotely see where that 4.33 V comes from.
 
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When you calculate the voltage on the load due to one voltage source, you can't just remove the others, but need to replace them with their internal resistance.

for 1) you'd get 5 v * (10K // 8150) / ((10K // 8150) + 15.1k)
(A // B) is the value of the resistance of A parallel with B, or AB/(A+B)
 

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