Laboratory Exercise No.

3
Series-Parallel DC Circuit
John Clement Husain, Kayla Millicent Plazo, Mark Allan Antipuesto
Department of Computer Engineering
School of Engineering, University of San Carlos
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract — In this laboratory exercise, series-parallel networks parallel. Total resistance in parallel is obtained by using this
were scrutinized. Two series-parallel circuits were built in Proteus formula:
8 Professional. Each of the circuits’ voltage and current values
were theoretically obtained through series and parallel techniques 𝑅1 × 𝑅2
𝑅𝑇,𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = 𝑅1 ∥ 𝑅2 =
as well as KCL and KVL. The circuits were then simulated with 𝑅1 + 𝑅2
both voltage and current probes in them to get a measurement of
the values. After much analysis, it was concluded that the circuits Kirchhoff’s Current Law, or KCL, states that the current
satisfy KCL and KVL and Ohm’s laws. flowing through a junction or node is equal to the current
flowing out of the same junction. For example, if a current is
Keywords — Series, Parallel, Circuits, KCL, KVL, Kirchhoff, passing through a junction with two branches, assuming the
Voltage, Current, Law resistance of each branches are equal, that current is halved.
I. INTRODUCTION
∑ 𝐼𝑖𝑛 = ∑ 𝐼𝑜𝑢𝑡
Series-parallel circuits are what one might call a simpler
type of a circuit. These are abundant in both theoretical and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, or KVL, states that the sum of
applied electrical engineering due to the fact that they are all voltages in a closed loop is equal to 0.
easily evaluated using Ohm’s laws [1]. As the name suggests,
these networks or circuits contain both series and parallel ∑ 𝑉𝑖 = 0
configurations [2]. These circuits can be analyzed using a
reduce and return approach which is a type of analysis that is Other rules applied to a series-parallel circuits includes
most fitting with single source networks [2]. the voltage divider rule which states that when a voltage is
passing through resistors in series, it is divided by the total
resistors in that series multiplied by their resistance.
𝑅2
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛
𝑅1 + 𝑅2
Current divider rule states that the current flowing
through two resistors in parallel configuration is divided
along the branches.
𝑅𝑇
𝐼𝑛 = 𝐼𝑇
𝑅𝑛 + 𝑅𝑇
Figure 1: A series-parallel dc circuit.
Where 𝐼𝑇 is the current before or the total current passing
Their subnetworks can also be analyzed, applying series
both resistors. 𝑅𝑇 is the total resistance.
and parallel techniques such as voltage divider and current
divider rules, that current in series is constant and the current The aforementioned formulas and techniques are
before is equal to the sum of the currents after in parallel. important in analyzing series-parallel networks, determining
Voltages in series is a summation of voltage drops after their voltages and currents. In this exercise, two circuits are
passing each resistance but constant in parallel. Kirchhoff’s going to be analyzed theoretically using the discussed
Current and Voltage Laws are also applicable. Resistors in methods.
series are summed but obtained in a different manner in
 II. PROCEDURE

Figure 4: The circuit of Figure 1 with current

probes (in blue); built on Proteus. The probes
have arrows pointing to the direction of the
current.
Figure 2: A series-parallel circuit.
7. Calculate the deviation of the measured values from the
1. Build the circuit in the manner of Figure 2 in a computer theory values in Table 2. Refer to Equation 1. Place the
program (the group uses Proteus 8 Professional) with calculated percent deviation on the “Deviation” column.
𝑅1 = 1𝑘Ω, 𝑅2 = 2.2𝑘Ω, 𝑅3 = 4.7𝑘Ω and 𝐸 = 10 𝑉.
2. Determine the theoretical voltages at points 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶
(refer to Figure 2 for the points). Record these values in
Table 1 on the “Theory” column.
3. On the circuit, place voltage probes on the points 𝐴, 𝐵,
and 𝐶 (refer to Figure 2 for the points) (see Figure 3). Run
the simulation and record the voltages measured by the
probes in Table 1 on the “Measured” column.

Figure 5

8. Build another circuit on the manner of Figure 5 in the

Figure 3: The circuit of Figure 1 with voltage program with 𝑅1 = 3.3𝑘Ω, 𝑅2 = 2.2𝑘Ω, 𝑅3 = 4.7𝑘Ω,
probes (in blue); built on Proteus. 𝑅4 = 6.8𝑘Ω and 𝐸 = 20 𝑉.
4. Calculate the deviation of the measured values from the 9. Determine the voltages theoretically along the points 𝐵,
theory values. The formula for finding the deviation is 𝐶, 𝐷, and 𝐸 (refer to Figure 5). Record these values on
shown below: Table 3 on the “Theory” column.
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 − 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 10. On the new circuit, place voltage probes on the points 𝐴,
% 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = [ ] × 100 (1)
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷, and 𝐸 (see Figure 6). Run the simulation and
record the voltage values measured by the probes on
Place the calculated percent deviation values on Table 1
Table 3 on the “Measured” column.
on the “Deviation” column.
11. Calculate the deviation of the measured values from the
5. Determine the theoretical current passing through the
theory values in Table 3. Refer to Equation 1. Place the
resistors 𝑅1 , 𝑅2 , and 𝑅3 . Record these values on Table 2
calculated percent deviation on the “Deviation” column.
on the “Theory” column.
12. Determine the theoretical currents passing through the
6. On the circuit, place current probes on the circuit (see
resistors 𝑅1 and 𝑅2 . Also determine the current at source.
Figure 4). Run the simulation and record the measured
Record these values on Table 4 on the “Theory” column.
current passing through the resistors on Table 2 on the
“Measured” column.
13. On the new circuit, place current probes on it (see Figure On Table 1, the voltages were theoretically determined
5). Run the simulation and record the current measured by using Ohm’s law and observations. By inspection (see Figure
the probes on Table 4 on the “Measured” column. 1), voltage at point a, 𝑉𝐴 , is equal to the voltage output by the
source 𝐸. Also, by inspection, the voltage at point b, 𝑉𝐵 , and
14. Calculate the deviation of the measured values from the the voltage at point c, 𝑉𝐶 , are equal. 𝑉𝐵 was determined using
theory values in Table 4. Refer to Equation 1. Place the the principle of KCL, arriving at the equation:
calculated percent deviation on the “Deviation” column.
𝐼1 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 (2)
𝐸 − 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐶
= + (3)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
From our observations, we know that:
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐵
Substituting these into equation 3 yielded:
𝐸 − 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵
= + (4)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

Isolating 𝑉𝐵 in equation 4 yielded:

𝐸 − 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵
= +
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
𝐸 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵
− = +
𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
𝐸 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐵
Figure 6: The circuit of Figure 4 with probes (in = + +
blue); built on Proteus. The probes with arrows 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1
are the current probes and the probes without are 1 1 1 𝐸
the voltage probes. 𝑉𝐵 ( + + )=
𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1 𝑅1
𝐸 1 1 1 −1
𝑉𝐵 = ( + + ) (5)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅1
The variables in equation 5, 𝐸 and the resistors 1 to 3,
III. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS were substituted in the equation (the values from step 1 in the
procedures chapter), determining the value for 𝑉𝐵 which was
Table 1
Voltage Theory Measured Deviation 𝑉𝐵 ≈ 5.99 𝑉. Since through observation 𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐵 ,
𝑉𝐴 10.0 V 10.0 V 0 determining the value for 𝑉𝐶 , 𝑉𝐶 ≈ 5.99 𝑉.
𝑉𝐵 5.99 V 5.99 V 0
𝑉𝐶 5.99 V 5.99 V 0 In Table 2, the currents were determined after the
voltages. Using equation 2, the terms of the equation coincide
Table 2 with equation 1. Recall:
Current Theory Measured Deviation
𝑅1 4.00 mA 4.00 mA 0 𝐸 − 𝑉𝐵 (2)
𝑅2 2.73 mA 2.73 mA 0 𝐼1 =
𝑅3 1.28 mA 1.28 mA 0 𝑅1 (3)
𝑉𝐵
Table 3 𝐼2 =
𝑅2
Voltage Theory Measured Deviation 𝑉𝐶
𝑉𝐵 20.0 V 20.0 V 0 𝐼3 =
𝑉𝐶 20.0 V 20.0 V 0 𝑅3
𝑉𝐷 16.8 V 16.8 V 0
𝑉𝐸 9.93 V 9.93 V 0 Substituting the values, the values of the currents were
determined. The values were 𝐼1 ≈ 4.00 𝑚𝐴, 𝐼2 ≈ 2.73 𝑚𝐴,
Table 4 and 𝐼3 ≈ 1.28 𝑚𝐴.
Current Theory Measured Deviation
Source 7.52 mA 7.52 mA 0 The measurement values for Table 1 and 2 were gathered
𝑅1 6.06 mA 6.06 mA 0
after simulating the circuit on Proteus. See Figure 6.
𝑅2 1.46 mA 1.46 mA 0
 Comparing the measurements from the theory, the In Table 4, from equation 8 and 9, values for the currents
measurement values in no way deviated from the theoretical are determinable:
values. 0 was then placed on the entire column.
𝑉𝐴
𝐼1, 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 =
𝑅𝑇
𝑉𝐵
𝐼2 =
𝑅1
𝑉𝐶
𝐼3 =
(𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )

Substituting the voltages and resistance, current values

were determined. These were 𝐼1 ≈ 7.52 𝑚𝐴, 𝐼2 ≈ 6.06 𝑚𝐴,
and 𝐼3 ≈ 1.46 𝑚𝐴.
Figure 6 The measurement values for Tables 3 and 4 were obtained
from running the simulation of the circuit. See Figure 7. The
On Table 3, the voltages for the new circuit at points 𝐴, measurements did not deviate from the theoretical values;
𝐵, and 𝐶 are equal since they are in a parallel network. By thus, the deviation column has been filled with 0.
inspection, they are equal to the voltage at the source 𝐸. In
summary, therefore, 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐶 = 𝐸 = 20 𝑉.
By inspection, we get our voltages for points D and E, 𝑉𝐷
and 𝑉𝐸 respectively, by using these equations:
𝑉𝐷 = 𝑉𝐶 − 𝐼3 𝑅2 (6)
and
𝑉𝐸 = 𝑉𝐶 − 𝐼3 𝑅2 − 𝐼3 𝑅3 (7)
Since 𝐼3 is unknown, current values were gathered. From
the circuit, and KCL, we arrived at this equation:
𝐼1 = 𝐼2 + 𝐼3 (8)
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐶
= + (9)
𝑅𝑇 𝑅1 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
Where 𝑅𝑇 , is the total resistance of the circuit: Figure 7
𝑅1 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 ) If another resistor with a value of 10𝑘Ω were added in
𝑅𝑇 =
𝑅1 + (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 ) parallel to 𝑅3 in the circuit in Figure 2, the voltages at points
A and B would not change since voltages remains the same
From equation 8 and 9, we can get the current 𝐼3 :
in parallel.
𝑉𝐶
𝐼3 = If the same resistor were added in series with 𝑅1 in the
(𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
circuit in Figure 5, the current values would change.
Substituting the values for resistors’ 2 to 4 (see step 8 in Specifically:
the procedure) and 𝑉𝐶 , 𝐼3 is then 𝐼3 ≈ 1.46 𝑚𝐴.
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐶
= +
After getting the current 𝐼3 has been determined, it was 𝑅𝑇 (𝑅1 + 𝑅5 ) (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
then substituted to equations 6 and 7. Yielding 𝑉𝐷 ≈ 16.8 𝑉
and 𝑉𝐸 ≈ 9.93 𝑉. Total resistance would also change:

The voltages of 𝑉𝐷 and 𝑉𝐸 can also be determined using (𝑅1 + 𝑅2 )(𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )

𝑅𝑇 =
the voltage divider formula. At point D, the resistor before it (𝑅1 + 𝑅2 ) + (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
is 𝑅2 and the resistors after it are 𝑅3 and 𝑅4 . Therefore,
From these:
𝑅3 + 𝑅4
𝑉𝐷 = 𝑉𝐶 ( ) ≈ 16.8 𝑉 𝑉𝐴
𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 𝐼1 = ≈ 2.96 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝑇
𝑅4 𝑉𝐵
𝑉𝐸 = 𝑉𝐶 ( ) ≈ 9.93 𝑉 𝐼2 = ≈ 1.50 𝑚𝐴
𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 (𝑅1 + 𝑅5 )
 and
𝑉𝐶
𝐼3 = ≈ 1.46 𝑚𝐴
(𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )

If, instead, the fifth resistor were added parallel to 𝑅1 , the

current values would still change. Specifically:

𝑉𝐴 𝑅1 × 𝑅5 −1 𝑉𝐶
= 𝑉𝐵 ( ) +
𝑅𝑇 𝑅1 + 𝑅5 (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )

The total resistance would also change:

𝑅 ×𝑅
(𝑅1 + 𝑅5 ) (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
1 5
𝑅𝑇 =
𝑅 ×𝑅
(𝑅1 + 𝑅5 ) + (𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )
1 5

From these:
𝑉𝐴
𝐼1 = ≈ 9.52 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝑇
𝑅1 × 𝑅5 −1
𝐼2 = 𝑉𝐵 ( ) ≈ 8.06 𝑚𝐴
𝑅1 + 𝑅5
and
𝑉𝐶
𝐼3 = ≈ 1.46 𝑚𝐴
(𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + 𝑅4 )

In both scenarios, 𝐼3 would remain the same since the

voltage supply in that part remained the same as per parallel
voltage rules.
IV. CONCLUSION
From the tables, the fact that the tables were filled is a
proof that each circuit have satisfied KCL and KVL since the
methods used for analyzing said circuits were partly those
laws.
V. REFERENCES
[1] Duffin, R. J. (1965). Topology of series-parallel networks. Journal of
Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 10(2), 303–318.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-247x(65)90125-3
[2] Boylestad, R. L. (2014). Introductory circuit analysis. Pearson.