1

LECTURE 3
MESH ANALYSIS,
NODAL ANALYSIS
EEE 5: Introduction to Semiconductor
Devices and Circuit Theory
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Useful Methods for Circuit Analysis

Mesh Analysis based on KVL equations, operates on
current variables (mesh currents)
Nodal Analysis based on KCL equations, operates on
voltage variables (node voltages)

DISCLAIMER:
Mesh and nodal analysis only suggests a more formal and
systematic way of determining which equations to use in solving
However, circuit analysis is not limited to these two methods
We can analyze a circuit completely using a combination of KCLs
and KVLs equations as long as they are not redundant
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Mesh Analysis Procedure

Assign clockwise or counter clockwise mesh currents for
each mesh
Can be a combination of counter clockwise and counterclockwise
currents
But a single direction for all mesh currents is advisable to minimize
confusion
Write a KVL equation for each mesh, expressing the
voltages in terms of mesh current variables
For each mesh, imagine voltage drops that are consistent with the
mesh current direction
Number of equations needed = number of meshes
Solve the system of equations to determine the value of
each mesh current
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Mesh Currents vs Branch Currents

Mesh currents are components of actual branch currents
For outer branches: branch current = mesh current
For inner branches: branch current = sum of mesh currents

3 2 3 2

1 1
4 4

Without defined mesh currents With defined mesh currents

1 = 3 =
2 = 4 =
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Mesh Analysis Restriction

Mesh analysis is applicable only to planar circuits
circuits that can be drawn flat without overlapping wires

PLANAR NON-PLANAR
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Mesh Analysis Example 1

+

+ Assign mesh currents
1 2
Name and direction

+

+

Write KVL eqns per mesh

+
3
7 6
+ Solve system of equations
1
+


2

+

Mesh X: 7 + 1 + 6 + 2 = 0 3 2 = 1
Mesh Y: 1 + 2 + 3 = 0 + 6 3 = 0
Mesh Z: 6 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 0 2 3 + 6 = 6

= 3
3 unknowns,
= 2
3 equations
= 3
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Mesh Analysis with Current Sources

Independent current source is at the outmost loop or is
not between two meshes
Mesh current = Value forced by current source
Independent current source is between two meshes
Forms a super mesh (combination of the two meshes that contain
the current source). Write a KVL equation around the 2 combined
meshes. Cannot write a KVL equation that passes through a
current source.
Write the current equation relating the branch current (current
source) and the mesh currents.
With dependent current sources
Treat them as independent current sources
Define additional equations for their dependencies, in terms of the
mesh current variables
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Mesh Analysis Example 2

1 2 2
3
1
1 +
15
9
3 1

Mesh 1 (Current Source at outmost loop): 1 = 15

3 = 15 1 + 62 33 = 0
31 2 23 = 0
Mesh 2: 1 2 1 + 22 + 3 2 3 = 0

Cannot write KVL for mesh 3 (has current source) 1 = 15

(Dependent) current source branch: 2 = 11
1 1
= 3 1 = 3 3 2 3 = 17
9 9
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Mesh Analysis Example 3

5 5

1 2 3

36V 1 3 3 2

Mesh 2: 52 + 5 + 3 2 3 + 1 2 1 = 0

Cannot write KVL for meshes 2 and 3 (has current source) 3 unknowns,
Super Mesh 2-3: 36 + 1 1 2 + 3 3 2 + 23 + 41 3 equations

Current Source Branch: 3 = 1 3

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Nodal Analysis Procedure

Assign node voltages. Assign one as the reference node
or ground)
Best choice of ground is the node with the most number of
branches connected to it.
Write KCL equations for each non-reference node in
terms of node voltage variables
Number of equations = number of nodes 1
Solve the system of equations to determine the value of
each node voltage.
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Recall: Voltage at nodes and across them

The voltage across two nodes is the difference of the two
node voltages
Node voltage at (+) side minus the voltage at (-) side
In the example below, the voltage across nodes A and
B is the difference between the node voltage and node
voltage
and is with respect to ground, while
is completely defined in itself (across nodes A and B)

=
=
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Nodal Analysis Example 1

4
Note that the given quantity is in
Siemens (S).
1
Recall: = , = =
3
Note also that the voltage at the 2
reference node (gnd) is zero.
3
8 1 25 5
Assuming all currents through
resistors are going out of the nodes
being considered:
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Nodal Analysis Example 1

4
Note that the given quantity is in
Siemens (S). +
1
Recall: = , = =
3
Note also that the voltage at the + 2
reference node (gnd) is zero.
3
8 1 25 5
Assuming all currents through
resistors are going out of the nodes
being considered:

Node A: 8 + 3 = 3 +
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Nodal Analysis Example 1

4
Note that the given quantity is in
Siemens (S).
1
Recall: = , = =
3
Note also that the voltage at the + 2
reference node (gnd) is zero.
3 +
+
8 1 25 5

Assuming all currents through
resistors are going out of the nodes
being considered:

Node A: 8 + 3 = 3 +

Node B: 0 = 3 + 3 + 0 1 + 2
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Nodal Analysis Example 1

4
Note that the given quantity is in
Siemens (S). +
1
Recall: = , = =
3
Note also that the voltage at the 2
reference node (gnd) is zero.
3 +
+
8 1 25 5

Assuming all currents through
resistors are going out of the nodes
being considered:

Node A: 8 + 3 = 3 +

Node B: 0 = 3 + 3 + 0 1 + 2

Node C: 0 = 4 + 2 + 25 + 0 5
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Nodal Analysis with Voltage Sources

Independent voltage source is connected to ground
Voltage at on-reference node can be directly calculated from the
value of the voltage source
Independent voltage source is between two nodes
Forms a super node (treat the voltage source as one whole node).
Write a KCL equation at the super node. Cannot write a KCL
equation at a node that is connected to a voltage source.
Write the voltage equation relating the source voltage and the two
non-reference nodes it connects to
With dependent voltage sources
Treat them as independent voltage sources
Define additional equations for their dependencies, in terms of the
node voltage variables
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Nodal Analysis Example 2

2
Note that the given quantity is R.
No special case for current sources
in nodal analysis 0.410 10
1 2 3

5 10 20

Assuming all currents through

resistors are going out of the nodes
being considered:

1 3 Dependent Current Source:

Node 1: 5 = 0.410 +
2
By Ohms Law 10 = 2 3
10
2 0 2 3
Node 2: 0.410 = 5
+ 10

3 1 3 2 3 0
Node 3: 0 = 2
+ 10
+ 20
=0
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Nodal Analysis Example 3

8V
Super node
6 6V

3 3 4 5

Node A: 3 = 6
+ 8

0 0
Super Node (B and C): 5 = 6
+ 3
+ 4
+ 8

Voltage Source: 6 =
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Choice of Method
Mesh Analysis
# of equations = # of meshes
Each current source at the outer most loop reduces the number of
equations by 1

Nodal Analysis
# of equations = # of nodes 1
Each voltage source connected to the ground reduces the number
of unknowns by 1
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Matrix Notation
We will usually write our answers (system of equations) in
matrix notation to make it more compact
Easier to check :P

1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 = 4 1 2 3 1 4
1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 = 4 1 2 3 2 = 4
1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 = 4 1 2 3 3 4

1 1 + 22 + 33 = 1 1 + 2 2 1 2 3 1 1 2

1 1 + 22 + 33 = 1 1 + 22 1 2 3 2 = 1 2 1
2
1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 = 1 1 + 22 1 2 3 3 1 2