Problem 4-88

Use superposition to find the voltage v.


Solve the circuit for v one independent source at a time and add the results. Note that the dependent source must always remain in the circuit.

First "kill" the 70 volt source.

Next, note that the 20 ohm and 2 ohm resistors are in parallel, so we can combine them. I will use mesh analysis to solve the resulting 2 mesh circuit.

Define the dependent source parameter in terms of mesh currents

ib = IA

Write KVL around each mesh.

A:

4 IA + 2 ib + 1.818 (IA - IB) = 0
4 IA + 2 IA + 1.818 (IA - IB) = 0
7.818 IA - 1.818 IB = 0 (equation 1)

B:

1.818 (IB - IA) - 2 ib - 50 + 10 IB = 0
1.818 (IB - IA) - 2 IA + 10 IB = 50
- 3.818 IA + 11.818 IB = 50 (equation 2)

Solving the two equations yields

IA = 1.064
IB = 4.575

Now we can determine v

v = - 50 + 10 IB = - 50 + 10 (4.575)
v = - 4.255 V (due to 50 V source)


Now analyze the circuit with only the 70 volt source. I will use nodal analysis for this one.

Define dependent source parameter in terms of node voltages.

ib = (VA - VC) / 4

Both voltage sources directly connect two essential nodes. Express their values in terms of the node voltages and form supernodes.

VA = 70

2 ib = VC - VB
2 (VA - VC) / 4 = VC - VB

Insert VA = 70 from above

2 (70 - VC) / 4 = VC - VB

Multiply through by 2

70 - VC = 2 VC - 2 VB
- 2 VB + 3 VC = 70 (equation 3)

Node A is connected to the reference node by a voltage source, so no KCL needed.

Nodes B and C are connected by a voltage source, thus form a supernode.

KCL at supernode B/C

(VB - VA) / 20 + (VC - VA) / 4 + VB / 2 + VC / 10 = 0

Multiply through by 20

(VB - VA) + 5 (VC - VA) + 10 VB + 2 VC = 0
- 6 VA + 11 VB + 7 VC = 0

Insert VA = 70 from above

- 6 (70) + 11 VB + 7 VC = 0
11 VB + 7 VC = 420 (equation 4)

Solving equations 3 and 4 gives

VB = 16.38
VC = 34.26

But v = VC so

v = 34.26 (due to 70 V source)


Finally add the two results together.

v = -4.255 + 34.26
v = 30 V


Return to ECE 202 Homework Solution Index