Chapter 2

RCL RUL

Nodal and Mesh Analysis

040313103 [Link] Chudpooti

Electronics I
Department of Industrial Physics and Medical Instrumentation,
Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology
North Bangkok

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #1

Nodal Analysis

Nodal analysis provides a general procedure for analyzing circuits using node voltages as the circuit
variables. Choosing node voltages instead of element voltages as circuit variables is convenient and reduces
the number of equations one must solve simultaneously.

Nodal Analysis Steps :

1. Select a node as the reference node. Assign voltages v1, v2, … , vn-1 to the remaining n – 1
nodes. The voltages are referenced with respect to the reference node.
2. Apply KCL to each of the n – 1 nonreference nodes. Use Ohm’s law to express the branch
currents in terms of node voltages.
3. Solve the resulting simultaneous equations to obtain the unknown node voltages.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #2

1
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Step 1 หา Node

Step 2 ก หน ดใ
Step 3 ก หนดใใ
Step 4 เคราะะ
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ง ง ของ N ode พร อ

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V =-
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 Steps to Determine Node

Step 1 : Nodal analysis is selecting a node as the reference or datum node. The reference node is
commonly called the ground since it is assumed to have zero potential. A reference node is indicated by
any of the three symbols in Fig. 2.1.

Ref. [1]
Fig. 2.1 Common symbols for indicating a reference node,
(a) common ground, (b) ground, (c) chassis ground.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #3

Steps to Determine Node

Step 2 : we apply KCL to each nonreference node in the
circuit. To avoid putting too much information on the same
circuit, the circuit in Fig. 2.2(a) is redrawn in Fig. 2.2(b),
where we now add i1, i2, and i3 as the currents through
resistors R1, R2, and R3 respectively. At node 1, applying
KCL gives

I 1 = I2 + i 1 + i 2 (2.1)
At node 2,
I2 + i 2 = i 3 (2.2)

Current flows from a higher potential to a lower

potential in a resistor. Ref. [1]
Fig. 2.2
Typical circuit for nodal analysis
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #4

2
 Steps to Determine Node
We can express this principle as
𝑖= (2.3)

we obtain from Fig. 2.2(b),

𝑖 = or i1 = G1v1

𝑖 = or i2 = G2(v1 – v2) (2.4)

𝑖 = or i3 = G3v2

Substituting Eq. (2.4) in Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2) results, respectively, in

𝐼 =𝐼 + + (2.5)

𝐼 + = (2.6)

In terms of the conductance, Eqs. (2.5) and (2.6) become

I1 = I2 + G1v1 + G2(v1 – v2) (2.7)
I2 + G2(v1 – v2) = G3v2 (2.8)

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #5

Step 1 หา Node งห มดของวง

่ ก ง เยอะ
Step 2 ก หน ดใ nod e-

Step 3 ก หนดใใ กระะแสไ หลออกจาก ง ง ของ N ode พร อ

Step 4 เคราะะ ละ no de โดยใ

Example 2.1
Node Va : in+igtig: &
Example 2.1 Determine the voltages at the nodes in Fig. 2.3
reCL Yes, +#
:3 :
Vams
I is
·
Infin iin "in one
41 - 4V, + Va- +&V
2 O

:2 - ↓ "3 ↓ "ด Onintlyt 12

Voor??
/

&
- GV, + TV - Vgz

< Ref. [1] ·- - - Node Us: intint in - O

-CV, - &V + VI- V3- 12

#ra, Visiter ai"
Fig. 2.3 O

124 3V, - GVg- V

!cr.1. เ
V, =4.8 V.
Viva, VIP + V- V
=-
2.4
·
V 3
6. 4
G
อ
VS- +&VG- &V, + 8V,- 8V,
2

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #6

:- - - 1.2
Variety .x 4 - 2.4 / 6V , - 982 + 3 = ·

Vanes · Cities (
(2) 2 4. S

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 Example 2.1 (Solution)
Example 2.1 Determine the voltages at the nodes in Fig. 2.3

Ref. [1] Ref. [1]

Fig. 2.3 (a) Fig. 2.3 (b)
Solution:
The circuit in this example has three nonreference nodes, unlike the previous example which has two nonreference nodes. We assign
voltages to the three nodes as shown in Fig. 2.3(b) and label the currents.
At node 1,
3 = i1 + ix  3 = +
Multiplying by 4 and rearranging terms, we get
3v1 – 2v2 – v3 = 12
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #7

Example 2.1 (Solution)

Solution (Con’t):
At node 2,
ix = i2 + i3  = +

Multiplying by 8 and rearranging terms, we get

-4v1 + 7v2 – v3 = 0

At node 3,
( )
i1 + i2 = 2ix + =

Multiplying by 8, rearranging terms, and dividing by 3, we get

2v1 - 3v2 + v3 = 0

We have three simultaneous equations to solve to get the node voltages v1, v2, and v3. We shall solve the equations in three ways.

v1 = 4.8 V and v2 = 0.5v2 = 2.4 V

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #8

4
 Supernode
• CASE 1 If a voltage source is connected between the
reference node and a nonreference node, we simply
set the voltage at the nonreference node equal to the
9
/
:z
->

voltage of the voltage source. In Fig. 2.4, for · · ·

example, ↓
ไ

·G
v1 = 10 V Node &

• CASE 2 If the voltage source (dependent or In a lout

independent) is connected between two nonreference
· ixtigt :
nodes, the two nonreference nodes form a generalized 2

node or supernode; we apply both KCL and KVL to ·ข

determine the node voltages.

ว

+2 Ref. [1]

Fig. 2.4 A circuit with a supernode.

A supernode is formed by enclosing a (dependent or independent) voltage source connected between two
nonreference nodes and any elements connected in parallel with it.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #9

Supernode

We analyze a circuit with supernodes using the same three

steps mentioned in the previous section except that the Ref. [1]
supernodes are treated differently. Hence, at the supernode
in Fig. 2.4,
i1 + i4 = i2 + i3
or
+ = +

To apply Kirchhoff’s voltage law to the supernode in Fig.

Fig. 2.5 Applying KVL to a supernode.
2.5
-v2 + 5 + v3 = 0  v2 – v3 = 5

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #10

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 Supernode Analysis

Note the following properties of a supernode:

Supernode Analysis Steps :

1. The voltage source inside the supernode provides a constraint equation needed to solve for
the node voltages.
2. A supernode has no voltage of its own.
3. Supernode requires the application of both KCL and KVL.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #11

Example 2.2
Example 2.2 For the circuit shown in Fig. 2.6, fine the node voltages.
1x i
·Vo- ↑-
2

iy ↑ & RCL: Node V , VG

air, + Va
/
2 - 20

< - V, + Ve 2
2

↓
:2 · tia #title the tintin &
-7.33
3 V, -
-2 + + + + + ·
ข. -- 5.33

Ref. [1]
+4 ; -8 + 2V, + 28 + 2 = ·

Fig. 2.6
CV, + va - - 20

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #12

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 Supernode Analysis

Note the following properties of a supernode:

Supernode Analysis Steps :

1. The voltage source inside the supernode provides a constraint equation needed to solve for
the node voltages.
2. A supernode has no voltage of its own.
3. Supernode requires the application of both KCL and KVL.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #11

Example 2.2
&- V
VoIR &
mode Va: iatiyt ig
-
B
=

Example 2.2 For the circuit shown in Fig. 2.6, fine the node voltages.

inf
Ni
·
pic
-> ib
↓im
Po-Grว
110; + /- 7+ ·

↓in -louf
->
hode
.Ref. [1]
o
vi: intly t 12 - 5V2- 140+2V2- &V , - -

Fig. 2.6
+10.
· Other Lea =0
+Va- CV , - 140

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #12

5V, +V , - /2 - 20

6V , -Ve =
2 0

6
 Example 2.2 (Solution)
Example 2.2 For the circuit shown in Fig. 2.6, fine the node voltages.

Solution:
The supernode contains the 2-V source, nodes 1 and 2, and the 10-Ω
resistor. Applying KCL to the supernode as shown in Fig. 2.7(a) gives
->

2 = i1 + i2 + 7

Expressing i1 and i2 in terms of the node voltages

orderBOMAA
Ref. [1]
2= + +7  8 = 2v1 + v2 + 28
or
Fig. 2.6
v2 = -20 – 2v1

To get the relationship between v1 and v2 we apply KVL to the circuit in

Fig. 2.7(b). Going around the loop, we obtain

-v1 – 2 + v2 = 0  v2 = v1 + 2

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #13

Example 2.2 (Solution)

Solution (Con’t): (a)
From previous Equation, we write

v2 = v1 + 2 = -20 – 2v1
or
3v1 = -22  v1 = -7.333 V

and v2 = v1 + 2 = -5.333 V. Note that the 10-Ω resistor does not make
any difference because it is connected across the supernode. (b)

Ref. [1]

Fig. 2.7 Applying: (a) KCL to the supernode,

(b) KVL to the loop.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #14

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 Mesh Analysis
• Mesh analysis is also known as loop analysis or the (a) (b)
mesh-current method
• Mesh analysis is not quite as general as nodal analysis
because it is only applicable to a circuit that is planar.
• A planar circuit is one that can be drawn in a plane
with no branches crossing one another; otherwise it is
nonplanar.
• A mesh is a loop which does not contain any other
loops within it.
Ref. [1]

Fig. 2.8
(a) A planar circuit with crossing branches,
(b) the same circuit redrawn with no crossing
branches.

Ref. [1]
Fig. 2.9 A nonplanar circuit.
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #15

Mesh Analysis

Note the following properties of a Mesh analysis:

Mesh Analysis Steps :

1. Assign mesh currents i1, i2, … , in to the n meshes.

2. Apply KVL to each of the n meshes. Use Ohm’s law to express the voltages in terms of the
mesh currents.

3. Solve the resulting n simultaneous equations to get the mesh currents.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #16

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 Steps to Determine Mesh
Step 1 The first step requires that mesh currents and are assigned to meshes 1 and 2. Although a mesh
current may be assigned to each mesh in an arbitrary direction, it is conventional to assume that each
mesh current flows clockwise.
Step 2 The second step, we apply KVL to each mesh. Applying KVL to mesh 1, we obtain

-V1 + R1i1 + R3(i1 – i2) = 0

or
(R1 + R3)i1 – R3i2 = V1
For mesh 2, applying KVL gives
R2i2 + V2 + R3(i2 – i1) = 0
or
-R3i1 + (R2 + R3)i2 = -V2

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #17

Steps to Determine Mesh

• Step 3 To solve for the mesh currents. Putting previous Eqs in matrix form yields
𝑅 +𝑅 −𝑅 𝑖 𝑉
=
−𝑅 𝑅 +𝑅 𝑖 −𝑉

The current elements and are algebraic sums of the mesh currents. It is evident from Fig. 2.10 that

I1 = i1, I2 = i2, I3 = i 1 – i 2

Ref. [1]
Fig. 2.10 A circuit with two meshes.
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #18

9
 Example 2.3
EXAMPLE 2.3: Use mesh analysis to find the current I0 in the circuit of Fig. 2.11.

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-

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- +

# Ref. [1] 12 13 - 11) + 4 ( - (2) +41 - -(2) : ·

FIG. 2.1
#ais-

+cialitit
loop 2
loop 1: SV - 0

10Cia- (3) +2412 + 4

lin- /3) = ·
-24 + 10 CI, - ) + 12 ( 11 - 13) -
10ic- 10i, tChiat4la- 43 - ·

eai, - 10 - IGig = 24 -

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #19

-lui, +Brig 41 3 >
0-@

Example 2.3 (Cont.)

EXAMPLE 2.3: Use mesh analysis to find the
current I0 in the circuit of Fig. 2.11. Solution:
We apply KVL to the three meshes in turn. For mesh 1,
-24 + 10(i1 – i2) + 12(i1 – i3) = 0
or 11i1 – 5i2 – 6i3 = 12
For mesh 2,
24i2 + 4(i2 – i3) + 10(i2 – i1) = 0
or -5i1 + 19i2 – 2i3 = 0
For mesh 3,
4I0 + 12(i3 – i1) + 4(i3 – i2) = 0
Ref. [1]
But at node A, I0 = i1 – i2
FIG. 2.11
so that 4(i1 – i2) + 12(i3 – i1) + 4(i3 – i2) = 0
or -i1 – i2 + 2i3 = 0

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #20

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 Example 2.3 (Cont.)
Solution (Con’t):
In matrix form,
11 −5 12
11 −5 −6 𝑖 12
∆ = −5 19 0 = 60 + 228 = 288
−5 19 −2 𝑖 = 0
−1 −1 2 𝑖 0 −1 −1 0
We calculate the mesh currents using Cramer’s rule as
We obtain the determinants as
∆ 432
11 −5 −6 𝑖 = = = 2.25𝐴
∆ 192
∆= −5 19 −2 = 418 − 30 − 10 − 114 − 22 − 50 = 192
−1 −1 2 ∆ 144
𝑖 = = = 0.75𝐴
∆ 192
12 −5 −6
∆ = 0 19 −2 = 456 − 24 = 432 ∆ 288
𝑖 = = = 1.5𝐴
0 −1 2 ∆ 192
11 12 −6 Thus, Io = i1 - i2 = 1.5 A.
∆ = −5 0 −2 = 24 + 120 = 144
−1 0 2

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #21

Super-mesh
CASE 1 When a current source exists only
in one mesh: Consider the circuit in Fig. 2.12,
for example. We set i2 = -5 A and write a mesh
equation for the other mesh in the usual way;
that is, Ref. [1]

-10 + 4i1 + 6(i1 – i2) = 0  i1 = -2 A Fig. 2.12 A circuit with a current source.

CASE 2 When a current source exists between two meshes: Consider the circuit in
Fig. 2.13(a), for example. We create a super-mesh by excluding the current source
and any elements connected in series with it, as shown in Fig. 2.13(b). Thus,
(a) (b)
2
Fig. 2.13
(a) Two meshes having a current source in
14 - -
-> เอาออก
common, +

(b) a supermesh, created by excluding &

the current source.

-

Ref. [1]
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #22

-20 + 61, +LLiaria) +6 -

11
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on

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 Super-mesh

A super-mesh results when two meshes have a (dependent or independent) current source in common.

Applying KVL to the super-mesh in Fig. 2.13(b) gives

-20 + 6i1 + 10i2 + 4i2 = 0
6i1 + 14i2 = 20

We apply KCL to a node in the branch where the two meshes intersect. Applying KCL to node 0 in Fig. 2.13(a)
gives
i2 = i1 + 6

After solving Eqs., we get

i1 = -3.2 A, i2 = 2.8 A

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #23

Mesh Analysis

Note the following properties of a super-mesh:

Super-mesh Analysis Steps :

1. The current source in the super-mesh provides the constraint equation necessary to solve
for the mesh currents.

2. A super-mesh has no current of its own.

3. A super-mesh requires the application of both KVL and KCL

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #24

12
 Example 2.4
EXAMPLE 2.4: For the circuit in Fig. 2.14, find i1 to i4 using mesh analysis.
"T
2-
·

+6 + 2 in + 413 + 8 C13- (4) -

/" - : The htt

·

#! 2i, + bigt 12 - Sig - · ~ ①

+ +- ·
Slinty) +Sint 10 -

+ -
- sist 10i, 2 -
10 - ②

- +

↑. &
Ref. [1]
&
-

Fig. 2.14

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #25

Example 2.4 (Cont.)

EXAMPLE 2.4: For the circuit in Fig. 2.14, find i1
to i4 using mesh analysis. Solution:
Note that meshes 1 and 2 form a Super-mesh since
they have an independent current source in common.
Also, meshes 2 and 3 form another super-mesh
because they have a dependent current source in
common. The two super-meshes intersect and form a
larger super-mesh as shown. Applying KVL to the
larger super-mesh,

2i1 + 4i3 + 8(i3 – i4) + 6i2 = 0

or
i1 + 3i2 + 6i3 – 4i4 = 0

Ref. [1]

Fig. 2.14

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #26

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->
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-Code dd
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stof
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·-

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- sist 10i, 2 -
10 - ②

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S
ia- - 30 -

intiz : 34 -
 Example 2.4 (Cont.)
Solution :
For the independent current source, we apply KCL to node P:

i2 = i1 + 5

For the dependent current source, we apply KCL to node Q:

i2 = i3 + 3I0
But I0 = -i4, hence,
i2 = i3 – 3i4
Applying KVL in mesh 4,
2i4 + 8(i4 – i3) + 10 = 0
or
5i4 – 4i3 = -5
After solving Eqs., the answer are
i1 = 7.5 A, i2 = 2.5 A, i3 = 3.93 A, i4 = 2.143 A
040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #27

ANY COMMENTS
& QUESTIONS
Ref. [1]

C. K. Alexander and M. N.O. Sadiku. Fundamentals of Electric Circuits 4th edition.

Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2007. Print.

040313103 Chapter 2: Nodal and Mesh Analysis #28

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