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LAB REPORT 04: Series-Parallel Ladder Circuit.

FACULTY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLGY

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
LEVEL OF STUDY: FRESHMAN I
COURSE CODE & TITLE: ECET 1011- DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS LAB

By King KOTCHO BONGKWAHA Jacob

Supervised by Senior Engineer Tekou

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OUTLINE

1. Introduction……………………………………………………………. . 3
2. Aim……...………………………………………………………………. .3
3. Objectives………………………………………………………………... 3
4. Literature review……………………………………………………….... 3
4.1 Ohm’s law………………………………………………………...3
4.2 Remark (Series and Parallel networks) ...........................................4
4.3 Series-Parallel combination………………………………………4
4.4 Relative difference………………………………………………..4
4.5 Short circuit……………………………………………………....5
5. Requirements…………………………………………………………..... 5
6. Procedure………………………………………………………………...6
7. Prelab Implementation………………………………………………...... 6
7.1 Diagrams.................................................................................................6
7.2 Calculations for V source=10V...............................................................8
7.3 Calculations for V source=20V.............................................................10
7.4 Calculations for Vs=20V and short between nodes b and e............... 11
8. Prelab data collected………......................................................................12
9. Laboratory results collected……………………………………………..12
10. Observations ...............................................................................................13
11. Result Analysis……………………………………………………….......14
12. Conclusions……………………………………………………………....15
13. References……………………………………………………………….15

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1. INTRODUCTION
In this lab Ohm’s law will be applied in the form of the reduce and return circuit analysis
approach to a series-parallel circuit.
2. AIM

The aim of this lab is to build a series-parallel network, and use the reduce and return analysis
method to deduce respective values for both current and voltage on the series-parallel
network.
3. OBJECTIVES
In this lab, the targets are:
 To use the Reduce and Return Circuit Analysis approach to solve for all voltages and
currents in a ladder circuit.
 To mount the circuit on a protoboard, and take current or voltage measurements with
the Agilent 34401A meter.
 To calculate the relative difference (% error) between the nominal prelab calculated
values and the measured values for all voltages and currents of the circuit with a source
voltage of Vs=10.0V. Table the results.
 Comment on the relationship of the data of Table 3 to the data of Table 2 and explain
the relationship.
 Draw the equivalent circuit when the wire was placed connecting nodes b to e and
calculate the all the voltages and currents. Compare measured values of Table 4 to the
calculated values and table the results.
 Finally, provide reasonable observations together with good data analysis, and be able
to give a conclusion.

4. LITERATURE REVIEW
4.1 OHM’S LAW

This law states that: [1] the greater the voltage (or pressure) across a resistor, the more the
current, and the more the resistance for the same voltage, the less the current. In other words,
the current is proportional to the applied voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.
𝐸
That is, 𝐼=
𝑅

where I= current, E= voltage and R= resistance of a resistor

By simple mathematical manipulations, the voltage and resistance can be found in terms of the
other two quantities:
𝐸
𝑅= , and E = I*R.
𝐼

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 4.2 REMARK (SERIES &PARALLEL NETWORKS)

For elements in Series , they have only one terminal in common (i.e., one lead of one is
connected to only one lead of the other). The common point between the two elements is not
connected to another current-carrying element. Consequence:
 The sum of the voltage drops across each element equals the total voltage.
 Each element shares the same current flowing across them.
 Total resistance= sum of individual resistances.
For elements in Parallel , Two elements, branches, or networks are in parallel if they have two
points in common. Consequence:
 Each element shares the same (equal) voltage.
 Branch currents sum up to equal total current.
1 1 1 1 1
 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + ⋯ + 𝑅𝑛, where R is resistance and n=1,2,3, ... ‘number
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
of resistors)

4.3 SERIES-PARALLEL COMBINATION

As earlier mentioned, we will use the reduced and return analysis approach. The aim of the
reduce and return approach is to begin finding series and parallel resistor combinations as far
away from the voltage source. We start by looking at the far right of Figure 7.1 at the resistor
R7. R6 and R7 are added since they are in series, then the circuit is redrawn. Hence R6 and R7
are replaced by their series combination and put in the new diagram as one resistor. The new
resistor will clearly be seen and could be easily analyzed with the resistor R5 since they share
the nodes c and e. Do same till you are left with a single resistor between nodes and GND.
Determine the source current then re-expand while determining the unknowns until the branch
containing R7 is retrieved.

4.4 RELATIVE DIFFERENCE

Relative difference(Rd) stands generally for the percentage (%) error which is used to compare
two respective quantities. It is a dimensionless constant (that is, it has no unit, but usually
represented as a percentage). This Rd also helps us to know if our calculated or measured value is
in a proper range, based on the nominal value we are using. In our case, when asked to compare
values, such as A (measured) with B (nominal), the preferred method is:
𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑−𝑛𝑜𝑚
Rd= ∗ 100%
𝑛𝑜𝑚

Where, measured= measured resistance using meter

nom=nominal resistance or else stated.

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 4.5.SHORT CIRCUIT

A short circuit can carry a current of a level determined by the external circuit, but the
potential difference (voltage) across its terminals is always zero volts.

Figure1.6: Demonstrating the effect of a short circuit on current

levels. [1]

5. REQUIREMENTS
- Table 1.1 below shows the list of equipment used in this laboratory exercise.
Table 1.1: List of equipment used

This device supplied with current helps us to set the amount of

voltage we need for this exercise. It has various ports where in
DC Power banana cables are fitted into where desired to be supplied with
Supply power. It has a scroll-like selector which helps to regulate or select
the desired power range.. It is then connected to the circuit on a
protoboard and switched ON to begin measurements.
Agilent
34401A It is supplied with current to work. This meter can measure various
(Most quantities such as AC and DC current and voltages.
precised)

A banana cable is a single wire electrical connector used for joining

Banana
wires to equipment. It serves as a relay between wires on a
Cables
protoboard to other equipment with the help of hookers.

Wires are simply thin pieces of metal which are insulated with a
material. They usually have conduction properties and will be used in
Wires
the building of the circuit. They serve also as jumpers in building
circuits.

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 This is a construction base for prototyping of electrical components.
Protoboa All components of the circuit in the lab will be mounted on this
rd utensil. In our case, we will be mounting 4 different sets of resistors
with 3 resistors in each set.
These are the main devices or components needed to carry out this
laboratory work. These resistors have various resistances, and so, the
Resistors
resistances will be determined from their color codes as well as from
a meter measurement.

6. PROCEDURE
1. Position a protoboard at your lab station. Construct on the protoboard the ladder circuit shown
in Figure 1.1 using a source voltage of Vs=10.0V.
2. Using the Agilent 34401A bench-top multimeter, measure the source voltage Vs and then
measure the voltages across each resistor followed by the branch current through each resistor
(remember to break the circuit and to move the lead position on the meter to Amps). Record the
measurements in Table 2.
3. Change the source voltage to Vs=20.0V and repeat Step 2 recording the data in Table 3.
4. Place a wire connecting node b to node e. Repeat Step 2 recording the data in Table 4.
This completes the measurements needed for the lab which are to be analyzed.

7. PRELAB IMPLEMENTATION
7.1 DIAGRAMS
- Figure 1.1 below shows the series parallel ladder circuit with voltage set at 10V

R1=1kΩ, R2=1MΩ, R3 =10kΩ, R4 =100 Ω, R5 =1kΩ, R6 =3.6kΩ and R7 =2kΩ Vs=10V

Figure 1.1: Series-Parallel Ladder circuit. (Vs=10V)

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- Figure 1.2 below shows the series parallel ladder circuit with voltage set at 20V

R1=1kΩ, R2=1MΩ, R3 =10kΩ, R4 =100 Ω, R5 =1kΩ, R6 =3.6kΩ and R7 =2kΩ Vs=20V

Figure 1.2: Series-Parallel Ladder circuit(Vs=20V).

(Vs=20V)

- Figure 1.3 below shows the series parallel ladder circuit with voltage set at 20V and shorted
placing a wire connecting node b and e.

20V

Figure1.3: Series-parallel ladder circuit with 20V and short

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 7.2 CALCULATIONS FOR Vs= 10V (figure 1.1)

From fig 1.1, R6 and R7 in series.

R67=R6+R7=3.6kΩ+2kΩ=5.6kΩ A)
From A, R5||R67.
R567=1k||5.6k=0.85kΩ
From B, R3, R4, and R567 are in series.
R34567=R3+R4+R567=10.95kΩ
From C, R2||R34567. B)
R234567=1000kΩ||10.95kΩ=10.83kΩ
From D, R1 in series with R234567.
R1234567=1kΩ+10.83kΩ=11.83kΩ
RT=R1234567=11.83kΩ C)
From Vs=Is*RT,
Is=I1=Vs/RT
Is=10V/11.83kΩ=0.85mA
Is=0.85mA D)

Figure 1.4: Reduce approach of the ladder circuit in fig 1.1

- Since Is will pass through R1, we can use ohm’s Law to determine V1
V1= 0.85mAx1kΩ
V1=0.85V

- Using Current Divider Rule to Obtain I2

𝑅34567 𝑥𝐼234567
𝐼2 = =(10.95kΩx0.85mA)/(1MΩ+10.95kΩ)
𝑅2 +𝑅34567
= 9.3075V/1010.95kΩ
= 9.2μA

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- Using KCL at node b,
Is = 𝐼𝑅2 + 𝐼𝑅34567

𝐼𝑅34567 = 𝐼𝑠 − 𝐼𝑅2

= 0.85mA - 0.0092mA
𝐼𝑅34567 = 0.8408mA

- Since R2||R34567, therefore, 𝑣𝑅2 = 𝑣𝑅34567

- Using Ohm’s Law,

𝑣𝑅2 = 𝐼𝑅2 𝑥𝑅2

= 0.0092mA x 1M𝛺
𝑣𝑅2 = 9.2V

-Since R3, R4 and R567 are in series, IR34567=IR3=IR4=IR567=0.8408mA

Hence, from Ohm’s law,
VR3=0.8408mA x 10kΩ
=8.408V
VR4=0.8408mA x 100Ω
= 0.08408V
𝑉𝑅567 = 𝐼𝑅567 𝑥𝑅567

= 0.8408mA x 0.85kΩ
=0.71468V
=0.715V
-Since R5 and R67 are in Parallel, VR567=VR5=VR67=0.715V
𝑅67 𝑥𝐼567
-Applying CDR at node c, 𝐼𝑅5 = 𝑅5 +𝑅67

=(5.6kΩx0.8408mA)/(1kΩ+5.6kΩ)
=0.7134mA
-Using KCL at node c,
𝐼𝑅67 = 𝐼𝑅567 − 𝐼𝑅5

= 0.8408mA - 0.7134mA
= 0.1274mA

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-Since R6 and R7 are in Series,
𝐼𝑅6 = 𝐼𝑅7 = 0.1274mA=𝐼𝑅67

𝑣𝑅6 = 𝐼𝑅𝑏 𝑥𝑅6

= 0.1274mA x 3.6kΩ
𝑣𝑅6 = 0.45864V

𝑉𝑅7 =0.1274mAx2.6kΩ

𝑉𝑅7 = 0.33124V

7.3 CALCULATIONS FOR Vs= 20V(figure 1.2)

Is=I1=20V/RT=20V/11.83k
I1=1.69mA
V1=1.69mA*1k=1.69V
-Using CDR at node b7,
𝑅34567 𝑥𝐼234567
𝐼2 = =(10.95kΩx1.69mA)/(1MΩ+10.95kΩ)=0.0183mA
𝑅2 +𝑅34567
V2=0.0183mA*1000kΩ=18.3V
I34567=I3=I4=I567=I1-I2
I34567=1.69mA-0.0183mA =1.6717mA
V3=1.6717mA*10k=16.717V
V4=1.6717mA*0.1k=0.167V
V567=1.6717mA*R567=1.6717mA*0.85kΩ
V567=V5=V67=1.42V
I5=V5/R5=1.42V/1kΩ=1.42mA
-Using KCL at node c,
I67=I6=I7=I3-I5
I6=I7=1.6717mA-1.42mA=0.2517mA
V6=I6*R6=0.2517mA*3.6kΩ=0.90612V
V7=V67-V6=1.42V-0.90612V=0.51388V

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 7.4 CALCULATIONS FOR Vs= 20V and short (figure 1.3)
When a wire or jumper is connected between node b and e in figure 1.2, we obtain figure 1.3.
This wire represents a short circuit. Current will not flow across resistors R2,R3,R5,R6, and R7.
- Figure 1.5 below shows the resulting circuit and a simplified equivalent circuit:

Figure 1.5: Equivalent circuit when connecting nodes b & e

So, Rt=R1+R4
Rt=1k+0.1k=1.1k
- From Vs=Is*Rt,
Is=20V/1.1k=18.18mA
Is=I1=I4= 18.18mA, since R1 and R4 are in series.
I2=I3=I5=I6=I7=0A
V1=18.18mA*1k=18.18V
V4=18.18mA*0.1k=1.818V=1.82V
- We deduce that node b=node e, this means V3=V5=V6=V7=0V

But V2=V4 Since they have two common nodes (parallel connection)

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 8. PRELAB DATA COLLECTED
Table 1: Vs set at 10.0V

Vs=10V R1=1kΩ R2=1 MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 0.85V 9.2V 8.408V 0.08408V 0.715V 0.45864V 0.33124V

IRn 0.85mA 9.2μA 0.8408mA 0.8408mA 0.7134mA 0.1274mA 0.1274mA

Table 2: Vs set at 20.0 V

Vs=20V R1=1kΩ R2=1MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 1.69V 18.332V 16.717V 0.167V 1.42V 0.90612V 0.51388V

IRn 1.69mA 0.0183mA 1.6717mA 1.6717mA 1.42mA 0.2517mA 0.2517mA

Table 3: When Vs=20.0V and Short

Vs=20V R1=1kΩ R2=1MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 18.18V 1.82V 0V 1.82V 0V 0V 0V
IRn 18.18mA 0A 0A 18.18mA 0A 0A 0A

9.LABORATORY RESULTS COLLECTED

Table 4: Measured Data with Vs=10.0V.

Vs=10V R1=1kΩ R2=1 MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 840mV 9.186V 8.3116V 0.1491V 0.72456V 0.50509V 0.21948V
IRn 0.569mA 0.0094mA 0.5585mA 0.8264mA 0.7178mA 0.1082mA 0.1075mA

Table 5: Measured Data with Vs=20.0V

Vs=20V R1=1kΩ R2=1 MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 1.6832V 18.332V 16.584V 0.2977V 1.4464V 1.00843V 0.43822V
IRn 1.675mA 0.0183mA 1.6577mA 1.6574mA 1.440mA 0.2169mA 0.2169mA

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 Table 6: Measured Data with Vs=20.0V and Short

Vs=20V R1=1kΩ R2=1 MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

VRn 16.947V 3.028V 0.387mV 3.0238V 0mV 0mV 0mV
IRn 16.803m 0.0030mA 0.0003mA 16.813mA 0.0001mA 0.0001mA 0mA
A

Table 7: Relative difference (% error) between the nominal prelab calculated values and the
measured values for all voltages and currents of the circuit with a source voltage of Vs=10.0V

Vs=10V R1=1kΩ R2=1 MΩ R3=10 kΩ R4=100Ω R5=1 kΩ R6=3.6 kΩ R7=2kΩ

V-nominal 0.85V 9.2V 8.408V 0.08408V 0.715V 0.45864V 0.33124V
V-measured 840mV 9.186V 8.3116V 0.1491V 0.72456V 0.50509V 0.21948V
V-error (%) -1.18 - 0.15 -1.15 -77.3 1.34 10.13 -33.74

I-nominal 0.85mA 9.2μA 0.8408mA 0.8408mA 0.7134mA 0.1274mA 0.1274mA

I-measured 0.569mA 0.0094mA 0.5585mA 0.8264mA 0.7178mA 0.1082mA 0.1075mA
I-error (in %) -5.7 2.17 -33.58 -1.71 0.62 -15.07 -15.62

10.OBSERVATIONS

1. When comparing measured data of table 4 with that of table 5, the results obtained in
table 5 are approximately twice that of table 4 above. For example, considering R2(1M);
V of table 5=18.332V and V of table 4= 9.186V
2(V of table 4) = 2*9.186V=18.372V (18.332V≅18.372V)
- From this observation, one could say table 4 is a factor of table 5.
2. Also, looking at the smallest and largest resistor in terms of resistivity on table 4:
 For R2 of 1 MΩ, the smallest amount of current flows through it (0.0094mA), although
the highest voltage is dropped across it (9.186V). Whereas,
 for R4 of 100Ω, the largest current passes across it (0.8264mA) but the smallest voltage
is dropped across it (0.1491V).
3. When the short circuit is created from node b to e, from the prelab calculations:
 Only resistors R1, and R4 have values different from zero for both their current and
voltage measurements. The remaining resistors had no current nor voltage across
them. Except R2 which has the same voltage as R4.
4. Relative differences on table 7:
 VR4, VR6, and VR7 have -77.3%,10.13%, and -33.74% errors respectively.
 IR3, IR6, and IR7 have -33.58%, -15.07%, and -15.62 respectively.
11. RESULT ANALYSES

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 What accounts for our first observation above is due to the relation of our voltage
sources, V1 and V2. V2=2xV1.
According to our second observation, we realized that the resistor R2 and R4 has some
effects on the circuit and this is explained by what we called CDR (Current Divider Rule).
 For two parallel elements of equal value, the current will divide equally.
 For parallel elements with different values, the smaller the resistance, the greater the
share of input current.
 For parallel elements of different values, the current will split with a ratio equal to the
inverse of their resistor values.
So, the effect of R2 and R4 on the circuit is caused by their value with R2 = 1MΩ (the
highest) and R4 = 100Ω (the smallest). Also, from Ohm’s law,

V directly proportional to R, implying increase in R will definitely increase and vice versa.
I is inversely proportional R, implying increase in R will cause a decrease in I and vice versa.

Based on our observation 3, the obtained results for the prelab are due to the short
circuit applied from the node b to node e. A short circuit is a very low resistance, direct
connection between two terminals of a network, as shown in Figure 1.6(b). The current
through the short circuit can be any value, as determined by the system it is connected
to, but the voltage across the short circuit will always be zero volts because the
resistance of the short circuit is assumed to be essentially zero ohms and
V = IR = I(0 Ω) = 0 V.

This therefore explains why R1 and R4 measured voltages, and currents are different from zero.
However, for the other resistors, their measured voltages and currents are zero because they
are shorted. EXCEPT for V2 which is equal to V4 because the resistors R2 and R4 have 2 common
points, implying they are in parallel. Hence, same voltage drops.

Unfortunately, many laboratory results do not match expected values (observation 4).
The error ranges for these voltages and current are too wide in many cases. These may
be due to wrong measurement.

12. CONCLUSION

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The reduce and return method is suitable to calculate voltages and current across resistors in
series-parallel ladder circuits.

13. REFERENCES [1]

1-Introduction%20to%20circuit%20theory%20Boylestad.pdf
2- ECET 1101 LAB04 circuit.

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