UNDERSTANDING

CIRCUITS
Learning Problem Solving
Using Circuit Analysis
Copyright © 2005 by Morgan & Claypool

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Understanding Circuits, Learning Problem Solving Using Circuit Analysis

Khalid Sayood
www.morganclaypool.com

ISBN: 1598290029 Sayood, Understanding Circuits (paperback)

ISBN: 1598290037 Sayood, Understanding Circuits (e-book)
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

First Edition
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the United States of America

UNDERSTANDING
CIRCUITS
Learning Problem Solving
Using Circuit Analysis
Khalid Sayood
Department of Electrical Engineering,
University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, USA

M
&C Mor gan & Cl aypool Publishers
iv

Abstract
This book/lecture is intended for a college freshman level class in problem solving,
where the particular problems deal with electrical and electronic circuits. It can also
be used in a junior/senior level class in high school to teach circuit analysis. The
basic problem-solving paradigm used in this book is that of resolution of a problem
into its component parts. The reader learns how to take circuits of varying levels of
complexity using this paradigm. The problem-solving exercises also familiarize the
reader with a number of different circuit components including resistors, capacitors,
diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers and their use in practical circuits. The
reader should come away with both an understanding of how to approach complex
problems and a “feel” for electrical and electronic circuits.

KEYWORDS
Circuit Analysis, Problem solving, Transistor Circuits,
OpAmp Circuits, Diode Circuits
 v

Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. Current, Voltage, and Circuit Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Electricity, Current, and Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Kirchhoff ’s Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.1 Kirchhoff ’s Current Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.2 Kirchhoff ’s Voltage Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.5 Projects and Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3. Resistive Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.3 The Resistor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3.4 Resistive Circuits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
3.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
3.6 Projects and Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

4. Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
4.3 Functions of Time and the Concept of Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4.4 Circuits with Resistors and Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.6 Projects and Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

5. Diode Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
vi CONTENTS

5.2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
5.3 Some Common Diode Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
5.3.1 Rectifier Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
5.3.2 Diode Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.3.3 Voltage Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
5.4 Solving Circuits Containing Diodes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
5.5 Solving Circuits Using Load Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
5.6 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
5.7 Projects and Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

6. Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
6.2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
6.3 The Component Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
6.4 Transistor Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
6.5 Transistor Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
6.6 Transistor Logic Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
6.6.1 Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
6.6.2 NOR Gate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
6.7 Transistor Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
6.8 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
6.9 Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

7. Operational Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

7.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
7.2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
7.3 Component Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
7.4 Voltage Follower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
7.5 Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
7.5.1 Inverting Op-Amp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
7.5.2 Non-Inverting Op-Amp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
7.6 The Analog Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
7.6.1 Adding Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
7.6.2 Subtraction Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
7.6.3 Implementing Algebraic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
 CONTENTS vii

7.6.4 Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

7.6.5 Differentiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
7.7 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
7.8 Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
 1

C H A P T E R 1

Introduction
1.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we look briefly at our approach to problem solving.

1.2 PROBLEM SOLVING

Cutting up an ox
Prince Wen Hui’s cook was cutting up an ox.
Out went a hand, down went a shoulder,
He planted a foot, he pressed with a knee,
The ox fell apart with a whisper,
The bright cleaver murmured Like a gentle wind.
Rhythm! Timing! Like a sacred dance,
Like “The Mulberry Grove,” Like the ancient harmonies!

“Good work!” the Prince exclaimed, “Your method is faultless!”

“Method?” said the cook laying aside his cleaver,
What I follow is Tao, beyond all methods!
“When I first began to cut up oxen
I would see before me the whole ox
All in one mass, “After three years
I no longer saw this mass I saw the distinctions.
2 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

“But now, I see nothing with the eye. My whole being

Apprehends. My senses are idle. The spirit
Free to work without plan follows its own instinct
Guided by natural line, By the secret opening, the hidden space,
My cleaver finds its own way. I cut through no joint, chop no bone.

“A good cook needs a new chopper Once a year - he cuts.

A poor cook needs a new one Every month - he hacks!

“I have used this same cleaver nineteen years.

It has cut up a thousand oxen.
Its edge is as keen as if newly sharpened

“There are spaces in the joints; The blade is thin and keen:
When this thinness finds the space
There is all the room you need! It goes like a breeze!
Hence I have this cleaver nineteen years as if newly sharpened!

“True, there are sometimes tough joints. I feel them coming,

I slow down, I watch closely, hold back, barely move the blade,
And whump! the part falls away landing like a clod of earth.

Then I withdraw the blade, I stand still

And let the joy of the work sink in.
I clean the blade and put it away.”

Prince Wan Hui said, “This is it! My cook has shown me

How I ought to live My own life!”
From The way of Chuang Tzu by Fr. Thomas Merton

This poem might seem like a strange way to start a book on problem solving in elec-
trical engineering. It is not, after all, a course on oriental philosophy or the musings
of monks; nor, for that matter, is it a course on slaughtering livestock. However,
 INTRODUCTION 3

this is a book on problem solving, and this poem is as good an analogy as any that
I have found to illustrate how you go about solving problems in engineering. Any
problem deserving of its designation initially looks like a rather large, overbearing,
and clearly unresolvable mass. It is generally understood that the problem has to be
broken down into smaller pieces before a solution can be found. But how do you go
about breaking a problem into smaller pieces? You can hack away at the problem
until, finally, dripping with sweat and gore, you succeed in breaking it down into
pieces small enough. There are several problems with this approach. It takes a long
time, it tires you out so you make mistakes, and it just does not feel cool. And
what, you say, has feeling cool got to do with solving problems? Well, look at it this
way. Your intent at this point in your life is to become an engineer—a profession
that you probably plan to follow for a major part of the rest of your life. Being an
engineer means solving problems, and if solving problems gives you a cool feeling
you will have a lot of fun. If not, you are faced with a lifetime of drudgery.
We want an approach to problem solving that reduces the amount of hacking
required. We prefer an approach that, in the words of the poem, allows us to see
the spaces between the pieces of the problems, and permits us to use the tools at
our disposal to separate the massive thing into understandable pieces. Breaking a
problem into smaller pieces is such a standard approach to solving problems that it
has a name. It is called analysis.
As the problems we are trying to resolve are not oxen, what we mean by the
spaces between the pieces, and what we mean by tools are very different from what
Prince Wen Hui’s cook meant by them. The spaces between the problems are made
clear by the rules that govern physical systems. Each part of a system interacts with
other parts of the system according to a set of rules. By discovering and using this
set of rules we can see where our points of attack should be. Our tools are whatever
we use to separate, hold apart, and recombine the pieces of the problem.
In these notes we will try to understand the process of analysis by using
circuits. The reason for this is twofold. One reason is that we want to introduce
you to some aspects of electrical engineering. The second is that the rules by which
4 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

different parts of an electrical circuit interact are very simple and it is relatively
easy to see the spaces. As we will see in the next chapter, there are only two laws
that govern the behavior of electric circuits. Together with the rules that govern
individual components, these two laws are enough to permit us to analyze circuits.
As you learn to break down a problem into its component pieces you will find that
even the most intimidating circuit can be attacked and resolved in this manner.
Electrical engineering is a very diverse field. Look around you. Products of
electrical engineers are ubiquitous. The particular problems that we look at in these
notes belong to one small part of electrical engineering. Depending on the branch
of electrical engineering you later pursue, you may or may not use the information
provided in this book. However, I hope to give you a vision and a feel for engineering
which will be helpful to you regardless of your particular specialization.
 5

C H A P T E R 2

Current, Voltage,
and Circuit Laws
2.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we introduce the concepts of current and voltage and present two
laws that govern all electrical circuits.

2.2 ELECTRICITY, CURRENT, AND VOLTAGE

Living in the modern world means you have considerable familiarity with the uses
of electricity. You may also have received a formal introduction in your physics
classes. Electricity is (literally) in the air. Consider a simple crystal radio circuit
consisting of a coil of wire wound around an empty film cannister, an earphone,
and a diode (see Fig. 2.1).
Notice that there are no batteries in this circuit. Yet, by connecting the ground
wire to a cold water pipe (or the cable outlet), and the antenna wire to a long wire
or to yourself, you should be able to hear one or more of the nearby AM radio
stations. This is because the signal from radio stations, and TV stations, and cell
phones, are in the air all around you. The circuit converts these signals into a form
you can hear. Try this! A detailed parts list is as follows:

• 30 gauge magnet wire for tuning coil;

• one plastic film can for winding the coil;
• one germanium diode;
6 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Antenna (10' or longer)

Diode

Cap. Coil
Earphone

FIGURE 2.1: A crystal radio.

• one high impedance earphone;

• one 470 pF capacitor;
• 15 ft of wire for antenna and ground connections.

If you do not want to go around looking for the parts, crystal radio kits are available
in most electronics stores.
Understanding the basic nature of electricity is beyond the scope of this book.
Rather, our goal is to get enough of an understanding of the behavior of electricity
in order to understand how electrical circuits function. We describe the behavior
of electricity using the concepts of current and voltage.
Current is a measure of the amount of charge flowing past a given point per
second and is measured in units of amperes (A). One ampere of current is the flow
of one coulomb of charge per second. An analogy to this is the flow of water past
a given point. The greater the flow, the higher the current. We often deal with
currents that are on the order of a thousandth of an ampere or a millionth of an
ampere. Using the metric naming conventions, we call a thousandth of an ampere
a milliampere (mA) and a millionth of an ampere a microampere (μA).
Voltage is the difference in potential energy between two points. Formally,
the voltage between two points is the amount of work done in moving one coulomb
of charge from the lower potential point to the higher potential point.
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 7

Use of the words “higher” and “lower” suggest an analogy for voltage. In
physics you may have learned that energy is the ability to do work. If we raise a
rock to a height of h 1 meters above the floor, the rock has some energy stored in
it. This energy can be used by releasing the rock. When the rock is released it will
hit the floor with a force proportional to its original height above the floor. Thus
the energy stored in the rock (called potential energy) is directly proportional to its
height above the floor. If we denote the potential energy by Ep , then

Ep = mgh 1

where m is the mass of the rock and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Now
suppose we place a table of height h 2 meters between the rock and the floor. If we
release the rock it will travel a distance of h 1 − h 2 meters before it hits the table.
As it travels a smaller distance (h 1 − h 2 meters instead of h 1 meters) the force with
which it hits the table will be less than the force with which it would have hit the
floor. This is because its potential energy with respect to the table was mg (h 1 − h 2 ),
which is less than mg h 1 . If we examine the expression of the potential energy of
the rock, we can write it as a difference of two potential energies:

mg (h 1 − h 2 ) = mgh 1 − mgh 2

i.e., the potential energy of the rock at height h 1 and the potential energy of the
rock at height h 2 . It is the difference in potential that allows the rock to do work.
The potential energy of the rock arises because of the work done against
gravity in raising it. The potential energy of interest to us in electrical circuits is
a result of work done against an electric field. The voltage difference, or voltage
between two points, is the difference in this electrical potential between two points.
This difference in potential can be used to make current flow between two
points. In terms of our water analogy, think of voltage as the difference in potential
energy of water at different heights. Water will not flow between containers at the
same level (see Fig. 2.2); however, it will flow when the containers are at different
heights (see Fig. 2.3).
8 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

... . . .. .. . .... . ..
. .... .... .. .. .. ... . .. . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . ...
.. . . .. .. . . ..... . .. .
. . . . . .. . . . ...
.. ... . . . .. .. . .
.. . .

FIGURE 2.2: Nonflowing water.

Similarly, we can have two points that have a high electric potential with
respect to a reference or ground point, but whether current will flow between these
points is a function of two things: whether there is a path for the current to flow
and whether there is a difference in potential.
Consider birds sitting on a high-voltage line. There is certainly a path for the
current to flow through, but the potential difference between the two points at which
the birds’ feet are touching the wire is so small as to be negligible. Consequently,
no current flows through them, and the birds do not get cooked.
If we have two containers of water at different heights and we connect them
with a pipe, water will flow from the higher container to the lower container. But

. .. ... . ... . . . . . .
. . . . .. . .. . .
.. . .. . ..
.... .
. .
.
...
... . . . .. . . . . . . .. ... .
. . .... .
.. .... .. ..
. . .. .
.

FIGURE 2.3: Flowing water.

 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 9

how much water will flow every second, or every minute? This depends on a number
of things including the difference in height and the size and composition of the
pipe. If we replace the hollow pipe with a pipe full of porous material, then the
porosity of the material would also figure into the calculation of the flow. Similarly,
the flow of current between two points depends on the voltage difference between
the points and the nature of the connection between the points. Using mathematical
shorthand, we can express this as an equation:

Iab = f (Nab , Vab )

where Vab denotes the voltage difference between points a and b, Iab 1 denotes the
current from point a to point b, Nab denotes the nature of the connection between
points a and b, and f ( ) denotes the functional relationships. We will explore the
functional relationship between the voltage across a component and the current
through it for a number of different components in the following chapters. In this
chapter, we will concentrate on developing universal rules or laws that hold for all
components in an electrical circuit.
The word circuit comes from the Latin circumire, which means to go around.
In our analogy, water flows from one point to another. For the water to go around
we add a little rotating gadget, as shown in Fig. 2.4, which transfers water from
the lower bucket to the upper bucket, thus completing the circuit. Obviously there
is a need for an external source of energy to complete the circuit.2 In an electrical
circuit, a battery is often our external source. In Fig. 2.5 we show a simple circuit
consisting of a battery and one other component.

1
Why represent current with I ? The best explanation I have been able to come up with is that current
used to be referred to as current intensity and, in fact, a French translation of current is intensite.
Since many of the earlier workers in this field were French, I could stand for the intensity in current
intensity.
2
In a sense this whole business of electrical circuits begins with the invention of an external (more or
less) constant source known by the rather inelegant name of the Voltaic pile invented by Allesandro
Volta. Volta was born in Como, Italy, on February 18, 1745, and died on March 5, 1827. He
published his account of the voltaic pile in 1800. The voltaic pile is the forerunner of today’s
batteries (in French as well as several other languages, a battery is called a pil ).
10 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

....
....
. .. ... .. . . .
.
. . . . .. ..
. ..
..
..
.. . ..
. ...
.. .
. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ...... .
.
. . . .. . .
.. . .

FIGURE 2.4: A water circuit.

At this point let’s pause to note a few conventions. When we refer to a

difference between two values, our knowledge of the situation is incomplete unless
we know which of the two values is larger. In an electrical circuit, the size of the
difference in potential (along with the nature of the component) determines the
size of the current. However, the direction of the current through a component
is dictated by which end of the component is at a higher potential. Thus, it is
important not only to know the size of the voltage difference across a component
but also which terminal is at a higher potential level.
Recall our water analogy: if we say the difference in water level between pail
1 and pail 2 is 2 ft, we cannot tell whether water will flow from pail 1 to pail 2
or vice versa. However, if we know which one is higher, then we can tell which
direction the water will flow.

+ N I
Vs –

FIGURE 2.5: An electrical circuit.

 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 11

If pail 1 is at a height of 3 ft and pail 2 is at a height of 5 ft, we can say that

pail 2 is higher than pail 1 by 2 ft. If their places are reversed, we can say pail 1 is
higher than pail 2 by 2 ft. We can also do the following: In the first case with pail 1
at 3 ft and pail 2 at 5 ft, we say pail 1 is higher than pail 2 by −2 ft, and in the second
case we say pail 1 is higher than pail 2 by 2 ft. We have fixed the place of pail 1 and
pail 2 in our sentence so that our sentence will always read pail 1 is higher than pail 2
by x feet, where x can be positive or negative. This might seem rather cumbersome
but, as you will see, this brings a precision to our statements, which is very useful
in solving circuits.
In an electrical circuit, for a given component we denote the terminal that
we assign to be at a higher potential with a positive (+) sign. The other terminal is
marked with a negative (−) sign. When we say that the voltage across a component
is V , we mean that the difference between the potential at the terminal marked +
(the positive terminal) and the terminal marked − (the negative terminal) is V volts.
The component N and the voltage source in Fig. 2.5 are connected by wires.
We assume that the potential along the wires is always the same. That is, the
potential difference between any two points on the wire is 0. Therefore, in the
circuit shown in Fig. 2.5, the voltage across the component N is simply Vs . If we
knew the relationship between the voltage and the current for the component N,
we could have used that to obtain the current I through the circuit. Notice in the
figure that we have also assigned a direction to the current. This is imperative as
we cannot talk about voltages and currents without assigning polarities and directions,
respectively.
Suppose Vs in Fig. 2.5 is 9 V. This means that the potential difference
between point a and point b is 9 V, with point a being at the higher potential. We
write this as Vab = 9 V. Suppose we were asked for Vba . This is the difference in
potential between point b and point a. As point a is at a higher potential Vba = −9 V.
Reversing the order of the subscript negates the value.
Similarly, suppose we had a current of 2 A flowing in the circuit from a to b.
In other words, Iab = 2 A. However, suppose we were interested in the current flow
12 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

I2 I4
I0
a c d
N2 N4

I1 I3 I5
V N1 N3 N5

FIGURE 2.6: Example of an electrical circuit.

from b to a. In this case, we would obtain a current value of −2 A, or Iba = −2 A.

Notice that the subscript for the current denotes the direction of current flow; Iab is
the current from a to b and Iba is the current from b to a. As in the case of the voltage,
reversing the order of the subscript results in negating the value of the current.

2.3 KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS

When we have a single source and single connecting component, it is a simple matter
to obtain the current through the circuit and the voltages between various points.
If we have more components and/or sources such as in Figs. 2.6 or 2.7 we need a
few more rules. These rules were developed by Gustav Kirchhoff 3 and are known
as Kirchhoff ’s Laws or more specifically Kirchhoff ’s current law and Kirchhoff ’s
voltage law. These laws govern how all electrical circuits behave. Although they are
very simple, they are essential tools for analyzing circuits. The Kirchhoff ’s laws can
easily be understood in terms of our water analogy.

2.3.1 Kirchhoff ’s Current Law

Kirchhoff ’s current law (KCL) relates to currents entering and leaving a node. A
node is a junction in the circuit where two or more components are connected.
The word “junction” is used somewhat loosely here. Consider Fig. 2.6. The voltage
source and the components N1 and N2 are connected at node a. The components

3
Gustav Robert Kirchhoff was born in Koenigsberg, Germany, on March 12, 1824, and died on
October 17, 1887. Working with Bunsen (of the Bunsen burner fame), Kirchhoff also discovered
that glowing vapors absorbed light of definite wavelengths.
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 13

I2 I4
I0
a c
N2 N4

⫹ I1 I3 I5
⫹
V1 ⫺ N1 N3 ⫺ V2

FIGURE 2.7: Another example of an electrical circuit.

N2 , N3 , and N4 are connected at node c. In both of these cases, the nodes correspond
to points on the circuit diagram. However, node b at which the components N1 , N3 ,
N5 , and the source come together is the bold line shown at the bottom of the figure.
Kirchhoff ’s law states that the current entering a node is always equal to the
current leaving a node. If we consider the analogous situation in our water example,
we can see that this has to be true. Consider the situation shown in Fig. 2.8. If there
is a continuous flow of water, obviously the amount of water entering the junction
is equal to the amount of water leaving the junction.
In the part of a circuit shown in Fig. 2.9, the current entering the node b is
the current Iab . The currents leaving node b are the currents Ibc and Ibd . Therefore,
according to the KCL

Iab = Ibc + Ibd

A simple way of checking whether you have written an equation correctly is

to check the subscripts. Given our convention the second subscript of all currents

FIGURE 2.8: A joining of pipes.

14 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

a b d

c
FIGURE 2.9: A part of a circuit.

entering a node x should be x, while the first subscript of all currents leaving node
x should be x.
Kirchhoff ’s current law can also be stated as the algebraic sum of all currents
entering a node is zero. If we look at node c in the circuit shown in Fig. 2.6, the KCL
says that

I2 = I3 + I4 (2.1)

In terms of our earlier naming convention, this is the same as saying

Iac = Icb + Icd

The currents entering node c are Iac , Ibc , and Idc . Therefore, according to the
second statement of the KCL

Iac + Ibc + Idc = 0 (2.2)

At the end of the previous section we said that reversing the order of the sub-
scripts results in negating the current value. Therefore, if Icb = I3 , then Ibc = −I3 ,
and if Icd = I4 , then Idc = −I4 . Substituting these in Eq. (2.2) we get

I2 − I3 − I4 = 0 (2.3)

which is the same as Eq. (2.1). Both statements of the KCL mean exactly the same
thing.
Let’s see how we would use the KCL in practice.
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 15
a

5 mA A 3 mA B C Io

FIGURE 2.10: An application of KCL.

Example2.3.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 2.10. There are three components
A, B, and C connected to form a circuit. Suppose we measure the current through
A and B and come up with the measured values indicated in the figure. What is
the value of the current marked Io ?
Following the example of Prince Wen Hui’s cook, the first thing we do is look
for the spaces between the components of the problem. We know the behavior of
currents at nodes; therefore, in the case of electrical circuits, the spaces are generally
the nodes. In this circuit we have only two nodes named a and b. Our “knife” is the
current law and we can apply it to either of the nodes. Let’s apply it to the node
labeled b. At this node, the current with a value of 3 mA flows to node b through
the component marked B, and 5 mA flows from node b through the component
marked A. Because the current marked Io is the only other current entering the
node, it has to have a value that will make the total current entering the node equal
to the total current leaving the node. That is,

Io + 3 mA = 5 mA

or Io is 2 mA.
Let’s look at one more circuit which, at first glance, looks somewhat more
complicated.

Example 2.3.2: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 2.11. We have five components
instead of three and twice the number of nodes we had in the previous example.
However, it is actually no more difficult to solve than the previous problem. The
16 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

p q
B

5 mA A 3 mA C E

D
r s
Io

FIGURE 2.11: Another application of KCL.

important thing is not to get distracted by the size of the circuit and concentrate
on the nodes. In this problem the unknown current Io enters node r; therefore, we
look at the currents entering or leaving this node. From the figure, it is clear that
the currents entering node r are Io and 3 mA, and the current leaving node r is
5 mA. Therefore, once again Io has a value of 2 mA.

Finally, let’s look at a circuit where we need multiple applications of the KCL
to get our answer.

Example 2.3.3: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 2.12. This circuit has consider-
ably more components than the previous two. Again, we wish to find the current
marked Io . This is the current leaving node f and entering node g. We can apply
the current law to either of these nodes to begin the process of finding the value of
Io . Let’s apply KCL to node f. The current entering node f is Idf and the current

a Q b S d V f

7A P 3A R 2A U X Io

c T W g
e

FIGURE 2.12: Another application of KCL.

 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 17

leaving node f is Ifg , which is the same as Io . Therefore,

Io = Ifg = Idf

To find Idf we apply KCL to node d. The currents entering node d are Ibd
and Ied , while the current leaving node d is Idf . Therefore,

Idf = Ibd + Ied

From the figure we can see that Ied = 2 A. Therefore,

Io = Idf = Ibd + 2 (2.4)

To find Ibd we apply KCL to node b. The current entering node is Iab , while
the currents leaving node b are Ibc and Ibd . Therefore,

Iab = Ibc + Ibd

or

Ibd = Iab − Ibc

As Ibc = 3 A

Ibd = Iab − 3

Substituting this expression for Ibd in Eq. (2.4) we obtain

Io = Iab − 3 + 2 = Iab − 1 (2.5)

To find Iab we look at node a, where Iab is the current leaving the node and
Ica is the current entering the node. Therefore,

Iab = Ica

From the figure Ica = 7, therefore, Iab = 7. Substituting this value for Iab
into Eq. (2.5) we get Io = 6.
18 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Quite a few steps were necessary to obtain the solution in this last example.
However, notice that each step of the solution was a very straightforward application
of a simple rule. As we study more and more complicated looking problems, it will
be extremely important that we do not get distracted by the complexity of the
overall problem and instead focus on the simplicity of the steps needed to solve
the problem. Simple step by simple step, we will be able to solve the most difficult
problems.

2.3.2 Kirchhoff ’s Voltage Law

Kirchhoff ’s voltage law (KVL) states that the voltage difference between two points
is the same regardless of the path we take between them. Let’s make use of our
height analogy to get a mental picture of what we mean by the KVL. Consider the
situation shown in Fig. 2.13. The height difference between level a and level c is
h 1 . If we place a rock of mass m at level a, the potential energy of the rock with
respect to level c will be mgh1 . If we go from level a to level b the change in height
is h 2 . The change in height from level b to level c is h 3 . Clearly

h1 = h2 + h3

and

mg h 1 = mg h 2 + mg h 3

Whether we go directly from a to c, or go first to b and then to c, the change,

or difference, in potential energy is the same.

h2
b
h1
h3
c
FIGURE 2.13: A case of heights.
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 19

In Fig. 2.6 the voltage difference between nodes a and c is denoted by Vac .
We could go from node a directly to node c via component N1 , or we can go from
node a to node b and from there to node c. The voltage difference between nodes a
and b is Vab , and the voltage difference between nodes b and c is Vbc . According to
the KVL,

Vab = Vac + Vcb

A consequence of this is that if we traverse any closed path in a circuit, the

algebraic sum of the voltages is zero. Consider the circuit in Fig. 2.6 and the path
acba. Vaa is the potential difference between point a and point a, which is zero (just
as the difference in height between level a and level a is zero). We can get from a
to a by going first to b then to c and then back to a. Therefore,

Vaa = Vab + Vbc + Vca = 0

Example 2.3.4: Consider the circuit in Fig. 2.14. The voltage difference between
nodes a and c is 9 V, while the voltage difference between nodes b and c is 6 V. In
other words,

Vac = 9 V
Vbc = 6 V

Light
Bulb
a b

⫹ Battery ⫹
– 9V
– Battery
6V

FIGURE 2.14: Two batteries and a lamp.

20 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

We wish to find the voltage across the lamp. By KVL

Vac = Vab + Vbc

or

Vab = Vac − Vbc

which means that Vab = 3 V.

We can go from b to c in two different ways, directly or via node a. Therefore,
we can write

Vbc = Vba + Vac

from which we obtain Vba = −3 V. As with the case of the currents, notice that
reversing the subscript results in a negation of the value and Vab = −Vba .

Let’s continue with another example, which is slightly more complicated.

Example 2.3.5: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 2.15 consisting of four compo-
nents labeled A, B, C, and D. The voltage across component A is 5 V and across
component D is 12 V. We are asked to find the voltage labeled Vo across the com-
ponent labeled B. We first identify the nodes in this circuit and label them x, y, and
z. (Can you see why there are only three nodes in this circuit?) The voltage across
the component labeled A is the potential difference between nodes z and x with
node z being at the higher potential. That is, Vzx = 5 V. Similarly we can see that

y
⫹
⫹ 5V ⫺ B Vo
⫹
x ⫺
A D 12 V
⫺
C

z
FIGURE 2.15: An application of KVL.
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 21

Vyz = 12 V and the unknown voltage Vo is the same as Vyx . Using KVL,

Vyx = Vyz + Vzx = 12 + 5 = 17 V

Although initially the problem looked complicated, it really was not.

Finally, let us take an example from everyday life.

Example 2.3.6: Suppose your car battery runs down. Instead of the required 12 V
across it, you are getting 10 V, so you ask for a jump from a friend. The correct
procedure is to connect the positive terminals of the batteries (the negative terminals
are already connected to the car chassis), and connect the chassis(s) to each other.
As you do so, right before you connect the chassis, the situation is similar to as
shown in Fig. 2.16. We want to find the voltage Vg across the gap. At the bottom of

13 V
+ + 10 V

Friend's Your
Battery Battery

vg
Chassis ⫺ + Chassis
a

⫹ ⫹
13 V – – 10 V
vg
b – + c

FIGURE 2.16: Correct way to connect the batteries.

22 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Fig. 2.16 we have redrawn the circuit and identified and labeled the nodes. From
this figure we can see that Vg is the same as Vcb , the potential difference between
nodes c and b. We know the voltages Vab (13 V) and Vac (10 V). In order to find
Vcb we need to write this voltage in terms of the known voltages. Using the KVL,
we can write Vcb as

Vcb = Vca + Vab

We know that Vac is 10 V; therefore, Vca is −10 V and

Vcb = −10 + 13 = 3 V

Thus, the voltage across the gap is 3 V.

What happens when we incorrectly connect the negative terminal of your
friend’s battery to the positive terminal of your battery as shown in Fig. 2.17? Again
we have redrawn the circuit and identified and labeled the nodes in the bottom half
of the figure. The voltage across the gap Vg is still Vbc , and Vac is still 10 V. However,

⫹ 13 V ⫹ 10 V

Friend's Your
Battery Battery

v
Chassis ⫺g⫹ Chassis

⫺ ⫹
13 V ⫹ 10 V
⫺

– vg +
b c

FIGURE 2.17: Incorrect way to connect batteries.

 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 23

in this configuration Vab is −13 V. As Vcb is still given by

Vcb = Vca + Vab

the voltage across the gap is

Vg = Vcb = −10 − 13 = −23 V

This is not a safe situation.

In the examples provided for the KCL, you may have noticed that we had
circuits in which some of the currents were known and, in the examples provided
for the voltage law, the voltages were known. In practice (for a given circuit) we may
know voltages across some components and currents through others. In order to
apply the current law or the voltage law, we need to convert the voltages across the
components to the currents through them, or vice versa. For this to happen we need
to know the relationship between the voltage across a particular component and
the current through it. We call this relationship the component rule. In the following
chapters, we will see how we can use these component rules and the Kirchhoff ’s
laws to solve what initially look like complicated circuits. In the process we will
introduce you to some of the components commonly used in electrical circuits.
Throughout the analysis you need to keep in mind that in order to solve a problem
you may have to take many steps. However, each step is very simple. Like Prince
Wen Hui’s cook, if you concentrate on the spaces, which for us will mainly be the
nodes, the problem will resolve itself simply.

2.4 SUMMARY
In this chapter we introduced the two circuit laws that govern all circuits and will be
with us from here on. The Kirchhoff ’s current law or KCL states that the current
entering a node is equal to the current leaving the node. The Kirchhoff ’s voltage law
or KVL states that the voltage difference between two points is independent of the
path taken to get from one point to the other. These are very simple statements and
24 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

it would be easy to underestimate their power. We will find in later chapters that
these two laws along with rules describing the behavior of individual components
is all we need to analyze even the most complex circuit.

2.5 PROJECTS AND PROBLEMS

1. In the circuit shown below find Io .

5 mA 3 mA

Io

2. In the circuit shown below find Io .

4 mA

5 mA 3 mA

Io

3. In the circuit shown below find Vo .

⫹ Vo ⫺

⫹ ⫹
12 V 8V
⫺
⫺
 CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND CIRCUIT LAWS 25

4. In the circuit shown below find Vo .

⫹ Vo ⫺

⫹ ⫹
12 V 9V
⫺
⫺

5. In the circuit shown below find Io .

p q
B

5 mA A 3 mA C E

D
r s
Io
6. In the circuit shown below find Io .

Q S V

7A P 3A R 2A U X Io

T W

7. In the circuit shown below find Vo .

⫹
⫹ 6V ⫺ B Vo
⫹
⫺
A D 12 V
C ⫺
26 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

8. In the circuit shown below find Vo .

+ VD –
D
+ 2 V – ID + Vo –
A C
IA I
⫹ + C ⫹ 12 V
5V ⫺ IB B VB ⫺
–

9. In the circuit shown below find Vo , V1 , and V2 .

⫹ 4V⫺ ⫹ 2V⫺

⫹ ⫹ ⫹
⫹
10 V V2
V1 3V
⫺ ⫺ ⫺ ⫺

⫹ Vo ⫺
 27

C H A P T E R 3

Resistive Circuits
3.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we see how we can use the Kirchhoff ’s laws together with component
rules to analyze circuits. We also begin looking at various components used in
electrical circuits. We start with the simplest component—the resistor.

3.2 INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapter we described the two laws that we will use to analyze
all kinds of circuits. One law deals with currents at a node and the other with
voltage between two points. Also, we ignored the nature of the components and
assumed that we somehow know the currents and voltages necessary to obtain the
information we desire. In order to apply the Kirchhoff ’s laws we often need to know
the relationship between the current through the component and the voltage across
it. As the circuits become more complicated it is also useful to have a procedure for
attacking the problem. Like Prince Wen Hui’s cook, we have to identify the spaces
and then separate the problem along these spaces. In circuits the spaces will be the
nodes in the circuit. The tools we use at these spaces will be the Kirchhoff ’s laws
along with the current–voltage relationship for the component. Let’s develop our
procedure using a simple example.

Example3.2.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 3.1, which consists of the mystery
components A, B, and C. We do not know what these components are. All we know
28 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

⫹+

vB B iB
+ – +
iA
Vo
A vA b vC C iC
– ⫹ –
⫺ 10 V
⫺
c

FIGURE 3.1: A collection of boxes.

is that they have the following current–voltage relationships:

IA = 0.1 VA (3.1)

IB = 0.05 VB (3.2)

VC = 2.5 + 10 IC (3.3)

Is this sufficient to compute Vo ? Let’s find out.

Let’s start with counting the nodes. There are three nodes in this circuit.
One is at the top of the figure where components A, B, and C come together. One
is between component B and the 10-V source, and one is at the bottom of the
figure where components A, C, and the voltage source are joined. Let’s name these
nodes a, b, and c. We will attempt to find the voltage at each node with respect to a
reference node. Once we know the voltage of all nodes with respect to a reference
node the voltage difference between any two nodes can always be found as the
difference between the voltages of those nodes with respect to the common node.
For example, suppose we know Vbx and Vax , where x is the common node. Suppose
we wished to find Vab . Using KVL we know that
Vax = Vab + Vbx
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 29

or
Vab = Vax − Vbx

Because the voltage of a node with respect to the reference node is so useful we will
give it a special name and call it the node voltage.
In our circuit, let’s select node c as the reference node. The voltage of node
c with respect to itself is of course 0. The voltage of node b with respect to node c
is simply the potential difference across the voltage source, which is 10 V. And we
are left with only one node, node a, with an unknown voltage. All we know about
a node is that the current entering the node will be equal to the current leaving the
node. Looking at node a we see that there is no current entering the node and we
have IA , IB , and IC leaving the node. Thus,

IA + IB + IC = 0
We would like to write this equation in terms of the voltages at each node with
respect to the reference node. We will get there in two steps. First, write the currents
through the components in terms of the voltages across the components. We can
do this by using the component rules specified in Eqs. (3.1)–(3.3). We replace IA
with 0.1 VA , IB with 0.05 VB and IC with (VC − 2.5)/10 to obtain
VC − 2.5
0.1 VA + 0.05 VB + =0 (3.4)
10
From the circuit we can see that

VA = Vac
VB = Vab
VC = Vac

Substituting these into Eq. (3.4) we obtain

Vac − 2.5
0.1 Vac + 0.05 Vab + =0 (3.5)
10
In this equation Vac is the voltage of node a with respect to the reference node;
however, Vab is not a voltage with respect to the reference node. As noted earlier
30 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

we can write the voltage between any two nodes in terms of the voltages of those
nodes with respect to a common node. Thus,

Vab = Vac − Vbc

Noting that Vbc = 10, we obtain

Vab = Vac − 10

Substituting this in Eq. (3.5) we get

Vac − 2.5
0.1 Vac + 0.05(Vac − 10) + =0 (3.6)
10
which is all in terms of Vac . Solving for Vac we obtain Vac = 3 V.
We had originally wanted to compute Vo . Looking at Fig. 3.1 we can see
that Vo = Vac . Therefore Vo = 3 V.

In this example we have applied the Kirchhoff ’s laws in a systematic way.

Systematic procedures are nice to know because they can be used to solve a large
number of problems. They allow us to concentrate on the spaces rather than on
the whole problem. Let’s write down the procedure used in the previous example
in general terms. The steps we took were as follows:

1. Identify all nodes in the circuit.

2. Select one of these nodes as the reference node.
3. At each node, which is not the reference node, either
(a) write the node voltage, the potential difference between the node and
the reference node, or,
(b) write the Kirchhoff ’s current law at the node.
4. Wherever possible, write the currents in the equations in terms of the
voltages across the components.
5. Write the voltages in terms of the node voltages, the voltage of each node
with respect to the reference node.
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 31

IA IC

A C
+4 V –
+
10 V + B IB V D ID
– D
–

FIGURE 3.2: Another collection of boxes.

If you have a total of N nodes, at this point you will have at most N − 1
equations with N − 1 unknowns. The unknowns will be the potential difference
between all nodes and the reference node. You can solve these equations with
whatever tools you have at your disposal.
This procedure will work for most of the circuits you encounter. For the
remaining, we will have to modify the procedure. Let’s look at an example where
we do have to modify the procedure.

Example 3.2.2: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 3.2. Suppose we are given the
following rules for the components:

IA = VA (3.7)
IB = 0.125 VB (3.8)
ID = 0.25 VD (3.9)

and asked to find the voltage across component D. Let’s follow the steps of our
procedure as far as we can.
The first step is to identify the nodes. We have done so in the Fig. 3.3 and
marked them with the letters a, b, c, and d. We have also relabeled the currents.
The current IA is the current going from node a to node b, so we have labeled it Iab .
Similarly the current IB is the current from node b to node d and is therefore labeled
Ibd . The same is true for IC and Ibc , and for ID and Icd . Next we have to pick a
reference node. Let’s pick that to be node d. Now let’s visit each node.
32 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Iab I bc
a b c
A C
+4 V –
+
10 V + B I bd V D D I cd
– –

d
FIGURE 3.3: Labeled collection of boxes.

node a: We can write the voltage at node a with respect to node d by inspection.

Vad = 10 V

node b: At node b we can write the current law as

Iab = Ibd + Ibc (3.10)

node c: At node c the current entering the node is Ibc and the current leaving the
node is Icd . Therefore we can write the current law as

Ibc = Icd (3.11)

We have two equations in terms of the currents. Now, let’s try and write
these currents in terms of the voltages across the components. The current Iab is
the current through component A. From Eq. (3.7) we can see that the current
through component A is equal to the voltage across the component

Iab = Vab

The current Ibd is the current through component B. From Eq. (3.8)

Ibd = 0.125 Vbd

Similarly, using Eq. (3.9)

Icd = 0.25 Vcd

 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 33

However, we do not have any information about the relationship between

the current through component C and the voltage across it. Therefore, we cannot
write Ibc in terms of Vbc . To see how we get around this problem let’s write the
other currents in terms of the respective voltages:

Vab = 0.125 Vbd + Ibc (3.12)

Ibc = 0.25 Vcd (3.13)

We can see that we can substitute the expression for Ibc from Eq. (3.13) in Eq.
(3.12) to obtain

Vab = 0.125 Vbd + 0.25 Vcd (3.14)

Let’s now rewrite this equation in terms of the voltages at each node with respect
to the reference node.

Vad − Vbd = 0.125 Vbd + 0.25 Vcd (3.15)

Substituting the value for Vad we get

10 − Vbd = 0.125 Vbd + 0.25 Vcd (3.16)

We have two unknowns, Vbd and Vcd , and only one equation! However, we have
not used all the information available to us. Looking at Fig. 3.2 we see that the
voltage across component C is 4 V, or Vbc = 4. Writing Vbc in terms of voltages in
terms of the reference node we get

Vbd − Vcd = 4 V (3.17)

which is our second equation. Given two equations with two unknowns we can
solve for Vbd and Vcd and obtain

Vbd = 8 V
Vcd = 4 V
34 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

+ V –

a b

I
FIGURE 3.4: A resistor.

We have discovered some spaces using the rules that allow a circuit to function
as a whole. These rules include the two Kirchhoff ’s laws and the rules that relate
the current through a component to the voltage across it. We have found that the
spaces we need to concentrate on are the nodes in the circuit. In the next section
we introduce the simplest of all electrical components, the resistor, and apply what
we have learned to solving circuits containing resistors.

3.3 THE RESISTOR

The simplest kind of connection analogous to a hollow pipe is something called
a resistor. The symbol for the resistor is shown in Fig. 3.4. Resistors with a high-
resistance value will let less current flow through it for a given voltage than a resistor
with a low-resistance value. The most popular kinds of resistors are linear resistors.
When we say a function is linear we mean that the function f () or g() corresponds
to a line through the origin. In particular

V = IR (3.18)

where R is the resistance measured in ohms1 with symbol . or

I = GV (3.19)

1
George Simon Ohm was born in Erlangen, France, on March 16, 1789. He published his observa-
tions on the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in 1827. The work was not well
received and Ohm was so upset that he resigned from his academic position.
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 35

I0 I2 I4
a b c d
R2 R4
I1 I3 R3 I5
Vs R1 R5

e
FIGURE 3.5: An example of a resistive circuit.

where G = 1/R is called the conductance and is measured in siemens with a sym-
bol S.2 The law relating the current through a resistor to the voltage across it [Eq.
(3.18)] is called Ohm’s law. If we plot V versus I in these equations we can see
that the plot is a straight line through the origin, i.e., the resistor is a linear com-
ponent (our earlier declaration). Note that this relationship is valid only when the
current I flows from the assumed positive terminal of the resistor to the assumed negative
terminal.

3.4 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS

Let’s examine how we would go about analyzing a circuit that consists of voltage
sources and resistors. Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 3.5. Suppose we are asked
to find all the voltages and currents in the circuit. Recall that if we know the function
relating the voltage across a component to the current through the component and
we know the voltages at each of the nodes with respect to a common reference node,
we can easily find the currents through the components. Once we have identified
the nodes our next task is to choose one of the nodes as the reference node. As
we are going to find the voltage of all other nodes with reference to the reference
node, it makes the algebra simpler if we select the node that has the largest number
of components attached to it. In the case of the circuit shown in Fig. 3.5, it is
node e.

2
Because conductance is the inverse of resistance it is sometimes measures in mhos with the symbol
being an upside down .
36 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Having declared node e to be our reference node, we go to each of the other

nodes and based on the information available to us we do one of two things:

1. Determine the voltage at that node with respect to the reference node. OR
2. Write the current law at the node.

Node a: We begin with node a. From the circuit diagram in Fig. 3.5 it is clear that
the potential difference between node a and node e is Vs volts, or

Vae = Vs (3.20)

Node b: The potential difference between node b and node e is not immediately
apparent so we write the current law at this node. Given the current directions
shown in the circuit diagram we can see that we have one current (I0 ) entering
the node and two currents (I1 and I2 ) leaving the node. Therefore, according
to the Kirchhoff ’s current law

I0 = I1 + I2 (3.21)

Node c: Similarly at node c the potential difference between node c and node e is
not immediately apparent, therefore, we write the current law at this node.
We have the current I2 entering the node and the currents I3 and I4 leaving
the node. Therefore,

I2 = I3 + I4 (3.22)

Node d: At node d we have current I4 entering the node and the current I5 leaving
the node. Therefore, according to the current law

I4 = I5 (3.23)

The next step is to write each of these currents in terms of the voltages across
the resistors. At this stage we need to be careful that the directions we have assigned
to the currents agree with the assumed polarities. For example, I0 = Vab/R0 and
not Vba /R0 . We can express each of the currents in terms of the voltages across the
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 37

respective resistors using Ohm’s law. Thus,

Vab Vbe
I0 = I1 =
R0 R1
Vbc Vce
I2 = I3 =
R2 R3
Vcd Vde
I4 = I5 =
R4 R5

Substituting these in Eqs. (3.20)–(3.22) we obtain

Vab Vbe Vbc

= + (3.24)
R0 R1 R2
Vbc Vce Vcd
= + (3.25)
R2 R3 R4
Vcd Vde
= (3.26)
R4 R5

Now we express all voltages in terms of the voltage at each node with respect to
the reference node. Thus we replace Vab by Vae − Vbe , Vbc by Vbe − Vce , and Vcd by
Vce − Vde . Finally, noting that Vae = Vs we obtain the following equations:

Vs − Vbe Vbe Vbe − Vce

= + (3.27)
R0 R1 R2
Vbe − Vce Vce Vce − Vde
= + (3.28)
R2 R3 R4
Vce − Vde Vde
= (3.29)
R4 R5

If we know the values of the resistors, the unknowns in these equations are Vbe , Vce ,
and Vde . We have three linear equations and three unknowns. Three equations with
three unknowns is really not a big deal and we can easily solve this. Even if the
problem gets larger there are a number of tools available for solving linear equations
and we can easily obtain these voltages. Once we have the node voltages we can
obtain any voltage or current we desire. For example, suppose we were asked for
38 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

5Ω 5Ω
a b c

⫹ Io
– 10 V 10 Ω 5Ω

FIGURE 3.6: An example of a linear circuit.

the voltage Vbd . This is easily obtained as

Vbd = Vbe − Vde

How would you find the current Ica through the voltage source?
There are all kinds of variations we can have on this basic theme. Let’s take
a look at a few examples.

Example 3.4.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 3.6. Suppose we are asked to
find the current Io . If we knew the voltage Vcd across the 5 resistor at the right,
we could then obtain the current Io using Ohm’s law. We have four nodes a, b, c,
and d. Let’s pick node d to be the reference node. We go to each of the other nodes
and either write the voltage at that node with respect to the reference node, or write
the current law at that node.

At node a: Vad = 10 V
At node b: Iab = I bd + Ibc
At node c: Ibc = Icd

Notice that each of the currents is the current through a resistor. Using Ohm’s
law we can write each of these currents as the voltage across the resistor divided by
the resistance value.

At node b:
Vab Vbd Vbc
= +
5 10 5
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 39

At node c:
Vbc Vcd
=
5 5
To simplify these equations we multiply the first one by 10 and the second
one by 5.

2Vab = Vbd + 2Vbc (3.30)

Vbc = Vcd (3.31)

We have two equations but four unknowns. To reduce the number of unknowns
we write these voltages in terms of the node voltages. Substituting Vab = Vad − Vbd
and Vbc = Vbd − Vcd and using the fact that Vad = 10 V we obtain

2(10 − Vbd ) = Vbd + 2(Vbd − Vcd ) (3.32)

Vbd − Vcd = Vcd (3.33)

We have reduced the number of unknowns to two: Vbd and Vcd . With two equations
and two unknowns we can solve for the unknowns and we obtain

Vcd = 2.5 V

From which we get

2.5
Io = = 0.5 A
5
Suppose we also wanted to find the voltage Vac and the current through the
voltage source Ida .

Vac = Vad − Vcd

Therefore,

Vac = 10 − 2.5 = 7.5 V

To find Ida we need to write the current law at node d.

Ida = Ibd + Icd

40 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

5Ω 5Ω
a b d

+
10 Ω
⫹
– 10 V c 5 Ω Vo
⫹ 5V
– –
e

FIGURE 3.7: Another example of a linear circuit.

The current Icd is the same as Io , which we have already found to be 0.5 A. The
currents Ibd can be obtained using Ohm’s law if we know Vbd . We can obtain Vbd
from Eq. (3.33).

Vbd = 2Vcd = 5 V

Therefore,
5
Icd = = 0.5 A
10
and

Ida = 0.5 + 0.5 = 1 A

Example 3.4.2: Let’s look at a slightly different problem as shown in Fig. 3.7.
At first glance this looks more complicated. There are five nodes instead of four.
However, if we look at this a bit closer we notice that (assuming node e is the
reference node), as in the case of the circuit in Fig. 3.6, we again have only two
nodes, node b and node d, for which we do not know the node voltages. The voltage
at node a with respect to node e is 10 V, while the voltage of node c with respect to
node e is 5 V. In order to find the voltages at nodes b and d with respect to node e
we write the current law at these nodes.

At node a: Vae = 10 V
At node b: Iab = Ibc + Ibd
At node c: Vce = 5 V
At node d: Ibd = Ide
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 41

Each of the currents in these equations is a current through a resistor. We

can use Ohm’s law to write the current through each resistor in terms of the voltage
across that resistor.
Vab Vbc Vbd
= + (3.34)
5 10 5
Vbd Vde
= (3.35)
5 5
Multiplying the top equation by 10 and the bottom equation by 5 we get

2Vab = Vbc + 2Vbd (3.36)

Vbd = Vde (3.37)

Writing these voltages in terms of the node voltages and substituting Vae = 10 V
and Vce = 5 V we get

2(10 − Vbe ) = Vbe − 5 + 2(Vbe − Vde ) (3.38)

Vbe − Vde = Vde (3.39)

Solving for Vde (which is the same as Vo ) we obtain

Vo = Vde = 3.125 V

In the previous examples, we have been using resistors and voltage sources.
However, the Kirchhoff ’s laws are not restricted to these components.

Example 3.4.3: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 3.8. This looks very much like
the circuit in Fig. 3.6 so we can write the current law at nodes b and c.

At node a: Vad = 10 V
At node b: Iab = Ibd + Ibc
At node c: Ibc = Icd

At this point we run into a problem. The component between nodes b and c
is not a resistor so we cannot write the current Ibc in terms Vbc using Ohm’s law. In
42 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

5Ω +5V–
a b ? ? c

+
⫹ 10 V
– 10 Ω 5 Ω Vo

–
d

FIGURE 3.8: Yet another example of a linear circuit.

fact we do not know anything about this component except that the voltage across
it is 5 V. Let’s use what information we have leaving Ibc alone for now. Writing the
currents through resistors in terms of voltages across resistors we get

Vab Vbd
= + Ibc (3.40)
5 10
Vcd
Ibc = (3.41)
5
We can substitute the value of Ibc from Eq. (3.41) into Eq. (3.40) to obtain

Vab Vbd Vcd

= +
5 10 5
Simplifying this equation by multiplying it by 10

2Vab = Vbd + 2Vcd

and writing the voltages in terms of the node voltages we obtain

2(Vad − Vbd ) = Vbd + 2Vcd

Substituting Vad = 10 we have

20 − 2Vbd = Vbd + 2Vcd

We have one equation and two unknowns, Vbd and Vcd . If we had no informa-
tion about the mystery component, we would be stumped at this point. Fortunately,
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 43

we do have some additional information. We know that

Vbc = 5 V

Writing this voltage in terms of the node voltages we get our second equation

Vbd − Vcd = 5 V

With two equations we can solve for the two unknowns and we get

Vo = Vcd = 1 V

Example 3.4.4: Let’s see if we can use what we have learned to this point to design
a circuit. Suppose we have need for a 5 V source, perhaps to power a logic circuit,
but we only have a 9 V battery available. We know that if we connect a sequence
of resistors to the 9 V battery we will get differing voltages across the resistors.
Therefore, a possible solution to our problem would be a circuit of the form shown
in Fig. 3.9. So what should R1 and R2 be? Let’s start with what we know and write
the current law at node b.

Iab = Ibc

Picking node c to be the reference node we can see that Va = 9 V and Vb =

5 V. Therefore, we can write the current law as
9−5 5
=
R1 R2

R1
a b

+
⫹ 5V
– 9V R2
–
c

FIGURE 3.9: voltage divider.

44 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

10 kΩ
a b

+
⫹ 5 V?
– 9 V 12.5 kΩ
–
c

FIGURE 3.10: Still 5 volts?

We have one equation and two unknowns. When we have fewer equations
than unknowns we can pick a value for one of the unknowns and solve for the other.
Let’s pick R1 to have a value of 10 k (we could have picked any other value as
well). Solving for R2 we obtain R2 = 12.5 k.
Substituting these values for the resistors in Fig. 3.9 we will obtain 5 V
between nodes b and c. However, will the voltage still be 5 V after we have connected
the system that needs the 5 V as shown in Fig. 3.10?
What do you think could go wrong? What would we need to do to ensure
that the voltage stays at 5 V?

3.5 SUMMARY
In this chapter we have introduced our first component, the resistor, and its com-
ponent rule, the Ohm’s law (V = IR). Using the two circuit laws KVL and KCL
and the component rule we have shown that we can analyze any resistive net-
work.

3.6 PROJECTS AND PROBLEMS

1. In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.11 what do you think will happen when we
open the switch? Why? What is the function of the resistor? What practical
use can you make of this circuit?
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 45

Resistor

⫹ Buzzer
– Battery
Switch

2. In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.12 what will happen as the switches are
opened? Why?

R Switches

R0
R

⫹ Light
– Battery
Bulb

3. In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.13 what will happen when the switches are
opened? Why?

R0 R R

⫹ Switches Light
– Battery
Bulb
46 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

4. In the circuit shown in Fig. 3.14 pick R1 , R2 , R3 and Ro so that the light
does not turn on.

Light
Bulb R3
R0

⫹ R1 R2 ⫹
– Battery – Battery
9V 6V

5. In the circuit below the components A, B, and C, have the following

current–voltage relationships.

VA = 3IA + 12
VB = 4IB
VC = 2IC

Find V.

+ VB

B +
IB +
+
VA A IC C VC Vo
2mA

6. In the circuit shown below find the voltage across the resistor labeled R.
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 47

3 kΩ

R
4 kΩ
2 kΩ
6 kΩ

5 kΩ ⫹
– 9V

7. In the circuit shown below find V.

18 kΩ 18 kΩ

3 kΩ 12 kΩ

⫹ ⫹ ⫹
– 16 V – 20 V
13 kΩ V 12 kΩ
–

8. In the circuit shown below find the voltage Vo .

⫹
2 kΩ – 2V 2 kΩ

2 kΩ 8 kΩ

⫹
⫹ –
5V – Vo ⫹ 10 V
4 kΩ
⫺

9. In the circuit shown below find Io .

48 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

10 Ω

12 Ω I0 8Ω

12 V ⫹ 6Ω ⫹ 10 V
⫺ ⫺

10. In the circuit shown below find the voltage across the 2  resistor. The
component labeled A has the voltage current relationship

VA = 10.5 + 7 IA

1Ω

2Ω
+
⫹ A
7V – VA IA
⫹ –
– 6V

11. In the following circuit find Vo .

2 kΩ

+
4 kΩ
9V ⫹
–
3 kΩ Vo
⫹ 8V
– –

12. In the following circuit find Vo , if Vs = 12 V.

 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 49

9 kΩ

4 kΩ

Vs
⫹
– +
6 kΩ

Vo 2 kΩ

13. In the following circuit find Io .

16 Ω
6Ω

Io
⫹ 16 Ω
12 V – 10 Ω
⫹
– 6V

14. In the following circuit find Io .

3Ω 6V
6Ω
⫹
–

⫹ 6Ω ⫹
18 V – Io 6Ω – 12 V

15. In the circuit shown below find Io .

50 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

10 Ω

3Ω 6Ω

I0
12 V ⫹ 6Ω ⫹ 8V
⫺ ⫺

16. In the following circuit find Vo .

12 Ω

+
7V ⫹ 6Ω ⫹ 14 V
⫺ vo ⫺
⫺

3Ω

17. In the following circuit find Vo .

6Ω

+
12 Ω
⫹ 9V
– 6 Ω Vo
⫹ 15 V
– –
 RESISTIVE CIRCUITS 51

18. In the following circuit find Io .

6Ω 6Ω

⫹ Io
3Ω ⫹
24 V – – 36 V
 53

C H A P T E R 4

Capacitors
4.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we look at another component—the capacitor—and its use in a
very common application of electrical circuits. We will begin by introducing the
capacitor, then describe the concepts of frequency and filtering.

4.2 INTRODUCTION
The capacitor is made up of a nonconducting or dielectric material sandwiched
between two conductors. A conductor is a material in which the valence electrons
are loosely bound and therefore can be used to transport electric charge. Standard
conductors include copper and iron. An insulator is a material in which the va-
lence electrons are tightly bound and therefore do not transport charge. Standard
dielectric material includes air, paper, Mylar, mica, glass, or ceramics.
Consider the simple circuit shown in Fig. 4.1. The battery creates a potential
difference between its positive and negative terminals. If there was a connection
between these two terminals there would be a flow of current (remember we assume
that the current is a flow of positive charges). However, the presence of the capacitor
prevents a direct flow between the two terminals. Initially, there is a flow of positive
charge from the positive terminal of the battery. The charge collects on plate A of
the capacitor. The charge cannot flow through the dielectric. However, it can exert
a repelling force on the positive charge on the other conductor plate. The charge
repelled from plate B flows to the negative terminal of the battery and there is a
momentary flow of current in the circuit. After a while, there is an accumulation
54 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Dielectric
Plate A
}
++++++++++++
+ Conducting
V C Plates
Plate B

FIGURE 4.1: A capacitor.

of positive charge on plate A and an accumulation of negative charge on plate B.

This creates a potential difference, which tries to push the current flow in the
opposite direction. When the potential difference generated by the battery and the
potential difference generated by the capacitor plates are equal, no more current
flows through the circuit.
We can see that in the beginning of this process the voltage across the plates
of the capacitor is zero. Therefore we get a substantial amount of current flow.
As the voltage across the capacitor increases, this opposes the current flow until
when the voltage across the capacitor reaches its maximum value the current flow
is reduced to zero. Mathematically the voltage across a capacitor Vc and the current
through it Ic are related by a derivative operation

d Vc
Ic = C (4.1)
dt
where C is the capacitance and is a measure of how much charge can be stored
on the plates for a given potential difference. This is the component rule for the
capacitor just like Ohm’s law is the component rule for resistors.
In part this equation says what we have already observed. That is, when the
voltage across the capacitor becomes constant the current through it is zero. (The
derivative of a constant is zero.) However, it also says something very important
that we may have missed in our previous observations: in order for the voltage to
change instantaneously, we need an infinite amount of current to flow through
the capacitor. This is because an instantaneous change in V (t) would mean that
the slope of at that point, or the derivative, V (t) is infinite. Because this is not
 CAPACITORS 55

feasible in practice, the voltage across a capacitor cannot change instantaneously.

This gives the circuit a connection with its immediate past. In other words the
circuit “remembers” what the voltage was in the immediate past. If we see a circuit
containing only resistors and the voltage across a particular resistor is 5 V, this tells
us nothing about what the voltage was an instant ago. However, if the voltage across
a capacitor is 5 V we know that right before our observation the voltage across it
was about 5 V and right after our observation the voltage will be about 5 V. If we
did try to force a sudden change in the voltage, for example, by shorting out the
terminals, we would get a large (and dangerous) surge in the current. Therefore, a
capacitor can be used as a memory element in a circuit.
The other observation we can make, based on this equation, is that the cur-
rent through the capacitor depends on how the voltage varies with time. If the
voltage varies rapidly we get a large current flow, and if it varies slowly (or not at all)
we get a small (or no) current flow. How fast or how slow a signal varies with time
can be expressed in terms of frequency. The behavior of the capacitor is frequency
dependent. We can view the capacitor as a resistor whose resistance changes de-
pending on how fast the voltage across it changes. If the voltage changes rapidly,
the capacitor acts like a resistor with very low resistance resulting in a high value
for the current through it. If the voltage changes slowly, the capacitor acts as a re-
sistor with very high resistance. If the voltage is constant (after an initial transient),
the capacitor acts as an open circuit with no current through it.
The concept of frequency is very important in the study of electrical engi-
neering, as well as many other fields, and so we will take a brief detour to examine
it a bit more closely.

4.3 FUNCTIONS OF TIME AND THE CONCEPT

OF FREQUENCY
We often design circuits to handle signals that change with time. These signals come
in all shapes and sizes. We can have signals that vary in a very regular fashion, such
as the voltage on a power line, or in a very irregular fashion, as in the case of voice
56 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

f(t)

To
t
FIGURE 4.2: A function of time.

signals over telephone lines or the atmosphere. We would like to have a framework
in which to represent all these signals. In the early part of the nineteenth century, in
order to solve equations describing the dissipation of heat, Jean B.J. Fourier came
up with such a framework. He showed that all periodic signals could be written in
terms of sines and cosines. Many signals that we are interested in, such as audio
and video signals, are not periodic. However, as these signals are nonzero only over
a finite period of time, we can convert them into a periodic signal by repeating the
signal. For example, consider the signal f (t) shown in Fig. 4.2. By repeating it as
shown in Fig. 4.3 we can generate a periodic signal that is identical to the original
signal in the interval [0, To ]. Thus the method of Fourier allows us to represent a
variety of signals in a unified manner.
A sinusoidal signal is a signal of the form

V (t) = A cos(2πf t + θ ) (4.2)

where f is the frequency of the sinusoid and θ is the phase. The frequency of
a sinusoid is measured in cycles per second or Hertz1 (Hz). A frequency of n Hz
means that it takes 1 s for the sinusoid to complete n cycles. One cycle of the sinusoid
V (t) = 10 cos(2π × 10t) is shown in Fig. 4.4. The amount of time taken by the
sinusoid to complete one cycle is called the period of the sinusoid, and is usually
denoted by T. We can see that the period is simply the reciprocal of the frequency:

T = 1/ f
1
Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was born on February 22, 1857, in Hamburg, Germany, and studied en-
gineering and physics at Munich and Berlin. While he was a professor at the technical school in
Karlsruhe, he conducted a set of experiments showing the propagation of electromagnetic waves
(he called them electric rays). He was not yet 37 years old when he died on January 1, 1894.
 CAPACITORS 57

fp(t)

TO 2TO 3TO t
FIGURE 4.3: A periodic extension of f (t).

One way of physically interpreting frequency is to view it as a measure of how fast

the signal changes. A frequency of 2 Hz means that it takes the sinusoid half a
second to complete one cycle; a frequency of 1000 Hz means that completing a
cycle takes only one thousandth of a second.
Fourier showed that any periodic signal f (t) with period To can be written as

∞ 
∞
f (t) = a 0 + an cos(2πn f o t) + bn sin(2πn f o t) (4.3)
n=1 n=1

where a n and b n are called the Fourier coefficients and correspond to the com-
ponents of f (t) that change with frequency n f o . For signals that change slowly
the coefficients a n and b n will be close to zero for larger values of n. Such signals

10

2
v(t)

⫺2

⫺4

⫺6

⫺8

⫺10
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1
t

FIGURE 4.4: One cycle of sinusoid with frequency 10 Hz.

58 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS
4

3.5

2.5

f(t)
1.5

0.5

⫺0.5

⫺1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
t

FIGURE 4.5: A periodic function.

are called low-frequency signals. The electrical signal that powers your house is
a sinusoid at 60 Hz. The human voice contains frequency components of up to
10,000 Hz. However, most of the information is contained in the lower frequency
components. This fact is made use of by the telephone system. Speech sent over
the telephone contains only components of voice up to 3600 Hz.
Example 4.3.1: We have said that any periodic function can be written as a sum of
sinusoids. This is a rather powerful statement, as periodic functions can come in
all kinds of shapes and sizes. For example, consider the periodic function shown in
Figure 4.5. This certainly does not look like a sinusoid. However, we can write this
as a sum of sinusoids. It actually takes lots of sinusoids to add up to this particular
function. However, we can see the trend by just adding up a few sinusoids. For
example, Fig. 4.6 is a plot of the following sum

f (t) = 1.75 − 1.2 cos(0.5πt) − .81 sin(0.5πt) − 0.2 cos(πt)

− .12 cos(1.5πt) − .09 sin(1.5πt)

superimposed on the plot of Fig. 4.5.

 CAPACITORS 59

3.5

2.5

2
f(t)

1.5

0.5

⫺0.5

⫺1
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
t

FIGURE 4.6: A sum of sinusoids.

In later courses you will learn how to decompose a signal into its frequency
components. This brief introduction was just to get you thinking about the fact
that there is more than one way of looking at a function.

4.4 CIRCUITS WITH RESISTORS

AND CAPACITORS
Let us build a simple circuit with a voltage source, a resistor, and a capacitor. A possi-
ble setup is shown in Fig. 4.7. Given what we have described about the functioning

b R c
+

+ C
– vs (t) v(t)

–
a
FIGURE 4.7: A simple RC circuit.
60 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

of the capacitor, we would initially expect current to flow, which is limited by

the resistor. As the capacitor charges up, the potential difference between points
and c decreases as does the current, until finally the potential at node c is equal
to the potential at node d and no more current will flow through the circuit. The
time period over which this happens is usually very short, and is known as the
transient period. In many situations the transient period is too short to be of much
importance, and we are more concerned with what happens over a longer period of
time. This longer term response of the circuit is called the steady-state response. In
terms of the steady-state response the capacitor shown in Fig. 4.7 blocks the flow
of current, therefore, a capacitor in this position is often called a blocking capacitor.
Rather than guessing at the behavior of the circuit based on our qualitative
description of the capacitor, we can get a more precise mathematical description
using the rules we have been using. Just as we did in the case of resistive circuits, we
can obtain all the voltages and currents in the system by writing the current law at
each node whose voltage we do not know. Let’s pick node a to be our reference node.

At node b: Vba = Vs (t)

At node c: Ibc = Ica

Iba is the current through a resistor and Ica is the current through the capacitor.
Therefore, in order to write the current through these components in terms of the
voltage across the components we need to use the corresponding component rule:
Ohm’s law for the resistor and Eq. (4.1) for the capacitor.
Vbc d
= C Vca
R dt
Writing Vbc in terms of the node voltages
Vba − Vca d
= C Vca
R dt
From Fig. 4.7, Vba = Vs (t) and Vca = V (t). Therefore,
Vs (t) − V (t) d
= C Vs (t)
R dt
 CAPACITORS 61

Simplifying this we obtain

d V (t) 1
+ V (t) = Vs (t)
dt RC
What we have obtained is a differential equation. Many of you may not have studied
differential equations yet. But you will, and at least some of you (I hope many) will
find it a fascinating topic. Differential equations provide us with a compact way of
describing the behavior, or modeling, of physical systems. Unfortunately, the study
of differential equations is beyond the scope of this book. So, instead of trying
to solve differential equations we will use two approximations to the behavior of
capacitors. When Vs (t) is a constant, we will assume that in steady state the capacitor
is an open circuit. When Vs (t) is a high-frequency signal, we will assume that in
steady state the capacitor is a short circuit. In other words the resistance of the
capacitor goes from infinity at zero frequency to zero at high frequencies. Thus the
capacitor behaves as a frequency-dependent resistor.
Given these approximations let’s find the voltage V (t) in the circuit of Fig. 4.7
for the two cases:

1. When Vs (t) is a constant

Vs (t) = V

according to our approximation our circuit looks as shown in Fig. 4.8. Using
the voltage law

V (t) = Vca = Vcb + Vba

1 kΩ
b c
+

+
– vs (t) v(t)

–
a
FIGURE 4.8: The open circuit approximation.
62 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

1 kΩ
b c
+

+ v (t)
– s v(t )

–
a
FIGURE 4.9: The short circuit approximation.

As there is no current flowing through the resistor Vcb = 0 and V (t) =

Vba = V .

2. When Vs (t) is a high-frequency signal, the capacitor acts as a short circuit

as shown in Fig. 4.9. In this case V (t) is zero.

We can use this property of the capacitor to block low-frequency signals from
a circuit as shown in Fig. 4.10(a), or as a shunt to divert high-frequency signals
from a circuit as shown in Fig. 4.10(b).
The capacitor blocks current flow when the voltage across it is constant and
acts as a short circuit when the voltage across it is changing rapidly. Another way of
looking at this is to view the capacitor as a resistor whose resistance value changes
with frequency. Thus the capacitor is like a resistor with a high-resistance value
when the voltage across it changes slowly and a resistor with a low-resistance value
when the voltage across it changes rapidly. This change in resistance is a continuous
progression: as we change the rate of change of the voltage, or the frequency of

(a) (b)

FIGURE 4.10: (a) The capacitor blocks constant signals (signals with zero frequency)
from the rest of the circuit. (b) The capacitor prevents high-frequency signals from getting
to the circuit.
 CAPACITORS 63

the voltage signal, the “resistance” of the capacitor decreases. We make use of this
frequency dependent resistance property of the capacitor to build filters. Filters
selectively let through or attenuate signals depending on their frequency. Filters are
part of all communication devices including radios, televisions, and cell phones. If
you have an audio system it probably has an equalizer. This is just a bank of filters
that amplifies or attenuates specific frequency components of the audio signal.
When a filter blocks out or attenuates all signals with frequencies above a cut-
off frequency, and lets through signals with frequencies below the cutoff frequency,
it is called a low-pass filter. You might use a filter like this to block out hissing noise
from a voice signal. Human voice does not have many components above around
7000 Hz, while hissing noise has many components above that value. So a low-pass
filter with a cutoff at 7000 Hz would do much to rid the voice signal of hiss.
A filter that blocks out or attenuates signals with frequencies below a cutoff
frequency while letting through signals with frequencies above a cutoff frequency
is called a high-pass filter. You might use such a filter to remove the 60 Hz hum due
to the electrical wiring that might intrude on a voice signal. Again, human voice
has almost no components at frequencies that low so signals at that frequency can
be blocked out without losing any voice information.
Finally, we can design filters that let through or attenuate a band of frequen-
cies. These are called band pass filters or band stop filters.
In order to see what is meant by “letting a signal through” or “blocking a
signal” let’s analyze a couple of simple filters. Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 4.11

R
a b
+

vi (t) + C vo(t)
–

c
FIGURE 4.11: Low pass filter.
64 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

where Vi (t) is the input voltage and Vo (t) is the output voltage. When Vi (t) is
constant (zero frequency) the capacitor acts as an open circuit and there is no
current through the resistor. Therefore,

Vo (t) = Vbc = Vba + Vac

The voltage Vba is the voltage across the resistor and Vac is the input voltage. If the
current through the resistor is zero the voltage across it is also zero. Therefore,

Vo (t) = Vi (t)

the input is passed through to the output. At high frequencies we can approximate
the capacitor with a short circuit. Because the voltage across a short circuit is zero, the
output voltage Vo (t) is zero regardless of the input voltage. In other words the
input voltage cannot be perceived, or is blocked, from the output. This is a
rather crude analysis as we are only looking at the extreme conditions of zero
frequency and very high frequency. However, even with this we can see that this
circuit will let through the low-frequency signal and block the high-frequency
signals.
If we now swap the positions of the resistor and capacitor, as shown in
Fig. 4.12, we have a different filter. In this configuration, the output voltage is the
voltage across the resistor. At low frequencies the capacitor reduces or blocks the
current through the resistor. According to Ohm’s law this means the voltage across
the resistor will be low, or zero for the case where the current is completely blocked.

C
a b
+

+ vo(t)
vi (t) R
–

c
FIGURE 4.12: High pass filter.
 CAPACITORS 65

Thus the input voltage is not reflected at the output. When the frequency of the
input signal is high the capacitor acts as a short circuit and the voltage across the
resistor is the same as the input voltage. Thus the circuit lets through high-frequency
signals while blocking low-frequency signals. Therefore, in this configuration the
circuit is a high-pass filter.

4.5 SUMMARY
In this chapter we have introduced our second circuit component, the capacitor,
and its component rule, I = C(d V /d t). Unlike the resistor, the operation of the
capacitor is connected to how the voltage across it and the current through it
changes with time. The two circuit laws KVL and KCL along with the component
rules for the resistor and capacitor are sufficient to analyze any circuit made up of
these components. However, the equations we would have to solve are differential
equations. As most readers may not have learned how to use differential equations
at this stage we have not tried to analyze circuits of any complexity. Instead, we
have looked at two approximations that can be used for the cases where we have
slowly varying voltages and currents, and the cases where we have rapidly varying
voltages and currents.

4.6 PROJECTS AND PROBLEMS

1. In the circuit shown in Fig. 4.11 the input voltage Vi (t) is the square wave
shown in Fig. 4.13. Sketch the output voltage Vo (t).

vi (t)

FIGURE 4.13: Plot of input voltage Vi (t).

66 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

2. In the following circuit the input voltage Vi (t) is the square wave shown in
Fig. 4.13. Sketch the output voltage Vo (t).

C
+

vi (t)
+ vo(t)
– R

3. Shown below is a plot of the voltage across a capacitor and a plot of the cor-
responding current through the capacitor. Which plot (the solid or dashed)
is a plot of the voltage and which is a plot of the current? Explain your
choices.

4. The following graph is either that of voltage across a capacitor or current

through a capacitor. Which one is it? Justify your answer.

t
 67

C H A P T E R 5

Diode Circuits
5.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we look at our first nonlinear component, the diode. We will look at
some popular applications of diodes and look at one way of analyzing circuits that
contain diodes.

5.2 INTRODUCTION
Both the resistor and the capacitor are linear elements. Suppose the current I
through a component and the voltage V across it are related as

I = g (V )

A linear component will have the following two properties.

1. Homogeneity: If we have two voltages V1 and V2 that correspond to cur-

rents I1 = g (V1 ), and I2 = g (V2 ), then the current corresponding to the
sum of two voltages is simply the sum of the two currents. In other words

g (V1 + V2 ) = I1 + I2

2. Scaling: If we scale the voltage by a factor α the current is also scaled by

the same factor.

g (αV ) = αg (V ) = α I
68 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

iD

+ vD –
FIGURE 5.1: Symbol for diode.

Both the resistor and the capacitor have component rules that satisfy these
two properties. However, not all components have component rules that satisfy this
property. One of the most common nonlinear components is the diode. The diode
is represented by the symbol shown in Fig. 5.1.
The component rule for the diode, or the relationship between the current
through the diode, ID , and the voltage across it, VD , is rather complex. It is given
by

ID = Io (e αVD − 1) (5.1)

where α is a function of a number of things including the material used to construct

the diode and the temperature. An example of a graph of current versus voltage
(I–V curve) for a diode is shown in Fig. 5.2.
Because of this somewhat complex relationship between current and voltage,
circuits containing diodes may be more difficult to solve than circuits containing
resistors and capacitors. The Kirchhoff ’s laws can still be used to come up with
the requisite number of equations, but these equations will involve transcendental
expressions, which make them difficult to solve in the standard manner. Later
in this chapter we will introduce a graphical approach that can be used to solve
complex equations. However, what we usually do when we have diodes in a circuit
is approximate their behavior.
Two approximations to the I–V curve are shown in Fig. 5.3. Consider the
approximation shown in Fig. 5.3(b). According to this approximation as long as the
voltage across the diode is less than a threshold there is no current flowing through
 DIODE CIRCUITS 69

2500

2000

1500
Current

1000

500

0
0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8
Voltage

FIGURE 5.2: Current–voltage characteristic for a diode.

the diode. The diode acts as an open circuit. However, as soon as the voltage across
the diode reaches the threshold, the diode acts as a short circuit. The threshold
shown in the figure is about 0.7 V, which is common for a popular type of diode. As
indicated by the symbol for the diode shown in Fig. 5.1, the diode allows current
flow only in the direction of the arrow. The current can flow only after the voltage

i i
1.25 1.25

1.00 1.00

0.75 0.75

0.50 0.50

0.25 0.25

0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 v 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 v
(a) (b)

FIGURE 5.3: Approximations to the current–voltage characteristic for a diode.

70 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

VD has exceeded a threshold, which depends on the material used to make the
diode. Based on this approximation, we can then view the diode as a one way valve
that is either open or closed depending on whether the voltage VD is greater than
or less than the threshold voltage. In keeping with this analogy, when the diode is
in the short circuit mode it is said to be on. When it is not conducting current it is
said to be off.

5.3 SOME COMMON DIODE APPLICATIONS

Before we examine how we can solve circuits containing diodes, let’s look at some
common applications.

5.3.1 Rectifier Circuits

Example 5.3.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 5.4. Notice that we have labeled
the voltage source by a function of time. What we want to do is investigate what
happens to the voltage across the resistor VR when the voltage changes above and
below the threshold value of 0.7 V. In order to do so we use the sinusoidal signal
shown in Fig. 5.5. Fig. 5.5 tells us what the voltage would be when measured at
different times. For example, if we measured the voltage Vac at any time before
t = t0 the voltage would be less than 0.7 V. What does that mean for VR ? Looking
at the circuit we can see that as long as the voltage across the diode is less than
0.7 V there will be no current flowing through the diode and, therefore, no current

vD
a b

+
v(t) –
R

c
FIGURE 5.4: A simple diode circuit.
 DIODE CIRCUITS 71

4 v(t)
3
2
0.7 1

⫺1 t0 t1 t
⫺2
⫺3
⫺4

FIGURE 5.5: Input to the diode circuit.

flowing through the resistor. If the current through the resistor has a value of 0,
then, by Ohm’s law (V = IR), the voltage across the resistor or VR will also be 0.
We can see from the circuit that if the voltage difference generated by the voltage
source between nodes a and c is less than 0.7 V, then the voltage difference between
nodes a and b will also be less than 0.7 V. Therefore, for t < t0 the voltage across
the resistor VR is 0.

0 t < t0
VR =
? t > t0

Looking at Fig. 5.5 we see that the voltage is also less than 0.7 V for t > t1 .
Using the same arguments as before the voltage across the resistor for t > t1 will
also be 0. Thus, our expression for VR becomes
⎧
⎪
⎨0 t < t0
⎪
VR = ? t0 < t < t1
⎪
⎪
⎩0 t > t
1

To find what happens between t0 and t1 let’s use the Kirchhoff ’s voltage law.
From the voltage law we know that

Vac = Vab + Vbc

Noting that Vac = V (t) and Vbc = VR

VR = V (t) − Vab
72 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

4 v(t)
3
2
1

⫺1 t0 t1 t
⫺2
⫺3
⫺4

FIGURE 5.6: Input and output of half-wave rectifier.

Looking at Fig. 5.3(b) we can see that for the diode to continue to conduct,
the voltage across it has to remain at the threshold. Therefore, for t between t0 and
t1 , Vab = 0.7 V, and
⎧
⎪
⎪ t < t0
⎨0
VR = V (t) − 0.7 t0 < t < t1
⎪
⎪
⎩0 t > t1

The circuit we have described above is called a rectifier. It allows us to take a

signal that has both positive and negative fluctuations and convert it to a signal that
never turns negative. Because it does so by only letting the positive signal appear at
the resistor and suppressing the negative signal it is called a half-wave rectifier. An
example of an input and output of a half-wave rectifier is shown in Fig. 5.6.
The full-wave rectifier not only lets the positive signal through but also
converts the negative signal into a positive signal. The circuit of a possible imple-
mentation of a full-wave rectifier (known as a bridge rectifier) is shown in Fig. 5.7.
When the magnitude of the voltage is less than the diode threshold it is easy to
verify that no current will flow through the resistor.
Let’s look at the cases where the magnitude of the voltage is greater than the
threshold. It is easiest to see how the full-wave rectifier works by treating the diode
as a one-way valve. When the voltage V (t) is positive, the current flows through the
diode between nodes a and b. Then it flows through the resistor from node b to node
c, and then through the diode between nodes c and d to complete the circuit. The
 a

+ v(t)
– c b
+
R VR
d –

FIGURE 5.7: A full-wave rectifier.

+ v(t)
c b
–
+
R VR
d –

FIGURE 5.8: The path of the current through the full-wave rectifier during the positive
cycle of the voltage V (t).

+ v(t)
– c b
+
R VR
d –

FIGURE 5.9: The path of the current through the full-wave rectifier during the negative
cycle of the voltage V (t).
74 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

4 v(t)
3
2
1

⫺1
⫺2
⫺3
⫺4

4
3
2
1

⫺1
⫺2
⫺3
⫺4

FIGURE 5.10: Input and output of a full-wave rectifier.

path of the current in the positive cycle is shown in Fig. 5.8. When the voltage is
negative, the current flows through the diode between nodes d and b, then through
the resistor from node b to node c, and finally through the diode between nodes
c and a as shown in Fig. 5.9. Notice that regardless of the polarity of the voltage
source, the current through the resistor is always in the same direction. Therefore,
given the assigned polarity the voltage across the resistor VR is always positive. An
example of an input and output for a full-wave rectifier is shown in Fig. 5.10.

5.3.2 Diode Clamp

Another application of the diode is as a safety valve when we have components
that should not be subjected to high voltages. Circuits that perform this function
are called clamps. An example of such a circuit is shown in Fig. 5.11. In this circuit
whenever the voltage becomes more than +0.7 V the diode diverts additional
current from the component and keeping the voltage stabilized. To see this, note
that Vac the voltage drop across the component is equal to the sum of the voltage
drop Vab across the diode and Vbc across the voltage source:

Vac = Vab + Vbc

The voltage across the diode can be at most 0.7 V and the voltage at the
source is Vo . Therefore,

Vac ≤ 0.7 + Vo
 DIODE CIRCUITS 75

Component
Delicate
Input b
+
V –

FIGURE 5.11: A diode clamp.

5.3.3 Voltage Limiter

This clamping property of the diode can also be used to limit the peak-to-peak
swing of a voltage signal. A circuit that does that is called a limiter. The circuit
diagram of a limiter is shown in Fig. 5.12. If the input voltage goes above 0.7 V
or below −0.7 V one or the other of the diodes will begin to conduct and hold the
voltage at ±0.7 V. Think about how this circuit could be used to generate a square
wave.

5.4 SOLVING CIRCUITS CONTAINING DIODES

We have been looking at circuits where it is reasonably obvious when the diode is
on or off. What do we do when we are not that sure about the condition of the
diode? One approach that is relatively simple is to initially assume that the diode
is on. This means that we assume that the voltage across the diode is 0.7 V and
the current flows in the appropriate direction. We then solve the circuit using the
approach we used previously. Then we check to see whether our assumption was

Input Output

FIGURE 5.12: A limiting circuit.

76 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

correct by checking the sign on the current through the diode. If the sign is negative
then our original assumption was incorrect and the diode is actually off. In this case
we replace the diode with an open circuit and solve the circuit again. We could also
use the opposite assumption, i.e., assuming the diode is off and then checking to
see if the assumption was valid. Assuming the diode is on means

• assuming the voltage across the diode is equal to the threshold voltage (0.7 V
in our case);
• checking the assumption by looking at the sign of the current through the
diode. A positive current means that the assumption was correct and a
negative sign on the current means that our assumption was incorrect.

Assuming the diode is off means

• replacing the diode with an open circuit;

• checking the assumption by calculating the voltage across the open circuit.
If the voltage is less than the threshold voltage the assumption was correct
and if the voltage is greater than the threshold voltage the assumption was
incorrect.

We can see how this works through an example.

Example 5.4.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 5.13, where we are asked to find
the current Io . Let’s assume that the diode is on. This means that

Vbc = 0.7 V

We have marked the nodes on the circuit diagram. Let’s select node e to be
the reference node. Then we proceed to each node:

Node a: Vae = 6 V
Node b: At node b we write the current law

Iab = Ibe + Ibc (5.2)

 DIODE CIRCUITS 77

6Ω 10 Ω
a b c d

+ 2Ω
Io + 12 V
6V 6Ω –
–

FIGURE 5.13: A circuit containing a diode.

Node c: Writing the current law at node c we obtain

Ibc = Ice + Icd (5.3)

Node d: Vde = 12 V

Writing the currents in terms of the voltages in the two equations found by
writing the current law at nodes b and c we obtain
Vab Vbe
= + Ibc (5.4)
6 6
Vce Vcd
Ibc = + (5.5)
2 10
Combining the two equations we get
Vab Vbe Vce Vcd
= + + (5.6)
6 6 2 10
Now we write the voltages in terms of the voltages at each node with respect
to the reference node.
6 − Vbe Vbe Vce Vce − 12
= + + (5.7)
6 6 2 10
We have one equation and two unknowns. Now assume that the diode is on.

Vbe − Vce = 0.7 V

78 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

or

Vbe = Vce + 0.7

Substituting this in Eq. (5.7) we can solve for Vce as

Vce = 2.107 V

Knowing Vce we can easily calculate Io to be 1.053 A.

Now we go back and check if our assumption was correct.

Iab = Ice + Icd (5.8)

Vce Vce − 12
= + (5.9)
2 10
= 1.053 − 0.989 (5.10)

= 0.064 (5.11)

which is positive. This validates our assumption.

Try repeating this example replacing the 10  resistor with a 4  resistor.

Assuming a diode is on means

• assuming the voltage across the diode is 0.7 V;

• checking the assumption by looking at the sign of the current. A positive
sign indicates our assumption was true and a negative sign means our
assumption was false.

Assuming the diode is off means

• replacing the diode with an open circuit;

• checking the assumption by calaculating the voltage across the open circuit.
If the voltage is less than the threshold voltage the assumption is true.
Otherwise the assumption is false.
 DIODE CIRCUITS 79

In our analysis we admit only two possibilities: Either the diode is on or the
diode is off.
What if we have more than one diode in the circuit? All that does is increase
the number of possibilities. If we have two diodes in the circuit we will have four
possibilities: both diodes on, both diodes off, first diode on and second diode
off, and first diode off and second diode on. If we have n diodes in the circuit
we will have 2n possibilities. Solving such a circuit will be much more tedious;
however, the technique remains the same: assume one possibility, solve the circuit,
and check your assumption. If the assumption is not satisfied pick a different
possibility.

5.5 SOLVING CIRCUITS USING LOAD LINES

In our solution of circuits containing diodes we have used an approximation to
the diode I–V characteristic. That is, we assume that the diode is either on or off.
In general, this is a reasonable approach. However, there may be situations where
the approximation is not acceptable. In such a situation we can use a graphical
approach.
A equation containing two unknowns defines a line. For example, the equa-
tion

6x − 2y = 10

corresponds to a line with a slope of 3 and a y intercept of −5. By this we mean that
all points on such a line will satisfy this equation. Let’s suppose we have another
equation

2x + y = 10

All points on the line with a slope of −2 and a y intercept of 10 satisfy this
equation. We have two (independent) equations and two unknowns, and hence
we can find a unique solution to these equations. The solution has to satisfy both
equations. Therefore, the point represented by the solution is a point on both lines.
80 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

10
2y =
6x ⫺
4

2x
⫹
y=
10
3 x

FIGURE 5.14: Graphical solution of two linear equations.

In other words, the solution is the point at the intersection of the two lines as
shown in Fig. 5.14. This method of graphical solution is referred to as the load-line
approach in electrical engineering.
In this particular case it would have been much simpler to have solved the
equations algebraically rather than use the graphical method. However, when we
start getting nonlinear terms in our equations, or when some information is only
available in graphical form, the graphical solution method can be very handy.
Let’s look at the following example.

Example 5.5.1: Consider the circuit shown in Figure 5.15. The relationship be-
tween the current through A and the voltage across A is given graphically in
Figure 5.16. Following previous methods we would write the current law at
node a.

Iba = Iac

From the circuit we can write an expression for Iba

10 − V
Iba =
10
 DIODE CIRCUITS 81

i i
a

+
10 Ω
v
A b

+ 10 V
– –
c

FIGURE 5.15: Circuit with nonlinear component.

If we could get an expression for Iac in terms of V we could equate the two
expressions and solve for V , which we can then use to find the various currents and
voltages. Given that instead of an expression for Iba we have a graph, how about
expressing the relationship between Iba and V graphically? Plotting this relationship
we obtain the graph shown in Fig. 5.17. The graph shows the possible values for
Iba and V . The graph in Fig. 5.16 shows the possible pairs of values for Iac and V
when we consider the component A. What we need to do is find the value of V
for which Iba = Iac . We can do that by finding the point at which the two graphs
intersect. In order to do that we plot both of them on the same graph as shown in

i
1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 v

FIGURE 5.16: Nonlinear component rule.

82 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

i
1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 v

FIGURE 5.17: Load line.

Fig. 5.18. The point at which the two graphs intersect gives us the value of V and
the values of Iba and Iac .
Let’s repeat Example 5.3.1 using this graphical approach.

Example 5.5.2: Following the same reasoning as in Example 5.3.1 we obtain VR as

⎧
⎪
⎨0 t < t0
⎪
VR = ? t0 < t < t1
⎪
⎪
⎩0 t > t
1

i
1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 v

FIGURE 5.18: Graphical solution.

 DIODE CIRCUITS 83

To find what happens between t0 and t1 this time let’s use the load-line
approach to find out what happens to VD when V (t) is greater than 0.7 V. We will
use the ideal diode characteristics for expressing the relationship between Iab and
Vab and use the current law at node b, which gives us

Iab = Ibc

Now all we need to do is find the relationship between Ibc and Vab . The
current Ibc is given by Ohm’s law as

Vbc
Ibc =
R

In order to write Vbc in terms of Vab we can use c as the reference node and we
get

Vab = Vac − Vbc

or

Vbc = Vac − Vab

which gives us

Vac − Vab
Ibc =
R

Substituting Vac = V (t) we obtain the equation

1 V (t)
Ibc = − Vab +
R R

Note that the “constant” term in this equation is a function of time and
depends on the (unknown) value of R. But the value of R (as long as it is finite
and nonzero) does not really matter. The only thing that matters about V (t) is
84 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

i
Iab

v(t)
R

Ibc

v(t) Vab
0.5 1.0

FIGURE 5.19: Graphical solution for ideal diode.

that it be greater than 0.7 V. We can see this from Fig. 5.19: as long as V (t) is
greater than 0.7 V the voltage across the diode will be 0.7 V. Therefore as Vbc =
Vac − Vab ,
⎧
⎪
⎪ t < t0
⎨0
VR = V (t) − 0.7 t0 < t < t1
⎪
⎪
⎩0 t > t1

Lets try to analyze a diode circuit with a less idealized diode characteris-
tic.

6 kΩ iD 3 kΩ
a b d e

+ vD ⫺

⫹ 2 kΩ ⫹ 4.5 V
6V – 6 kΩ –

FIGURE 5.20: Diode circuit.

 DIODE CIRCUITS 85

ID (mA)

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 VD (Volts)

FIGURE 5.21: Diode component rule.

Example 5.5.3: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 5.20. Suppose the diode has a
characteristic shown in Fig. 5.21. We will find a relationship between the current
through the diode ID and the voltage across the diode VD .
Let’s write the current law at nodes b and d.

Iab = Ibc + ID ⇒ ID = Iab − Ibc

ID = Idc + Ide
86 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Writing the current through the resistors in terms of the voltages across the
resistors.
Vab Vbc
ID = −
6000 6000
Vac − Vbc Vbc
= −
6000 6000
12 − 2Vbc
=
6000
or

6000ID = 12 − 2Vbc (5.12)

We have ID in terms of Vbc but what we want is ID in terms of the diode

voltage VD . Using KVL we can write Vbc as

Vbc = VD + Vdc

Now we need to find Vdc in terms of ID and VD . We can do that by using

KCL at node d.
ID = Idc + Ide
Vdc Vde
= +
2000 3000
Vdc Vdc − Vec
= +
2000 3000
5Vdc − 9
=
6000
From which we can obtain an expression for Vdc

6000ID + 9
Vdc =
5
Substituting this in Eq. (5.12) we get

6000ID + 9
6000ID = 12 − 2VD − 2
5
 DIODE CIRCUITS 87

ID (mA)

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 VD (Volts)

FIGURE 5.22:

Simplifying and writing ID in units of milliamperes

5
ID = 1 − VD
21
Drawing this line on the diode characteristics shown in Fig. 5.21, we obtain
Fig. 5.22. We can see that the two curves intersect at ID = 0.8 mA and VD =
1 V.

In this example it took a little bit of manipulation to get the equation relating
the current through the diode with the voltage across the diode. It is easy to see
88 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

situations where the amount of manipulation required may be much more than a
little bit. We can avoid this latter situation by realizing that if we wish to draw a
line all we need are two points on the line. The two points that are easiest to find
are the x-axis and y-axis intercepts. The x-axis intercept is the point where the
current through the diode is 0 and the y-axis intercept is where the voltage across
the diode is 0. The situation where the current through the diode is 0 is equivalent
to the condition when the diode is replaced by an open circuit. The situation where
the voltage across the diode is 0 is equivalent to the condition that the diode has
been replaced with a short circuit.
Therefore, the procedure for finding the intercepts is as follows:

1. Replace the diode with an open circuit and compute the voltage across this
open circuit. This is the x-intercept value.

2. Replace the diode with a short circuit and compute the current through
the short circuit. This is the y-intercept value.

Let’s repeat the previous example using this procedure.

Example 5.5.4: First we replace the diode with an open circuit to obtain the circuit
shown in Fig. 5.23. Clearly ID is zero in this case and VD = Vbd . Writing Vbd with
reference to node c

VD = Vbc − Vdc

6 kΩ iD 3 kΩ
a b d e

+ vD ⫺

+ +
6V _ 6 kΩ
2 kΩ _ 4.5 V

FIGURE 5.23: Circuit to find the x-axis intercept.

 DIODE CIRCUITS 89

6 kΩ iD 3 kΩ
a b d e

+ vD ⫺

+ 2 kΩ + 4.5 V
6V
– 6 kΩ –

FIGURE 5.24: Circuit for finding the y-axis intercept.

Now writing KCL at nodes b and d we get Vbc = 6 V and Vdc = 1.8 V, which
results in VD = 6 − 1.8 = 4.2 V. So the first point on our line is ID = 0, VD = 4.2.
To get the second point on the line we replace the diode with a short circuit. This
gives us the circuit shown in Fig. 5.24. The voltage VD is clearly 0 and ID is the
current flowing through the short circuit. To get this current we can write two
KCL equations at nodes b and d and then use the fact of the short circuit. First, at
node b:

ID = Iab − Ibc
Vab Vbc
= −
6000 6000
Vac − Vbc Vbc
= −
6000 6000
12 − 2Vbc
= (5.13)
6000

Then at node d:

ID = Idc + Ide
Vdc Vde
= +
2000 3000
3Vdc 2(Vdc − Vec )
= +
6000 6000
5Vbc − 9
=
6000
90 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

where in the last equation we have made use of the fact that Vbc = Vdc . Now
equating the two expressions for ID .

12 − 2Vbc 5Vbc − 9
=
6000 6000

from which we get Vbc = 21/7. Substituting this value of Vbc into Eq. (5.13) we
obtain ID = 1 mA. Therefore, the second point on our line is ID = 1 mA, VD = 0.
This is the same line that we obtained in the previous example.

Using the open circuit voltage and short circuit current to obtain two points,
on a line rather than obtaining an equation for the line, is a systematic way of solving
the same problem. In some cases it may be easily evident what the equation is for
the line. However, the open circuit voltage/short circuit current approach is always
available to us as an alternative.

5.6 SUMMARY
In this chapter we have introduced our first nonlinear component, the diode. We
have shown a number of ways the diode is used. Circuits containing diodes can
be treated in two ways depending on how we approximate the voltage–current
relationship, or the component rule, for the diode. If we treat it as an on–off switch,
we make an assumption as to the state it is in: on or off. Based on our assumption we
solve the circuit and then check whether our assumption was correct. Whether the
assumption turns out to be correct or incorrect at the end of this process, we know
the state of the diode switch. The other approach to analyzing circuits containing
diodes is used when the current–voltage relationship for the diode is given to us in
the form of a graph. In such cases, we construct a load line whose intersection with
the graph for the diode gives us the values of the voltage across the diode and the
current through it. There are two ways of obtaining the load line: we can obtain
the equation for the line or we can find two points on the line, which can be used
to construct the line.
 DIODE CIRCUITS 91

5.7 PROJECTS AND PROBLEMS

1. In the following circuit find VR when
• Vi = 1.8 V.

• Vi = 0.4 V.

• Vi = −1.8 V.

• Vi = −0.4 V.
Assume an ideal diode with a threshold voltage of 0.7 V.

+ vi
–
+
R VR
–

2. In the circuits shown below what is the value of Vout if (i) Vin = 15 V and
(ii) Vin = −5 V? Assume VT = 0.7 V.
2V
+
–

+ + + +

2.2 kΩ
Vin Vout Vin Vout
10 kΩ
+
– 5V
_ _ _ _

(a) (b)

3. Find Io in the circuit shown below.

6Ω 4Ω

+ 2Ω
Io + 12 V
6V 6Ω –
–
92 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

4. Find Io in the circuit shown below.

6Ω 4Ω

Io
+ 6Ω 2Ω + 12 V
6V – –

5. In the following circuit find Io . Assume an ideal diode with a threshold

voltage of 0.7 V. Justify all assumptions.

24 kΩ 6 kΩ

12 kΩ Io

12 V + + 6V
– –

6. In the circuit below find Vo . Assume VT = 0.7 V.

8 kΩ
5 kΩ
+
10 V _
2 kΩ Vo
5 kΩ

7. In the following circuit find Vo . Use the I–V characteristic for the diode
shown.
 DIODE CIRCUITS 93

6 kΩ 3 kΩ

+ _
Vo
+ + 9V
6V –
–

ID (mA)

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 VD (Volts)

94 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

8. In the following circuit find Io . Use the I–V characteristic for the diode
shown.

6Ω

+ 3Ω
Io
24 V – 6Ω

ID

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

5 10 15 20 25 30 VD
 95

C H A P T E R 6

Transistors
6.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we look at a component that revolutionized circuit design, the
transistor. Understanding the transistor in all its glory is beyond the scope of this
book; however, we can get some idea of its operation using the information we
already have. We will analyze simple circuits with transistors and look at a few
applications.

6.2 INTRODUCTION
The fact that the diode acts as a one-way valve permits us to do a number of
interesting things. However, often what we need is not a valve but a tap that will
control and amplify the flow of current. Modulating the flow of current through
a component also lets us control the change of voltage across the component. We
had earlier mentioned how a radio grabs sound transmissions from the air. The
sound transmission is represented in the form of voltage fluctuations. However,
these voltage fluctuations are so weak that we cannot use them to directly power a
speaker. What we need is some method of amplifying these fluctuations.
When we turn on a tap, by expending a small amount of energy we can
control the generation of a lot of force. The amount of force generated depends on
the water pressure available, which is usually due to water being raised to a tank. The
process of raising the water to the tank results in the storage of energy. Turning the
tap does not require a lot of energy but it controls the large amount of energy stored
in the tank. If the water pressure is high, a relatively frail individual can control a
96 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

lot of power. In the case of the radio, the frail individual corresponds to the weak
signal in the atmosphere, and what we need is for this weak signal to control the
relatively large flow of current needed to drive a speaker. A component that permits
this kind of amplification is the transistor. As in the water analogy, the transistor
permits a weak signal to control the release of stored energy. The stored energy
is in the form of an external voltage source. The transistor requires the external
source to operate as a transistor. Thus, the transistor is called an active component,
as opposed to resistors and capacitors, which are called passive components.

6.3 THE COMPONENT RULE

There are several different kinds of transistors, and you will learn about them in
detail in more advanced courses. For now we will use one particular type of transistor
called a bipolar junction transistor (b jt). There are two kinds of bipolar junction
transistors. The kind we will look at is called an npn bipolar junction transistor
and has the symbol shown in Fig. 6.1. Notice that the transistor has three terminals.
They are called the base, the collector, and the emitter. The base of the transistor is
where you apply the weak signal. The base–emitter junction acts like a diode. You
need to increase the voltage Vbe beyond the diode threshold before you can get
any current to flow into the base. As in the previous chapter, we will assume that
the diode threshold is 0.7 V. The current in the collector arm of the transistor is
given by

Ic = βIb

c
Collector

Base
b

Emitter
e

FIGURE 6.1: A bipolar junction transistor.

 TRANSISTORS 97

where β is a large number (typically about 100) as long as the voltage difference Vce is
greater than a threshold. This last point is very important because the base current Ib
is only controlling the current Ic not generating it. The current is being generated
by an external source and, if the the potential difference Vce is not positive (or
very small), this will block the flow of the current from the collector terminal to
the emitter terminal. When we have a situation where the voltage Vce is at its
lowest value, we say that the transistor is saturated. In this case, the maximum value
that Ic can take on is the current that will leave Vce barely above the threshold.
This threshold varies depending on the type of the transistor. A typical value is
about 0.3 V. To make life easier for ourselves, we will approximate the threshold
to be 0 V. Thus we will say the transistor is saturated if when Ic calculated using
Ic = β Ib would result in Vce ≤ 0. Therefore, the component rule for the b jt npn
transistor is

Ib = 0 when Vbe < 0.7 (6.1)

Ic = β Ib when Vce > 0 (6.2)

The value of β depends on a number of different factors and can vary quite
a bit. This can be a problem when designing circuits with specific characteristics.
There are a number of ways of dealing with this problem, which you will see when
you get a more detailed exposure to electronic circuits.

6.4 TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS

As in the case of circuits containing other components, our major tool for analyzing
circuits containing transistors will be the Kirchhoff ’s laws, along with the rules
relating the various currents in the transistor. Reiterating

1. The base current Ib will be zero if Vbe < 0.7 V.

2. Ic = β Ib whenever Vce > 0.

98 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Ic 1 kΩ
c
50 kΩ +
a b +
β = 100 – 10 V
+ Vout
Ib e
in

_ _

FIGURE 6.2: A common emitter amplifier.

If Ib = 0, this means the transistor is off. So, the first thing we do when analyzing
a transistor circuit is calculate Ib . If Ib is greater than 0 we proceed to the next
step, which is to calculate Ic = β Ib . We then check to see if Vce is greater than 0. If
it is, we are done with this part of the analysis. If not, we use the fact that Vce = 0
in the rest of our analysis.
To see how we use these rules, consider the following example.

Example 6.4.1: A simple transistor amplifier circuit is shown in Fig. 6.2. We wish
to calculate Vout for a given value of Vin . Let’s suppose for the moment that Vin is 5 V.
Can we calculate what the current into the base is going to be? From the figure we
can see that the current into the base is the same as the current through the 50 k
resistor. We can use Ohm’s law to calculate the current through the resistor.

Vab Vae − Vbe

Iab = =
50 × 103 50 × 103

If there is any current flowing into the base, according to the component
rules for the transistor, Vbe = 0.7. The voltage Vae is the same as Vin , therefore,

5 − 0.7
Iab = = 86 μA
50 × 103
 TRANSISTORS 99

How did we know that there was current flowing into the base and therefore
Vbe = 0.7? We didn’t. We simply made an assumption. If our assumption had been
wrong, we would have obtained a negative value for Iab .
Assuming the transistor is not saturated the collector current Ic is given by

Ic = β Ib = 100 × 86 × 10−6 (6.3)

= 8.6 mA (6.4)

Now we must check if the transistor is saturated. If we have 8.6 mA flowing

through the 1 k resistor, the voltage across that resistor, Vdc , is 8.6 V. Then,

Vout = Vce = Vde − Vdc = 10 − 8.6 = 1.4

Vce is positive, the transistor is not saturated, and our calculation of Ic is valid.
What would happen if we changed the resistor from 50 to 10 k? In this
case the base current Iab becomes
5 − 0.7
Iab = = 0.43 mA
10 × 103
If we now assume that the collector current is β times the base current with
β = 100 we obtain the current into the collector as

Idc = 100 × 0.43 mA = 43 mA

But this would mean that the voltage across the 1 k resistor Vdc would be 43 V.
As Vde is 10 V this would mean Vce would have to be −33 V. For Vce to be
negative the potential at the collector is lower than the potential at the emitter.
This would be a violation of the requirements under which the collector current is
β times the base current. Therefore, Idc cannot be 43 mA.
In order to calculate the collector current, we use the fact that as the base
current increases, the collector current increases until Vce is 0. It cannot increase any
further. This means that the maximum value for Vdc in this case is 10 V. For the volt-
age across a 1 k resistor to be 10 V the current, by Ohm’s law, Ic has to be 10 mA.
100 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

We should be careful about applying the Ic = β Ib rule. It is valid as long as

it does not violate the requirements on transistor operations.

Notice that even though the transistor looks considerably more complicated
than the previous circuit components we have already looked at, analyzing a circuit
containing transistors requires the same approach that we have used previously. In
this last example we used Ohm’s law to find the base current and the component
rules for the transistor for the rest.
Let’s look at a more complicated circuit.

Example 6.4.2 Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 6.3. We need to compute the
output voltage Vout .
In order to use the component rules for transistors, we need to find the
current Ib into the base of the transistor. In the previous example, the base current
was the same as the current through a resistor; therefore, we used Ohm’s law to find
the current through the resistor and hence the base current. But now the situation
is not as convenient. Therefore, we fall back on our tried and true approach: using
the Kirchhoff ’s current law. Applying the current law to node b we get

Iab = Ib + Ibd (6.5)

80 kΩ Ic 2 kΩ
c
+ +
b β = 49
– 12 V
Ib
e Vout
40 kΩ Ie
1 kΩ

–
d
FIGURE 6.3: Another transistor amplifier.
 TRANSISTORS 101

or

Ib = Iab − Ibd (6.6)

Assuming d to be the reference node, we can write the two currents on the
right in terms of the voltages using Ohm’s law.
Vab Vbd
Ib = −
80 k 40 k
We can write these voltages in terms of the reference node
Vad − Vbd Vbd
Ib = −
80 k 40 k
12 − Vbd Vbd
= − (6.7)
80 k 40 k
If we could now write Ib in terms of Vbd we would have an equation with a
single unknown. Let’s explore other ways of expressing Ib . Looking at Fig. 6.3 we
see that we can write another expression including Ib using the KCL. Notice that
Ic and Ib enter the transistor and Ie leaves the transistor. Therefore,

Ib + Ic = Ie

From the transistor component rules we know that if Vce is greater than zero,
Ic = β Ib . Therefore

Ie = (β + 1)Ib

(We will later check the assumption that Vce is greater than 0.) Ie is the current
through the 1 k resistor, therefore
Ved
Ie = (β + 1)Ib =
1 k
or
Ved
Ib =
(β + 1) × 1 k
102 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

We have an expression for Ib in terms of Ved . What we wanted was an

expression for Ib in terms of Vbd . Therefore, we need to write Ved in terms of Vbd .
Looking at Fig. 6.3 we can see that

Vbd = Vbe + Ved

If Ib is not zero, we know that Vbe is 0.7 V. Therefore,

Ved = Vbd − 0.7

and
Vbd − 0.7
Ib =
(β + 1) × 1 k
as β = 49, this means that
Vbd − 0.7
Ib = (6.8)
50 × 1 k
Substituting this expression for Ib into Eq. (6.7) we obtain
Vbd − 0.7 12 − Vbd Vbd
= − (6.9)
50 × 1 k 80 k 40 k
Solving for Vbd we obtain Vbd = 2.85 V. Substituting this value of Vbd in
Eq. (6.8) we obtain Ib = 0.043 mA.
Our goal was to find Vout . From Fig. 6.3

Vout = Vcd

we know that Vad is 12 V. We also know from the KVL that

Vad = Vac + Vcd

The voltage Vac is the voltage across the 2 k resistor, which is equal to Ic ×
2 k. Knowing that Ic = β Ib we can calculate Ic = 2.107 mA and Vac = 4.214 V.
Therefore,

Vout = 12 − 4.214 = 7.786 V

 TRANSISTORS 103

Before we can declare this to be our answer, we need to check the assumption
that Vce is greater than 0. From Fig. 6.3

Vad = 12 = Vac + Vce + Ved

Therefore,

Vce = 12 − Vac − Ved = 12 − 4.214 − Ved

As,

Ved = Vbd − 0.7 = 2.85 − 0.7 = 2.15 V

Vce is 5.636 volts, which is greater than 0. Hence our assumption, and the answer
which relied on that assumption, is correct.

This example was more complicated than the one before it. However, no-
tice that all we needed to analyze the circuit were the Kirchhoff ’s laws and the
component rules. Our simple tools are again sufficient for the task.
Now that we have some idea about how to analyze simple transistor circuits,
let’s look at a few of the many transistor applications.

6.5 TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIERS

One of the most common uses of transistors are as amplifiers. In fact, the two
circuits we analyzed in the previous section are both examples of amplifiers. The
dictionary defines amplify as to render larger, more extended, or more intense. However,
looking at Example 6.4.1 the results seem to contradict our naming of the circuit
an amplifier. For an input of 5 V we got an output of 1.4 V; the magnitude of
the output is less than the magnitude of the input. So, how can we say that the
transistor is acting as an amplifier? The reason for this seeming contradiction is that
when we say the circuit acts as an amplifier, we mean that it amplifies fluctuations,
or changes, in the voltage at its input.
104 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Vout

10

1 2 3 4 5 6 Vin

FIGURE 6.4:

For this circuit let’s find Vout for different values of Vin and plot them as
shown in Fig. 6.4. We can see from the figure, that as the input changes between
0.7 and 5.7 V, the output changes between 10 and 0 V. Thus, a change of 5 V at
the input gets amplified to a change of 10 V at the output. This is a doubling of
the input fluctuation.
There are a few little problems though. From the figure and from the com-
putations, we can see that when the input voltage is low, the output voltage is high
and vice versa. This is not really a problem because we are often more interested in
the fluctuations of the voltages rather than the actual values. Also, there are simple
ways of reversing this effect. A more serious problem is that this amplifier will only
work when the input is positive. In fact, the transistor will only turn on when the
input is greater than 0.7 V. This means that if the input looks like the waveform
shown in Fig. 6.5(a), the output will look like the waveform shown in Fig. 6.5(b);
all values of the input that are less than 0.7 V have been clipped.
Because most signals that we wish to amplify, such as speech signals, actu-
ally fluctuate between positive and negative values, this is a serious problem. The
way we get around this problem is by biasing the transistor input. By biasing we
mean that we add a fixed amount of voltage to the signal we want to amplify so
that that the sum of the two voltages remains in the region in which we can get
 TRANSISTORS 105

V out
Vin 10.0
3.0
9.0
2.0
8.0
1.0
7.0

time 6.0
⫺1.0
5.0
⫺2.0
4.0
⫺3.0 (a) (b) time

FIGURE 6.5: Clipping during amplification.

amplification. Consider the waveforms in Fig. 6.6. We start out with the same
waveform as in Fig. 6.5(a). We then add a constant bias that makes the most neg-
ative point of the waveform rise to 0.7 V. This signal is then applied to the input
of the transistor amplifier of Fig. 6.2. The bias is then removed from the amplified
signal.

Vin Vin
3.0 3.0

2.0 2.0

1.0 1.0
Add Bias
time time
⫺1.0 ⫺1.0

⫺2.0 ⫺2.0
Amplify

⫺3.0 ⫺3.0
Vout
4.0 10.0
3.0 9.0
2.0 8.0
Remove
1.0 Bias 7.0

6.0
time
⫺1.0 5.0
⫺2.0 4.0
⫺3.0 3.0
⫺4.0 2.0
time

FIGURE 6.6: Biased amplifier.

106 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

1 kΩ
c
50 kΩ +
b – Vcc
Vout
Vin
e
+
Vbias –

FIGURE 6.7: Transistor with amplifier.

We can represent the process of addition of bias as shown in Fig. 6.7.

Biasing a transistor is an important part of designing a transistor amplifier;
we will leave the details to later courses. For now let’s take look at an example of
a biased transistor amplifier. Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 6.8. Notice that
this is simply the circuit of Fig. 6.3 with an input terminal with a capacitor and a
capacitor at the output terminal. In this circuit when Vin is zero, the voltage Vbd
is 2.85 V, which is 2.15 V greater than the minimum value of 0.7 required. This
means that the input voltage can fall to −2.15 V without the output being clipped.
In terms of Fig. 6.6, the 80 k resistor and the 40 k resistors provide the addition
of the bias. The capacitor on the output terminal removes the bias.

80 kΩ Ic 2 kΩ
c
+ +
b
+
– 12 V
Ib
e Vout
Vin 40 kΩ I
e
1 kΩ
–
–
β = 49 d

FIGURE 6.8: A biased amplifier.

 TRANSISTORS 107

10 kΩ 1 kΩ
76 mΩ c
Io
+
b Q1 – 9V
Ib1 β1 = 99
e
Q2
I b2
β2 = 100
d
FIGURE 6.9: A current amplifier.

Finally, the transistor amplifier can be used as a current amplifier with some
interesting (and simple to build) applications.

Example 6.5.1: Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 6.9. Let’s calculate the current
Io . We begin by calculating the current into base of the first transistor (Q 1 ). This is
the current through the 76 M resistor. In order to obtain the current Iab , we need
the voltage Vab . Picking node d as the reference node, we can write Vab in terms of
voltages with respect to the reference node.

Vab = Vad − Vbd

From the circuit we can see that Vad = 9 V. Also, if the two transistors are
on

Vbe = Ved = 0.7 V

then

Vbd = Vbe + Ved = 1.4 V.

Therefore,

Vab = 9 − 1.4 = 7.6 V

108 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

and

Vab
Iab = = .1 μA
76 × 106

Noting that the current into the base of the second transistor is the emitter
current from the first transistor, we have

Ib2 = (1 + β1 )Ib1 = 100 × 10−7 = .01 mA

Because the desired current Io is the collector current for the second transistor

Io = β2 Ib2 = 100 × 10−5 = 1 mA

Notice that the current at the base of the first transistor has been amplified
10,000-fold.

You can use this particular circuit in a number of interesting ways. Replace
the 1 k resistor with an light emitting diode (LED) and then remove the 76 M
resistor and you have the touch key shown in Fig. 6.10. When your finger completes
the circuit, a very minute amount of current will flow into the base of the first
transistor. The amplification provided by the two transistors is sufficient to generate
enough current to light up the LED. Try to build this circuit.

LED
10 kΩ
5 kΩ
+
– 9V

FIGURE 6.10: A touch-sensitive circuit.

 TRANSISTORS 109

6.6 TRANSISTOR LOGIC GATES

In the amplifier circuits we made use of the ‘tap-like’ characteristic of the transistor.
Another characteristic of the transistor that has proven highly useful is its switch-
like behavior. We can view the behavior of the circuit in Example 6.4.1 in a slightly
different manner than we have done previously. For input voltages below 0.7 V,
the transistor is in a state where the output has a large value. For input voltages
greater than 5.7 V, the transistor is in a different state where the output voltage is
zero. Thus, the transistor can be viewed as a voltage-controlled switch with two
states. The behavior of the transistor for input voltages between 0.7 and 5.7 V can
be viewed as a transition between the states.
This switch-like behavior can be used to build digital logic gates.

6.6.1 Inverter
One way you can use a transistor with some diodes is to implement an inverter or
a NOT gate. The implementation is shown in Fig. 6.11. In order for the transistor
to be turned on, we need to have 0.7 V across the base-emitter junction and 0.7 V
across each of the diodes. Therefore, until the input voltage reaches 2.1 V, the
transistor is turned off. If the transistor is turned off, there is no current through
the 1 k resistor and the voltage across the resistor is zero. Therefore, for Vin less
than 2.1 V, Vout is 5 V. When the input voltage gets to be greater than 2.1 V, the

1 kΩ
c
10 kΩ
b +
Vout – 5V

Vin e

FIGURE 6.11: A NOT gate.

110 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Vout

1 2 3 4 5 6 Vin

FIGURE 6.12: Input–output behavior of the NOT gate.

transistor turns on and Vout decreases. We can calculate that for Vin greater than
2.6 V Vout is 0. The behavior of this circuit is plotted in Fig. 6.12. Notice that the
transition region is quite small. When the input is low (voltage less than 2.1 V),
the output is high, and when the input is high (voltage greater than 2.6 V), the
output is low. This is a description of a NOT gate.

6.6.2 NOR Gate

A NOR gate is a universal gate. That is, we can use NOR gates to construct all
other digital gates. So, it is interesting to see how we can build a NOR gate using
a transistor. A possible design for a two input NOR gate is shown in Fig. 6.13.

1 kΩ

+
10 kΩ 10 kΩ
+
+ + _ 5V
VC
VA VB
_ _ _

FIGURE 6.13: A two input NOR gate.

 TRANSISTORS 111

Assuming 5 V to be logic 1 and 0 V to be logic 0 we can build the truth table for
this circuit where the inputs are VA and VB , and the output is VC . If both inputs are
low, which in the case of this circuit means that the inputs have a value less than
0.7 volts both transistors will be off. If the transistors are off no current will flow
through the 1 k resistor. Using KVL the output VC is equal to the 5 V minus the
drop across the 1 k resistor. Therefore, VC = 5 V. If either of the transistors is
on there is a path for the current to flow through the 1 k resistor. For β = 100
if either VA or VB is greater than 1.2 V that particular transistor enters saturation
mode and VC = 0 V. The truth table for this circuit is

VA VB VC
0 0 5
5 0 0
0 5 0
5 5 0

This is clearly the truth table for a NOR gate. The circuit provides some
wiggle room as well. The low value does not have to be exactly zero and the high
value can vary considerably from 5 V.
By combining diodes and transistors, or multiple transistors in different ways,
we can build all the different logic gates used to build digital circuits.

6.7 TRANSISTOR SWITCHES

The transistor allows us to use very low current values to control much larger
currents. Two such switches are shown in Figs. 6.14 and 6.15. In each case the
physical switch switches the base current, which is very low. Therefore, the switch
does not suffer from as much wear and tear as it would have to if the switch was
trying to handle the current through the equipment. The switch in Fig. 6.14 is
a normally-off switch, that is, there is no current flowing through the equipment
112 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

220 Ω

10 kΩ

+
_ 6V
Equipment

FIGURE 6.14: A normally off switch.

when the switch is off. It resembles several of the other transistor circuits we have
looked at.
The switch in Fig. 6.15 is a bit different. This is a normally-on switch.
Before the switch is closed the transistor is off and there is no current flowing
into the collector. Instead all the current flows through the equipment. When the
switch is closed the transistor enters saturation and all the current flows into the
collector bypassing the equipment, thus turning off the flow of current to the equip-
ment.

220 Ω

10 kΩ

+
_ 6V
Equipment

FIGURE 6.15: A normally on switch.

 TRANSISTORS 113

6.8 SUMMARY
In this chapter we introduced the transistor, the most versatile and widely used
component in electronic circuits. We introduced the component rule for the bipolar
junction transistor and examined several applications of transistors.

6.9 PROBLEMS
1. In the circuit below find Ic and Vout for (a) Vin = 4 V and (b) Vin = 10 V.
Assume β = 100.

1 kΩ
IC
c
50 kΩ ⫹
b +
⫹ Vout – 10 V

Vin IB e
⫺
⫺

2. For the circuit shown below find Ic and Vout for Vin = 2 V, 3 V, 4 V, 5 V,
6 V, 7 V, 8 V, 9 V, and 10 V. Present your answer in two ways: (a) Make
a table with columns for Vin , Ic , and Vout . (b) Plot Vout and Ic versus Vin .

1 kΩ
C
c
50 kΩ ⫹
b +
⫹ Vout – 10 V

Vin B e
⫺
⫺

β = 100
114 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

3. In the following circuit find Ic and Vout . You can assume that the transistor
is not saturated (in other words you don’t have to show that it is not sat-
urated).

Ic 4 kΩ
c
600 kΩ +
b +
– 12 V
+ e
12 V – Vout

2 kΩ
–
β = 100

4. In the circuit shown below find IC , IB , IE , and Vout .

4 kΩ
IC
c
80 kΩ IB
+
b +
Vout – 12 V

+ e
12 V – –
40 kΩ IE
3.3 kΩ

β = 100

5. In the following circuit find R1 , R2 , RE , and RC such that IE = 1 mA,

Ved = 3.3 V, Vbd = 4 V, and Vcd = 8 V.
 TRANSISTORS 115

1.25 mA

RC
R1 IC
c

b +
– 12 V

e
R2 IE RE

β = 100 d

6. For the circuit shown below find Vout for Vin = 1.6 V, 1.8 V, 2.0 V, 2.2 V,
2.4 V, 2.6 V, 2.8 V, and 3 V. Present your answer in two ways: (a) Make a
table with columns for Vin and Vout . (b) Plot Vout versus Vin .

1 kΩ
IC
c
10 kΩ ⫹
b +
⫹ Vout – 5V

Vin IB e
⫺
⫺

β = 100

7. In the following circuit the source A generates a current of 10 μA in the

presence of light. Pick resistors Rc and Re so that when light shines on A,
the voltage Vout is 5 V and Vce is 1 V.
116 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

IC Rc
c
IB
b +
– 12 V

A e ⫹
IE
Vout
Re
⫺
β = 100

8. In the following circuit find Ic and Vout .

4 kΩ
80 kΩ IC
c
IB
b
⫹ +
Vout – 12 V

e
IE ⫺
40 kΩ
3.3 kΩ

β = 100

9. In the circuit shown below find Ic and Vce .

IC 4.7 kΩ
c
IB
b +
– 10 V

+ e
4V – IE
3.3 kΩ

β = 100
 TRANSISTORS 117

10. In the following circuit find Vout .

1 kΩ
100 kΩ c
⫹ +
β = 100 – 15 V

e
Vout
2 kΩ

⫺
11. In the circuit below find Ic and Vce .

10 kΩ 1 kΩ
76 MΩ c
Io
+
b Q1 – 9V
Ib1 β1 = 99
e
Q2
Ib2
β2 = 100
d

12. In the following circuit find Ic and Vout , if Vin = 3 V.

1 kΩ
C
c
100 kΩ ⫹
b +
⫹ Vout – 5V

Vin B e
⫺
⫺

β = 100
118 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

13. In the circuit shown below find Io .

10 kΩ 1 kΩ
76 mΩ c
Io
+
b Q1 – 9V
I b1 β1 = 99
e
Q2
I b2
β2 = 100
d
 119

C H A P T E R 7

Operational Amplifiers
7.1 OVERVIEW
In this chapter we will learn about operational amplifiers and a number of circuits
that we can construct using operational amplifiers.

7.2 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we will look at a wonderful “component” called the operational
amplifier or op-amp for short. The word component is in quotes because the op-amp
is itself quite a complicated circuit containing resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
However, we are not concerned with the internal construction of the op-amp but
rather how the output of the op-amp is related to the input of the op-amp. In
other words we want a component rule for the op-amp, which we can use in our
analysis of circuits containing op-amps. In this context we treat the op-amp as a
single component with some surprisingly simple rules that can be used to relate the
voltage at the output terminals of the op-amp to the voltage at the input terminals.
We do this by using a simple model of the op-amp that is reasonably accurate in
terms of its functional behavior.

7.3 COMPONENT RULE

There are actually several models of the op-amp that are used in practice (one
of them is shown in Fig. 7.2). The symbol for the op-amp is shown in Fig. 7.1.
Notice in Fig. 7.1 that the op-amp is connected to a power supply. Like the transistor
120 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

+V

v+ i+
+
i–
v–
–
–V

FIGURE 7.1: A symbol for an operational amplifier.

an op-amp requires an external power source to function as an op-amp. This makes

it an active component like the transistor. Because we know that an op-amp cannot
function without an outside power source we often do not include the power supply
connection in the circuit diagrams.
In the model for the op-amp shown in Fig. 7.2 we have ignored the external
power supply connections. In order to calculate the voltage Vout at the output of
the op-amp, lets label the circuit as shown in Fig. 7.2. By the Kirchhoff ’s voltage
law

Vout = Vac = Vab + Vbc

As there is no current flowing through the resistor the voltage across the resistor
Vab = 0. Therefore,

Vout = Vab + Vbc = Vbc

Ro
v+
+

Ri + vout
– A(v+ – v–)

v– –

FIGURE 7.2: A model for an operational amplifier.

 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 121

The voltage Vbc is the voltage generated by the funny looking voltage source.
Thus,

Vout = Vbc = A (V+ − V− )

Or in other words, the output of the op-amp is a gain factor A multiplied by

the difference in voltage V+ − V− . The value of the gain or amplification factor A
is generally assumed to be very large (in fact we often assume that the gain of the
op-amp approaches infinity). According to the model this means that for a small
voltage V+ − V− we can get a very large output voltage. However, you never get
something for nothing and, in practice, the maximum output voltage we can have
is limited by the voltage of the power supply V . The only way we can balance these
two requirements of A being very large, and Vout being limited is to require that
V+ − V− be very small. In fact this difference is small enough that we can assume
that V+ = V− . This assumption is called the virtual short assumption. Given the
model of Fig. 7.2 if this true it necessarily implies that I+ = I− = 0. Otherwise
V+ − V− would have a nonzero value of I+ R i . These two operating assumptions

1. I− = I+ = 0
2. V− = V+

make up the component rule for the op-amp. From here on we will ignore the
model and simply use the component rule.
As with the other components we can use the component rule along with the
two Kirchhoff ’s laws to analyze op-amp circuits. Op-amp circuits rely on feedback
for their operation. The feedback is provided by connecting a circuit component
between the output of the op-amp and the terminal marked with a negative sign,
called the inverting terminal. In our analysis it will not seem to make a difference
whether the feedback connection is to the inverting terminal or the terminal marked
with a positive sign (called the non-inverting terminal ). However, in practice it
makes a huge difference for reasons we will not go into here. Therefore, we will
make a point of indicating that the feedback connection is to the inverting terminal.
122 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Because the component rules for the op-amp are so simple, the appearance
of an op-amp in a circuit generally makes it easier to analyze the circuit. While
there may be differences in particular cases, in general the following procedure for
analyzing op-amp circuits works most of the time:

1. Write the Kirchhoff ’s current law at the inverting terminal. Make use of
the fact that I− = 0.

2. Make use of the virtual short to find the voltage at the inverting terminal
with respect to the reference node.

These instructions are a bit vague. We will make them more precise as we work
through examples. One pitfall you should avoid is writing the current law at the
output of the op-amp. This not because the Kirchhoff ’s laws do not hold at the
op-amp output; regardless of the component, the Kirchhoff ’s laws always hold. It
is because we have specified no rule for relating the output current of the op-amp
to any other parameter in the circuit. The only way we can figure out the output
current is to infer it from the rest of the circuit.
The number of useful circuits that can be built using op-amps, together with
the other components we have looked at, are enormous. In what follows we look
at some of the more popular configurations.

7.4 VOLTAGE FOLLOWER

The first circuit we look at is the simplest. As shown in Fig. 7.3, we connect the
output of the op-amp (terminal c) directly to the inverting terminal of the op-amp.

a v+
+ c
+
v– +
vin –
vout
– –
b
FIGURE 7.3: Voltage follower circuit.
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 123

Terminal c and terminal b make up the output terminals, while terminal a and
terminal b make up the input terminals. Let us find the voltage between terminals
c and b, or Vout in terms of Vin , which is the voltage between terminals a and b.
The voltage at the noninverting terminal of the op-amp with respect to node b Vab
is simply Vin . Because the inverting terminal of the op-amp is connected directly
to node c the voltage at node c with respect to node b, or Vout is the voltage at the
inverting terminal with respect to node b. But by the virtual short assumption the
voltage at the inverting terminal with respect to node b is the same as the voltage
at the noninverting terminal with respect to node b. Therefore

Vout = Vin

This seems rather anticlimactic. Why not forget the op-amp and just connect
node a to node c? To see the advantage provided by the op-amp let us return to the
problem of the voltage divider we had looked at earlier. We wanted to obtain 5 V
from a 9-V battery. One of the circuits we used is shown in Fig. 7.4. At the output
terminal this circuit indeed does give us 5 V.
Suppose the circuit that requires the 5 V has a resistance of 100 k. Let’s
model this circuit as a 100 k load resistor and connect it to our 5-V “source” as
shown in Fig. 7.5. Now let’s calculate the voltage across the 100 k load resistor.
Picking b as our reference node we can write the current law at node a. Writing
each current in terms of the node voltages we obtain
9 − Vab Vab Vab
= +
40 × 10 3 50 × 10 3 100 × 103

40 kΩ

9V
50 kΩ

FIGURE 7.4: Voltage divider circuit.

124 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

40 kΩ
a

9V
50 kΩ 100 kΩ

FIGURE 7.5: Voltage divider circuit with a 100 k load resistor.

Solving for Vab we obtain

45
Vab = = 4.09 V
11
This represents a drop of almost 20% from the required voltage level of 5 V. Instead
of delivering 5 V to the load, we are delivering only about 4 V!
Now let’s try something different. Connect the voltage divider to the voltage
follower circuit and connect the load to the output of the voltage follower as shown
in Fig. 7.6. We have again represented the load with a 100 k resistor. Let us find
the voltage across the 100 k resistor.
From Fig. 7.6 we can see, by the virtual short assumption, that Vout , the
voltage across the 100 k resistor, is equal to the voltage at node a with respect to
node b. Let us write the current law at node a using node b as the reference node.
9 − Vab Vab
= + I+
40 × 10 3 50 × 103

40 kΩ
a i+
+ c
i– +
9V –
50 kΩ vout 100 kΩ

–
b
FIGURE 7.6: The voltage divider revisited.
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 125

But I+ = 0 from assumption 1, therefore we have

9 − Vab Vab
=
40 × 10 3 50 × 103
or

Vab = 5 V

Thus the voltage across the load is 5 V as desired. Unlike the case without the
op-amp, connecting the load had no effect on the voltage across the 50 k resistor.
How did this happen? If we trace back the steps in the analysis above we can
see that the critical factor was the fact that the op-amp does not draw any cur-
rent from the input stage. This means that we can add different combinations of
components to the output stage without “loading” the input. Without drawing any
current from the input, the op-amp voltage follower maintains the same voltage at
the output that it sees at its input. The voltage follower thus buffers what is con-
nected at its input from what is connected at its output terminals. This is useful in
a large number of applications, such as when designing sensors. We do not want
the sensing operation to disturb the operation of the system, so it is useful to have
a buffer between the system and the sensor that protects the system but still allows
the sensor to get on with its job. This is especially true when the system in question
is a human being. When we connect electrodes to people to measure electrical
activity in their brain or muscles we do not want any malfunction in the recording
equipment to result in an attempt to draw current from the body. A voltage follower
is a very useful tool for providing the isolation necessary.
While this is a very useful application of the op-amp, it is not the only one.
In the next sections, we show some more applications of this component.

7.5 AMPLIFIER
As the name implies, one of the most popular application of the op-amp is as
an amplifier. Amplification is obtained using feedback from the output. There
are several different ways we can connect up the op-amp to obtain amplification.
126 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Rf

Ri
b c i– –
d
i+
+ +
vi – vo
a
FIGURE 7.7: A simple op-amp circuit.

Two standard amplifier configurations are the inverting configuration and the non-
inverting configuration.

7.5.1 Inverting Op-Amp

The inverting op-amp configuration is shown in Fig. 7.7. Suppose we wish to find
Vo in terms of Vi given the resistance values Ri and Rf . Let’s take node a to be our
reference node and write the current law at node c

Idc + Ibc = I−

The currents Idc and Ibc are currents through resistors. We can use Ohm’s
law to write these currents in terms of the voltages across these resistors.

Vdc Vbc
+ = I−
Rf Ri

Writing these voltages in terms of the node voltages and noting that Vba = Vi and
Vda = Vo ,

Vo − Vca Vi − Vca
+ = I−
Rf Ri

From our first operating assumption we have I− = 0, and from the virtual short
assumption we have Vca = Vaa = 0. So our equation becomes

Vo Vi
+ =0
Rf Ri
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 127

b i+
+ d
i–
–
R1
vi +
–
c
vo
R2

FIGURE 7.8: A noninverting amplifier circuit.

or
Rf
Vo = − Vi
Ri
By suitably picking the values of Rf and Ri we can get an output voltage
that is larger than the input voltage. Lest visions of an infinite power source begin
dancing in your head,1 remember that the output voltage is limited by the power
supply which is being used to power the op-amp. This kind of amplifier is called
an inverting amplifier. The “inverting” in the name comes from the fact that the
output is negative of the input.

7.5.2 Non-Inverting Op-Amp

We can also construct a noninverting amplifier as shown in Fig. 7.8.
If we write the current law at node c we will obtain

Idc = Ica + I−

The currents Idc and Ica are currents through resistors. Using Ohm’s law we can
write these currents in terms of the voltages across these resistors.

Vdc Vca
= + I−
R1 R2

1
Take the voltage fluctuations from your brain. Amplify them using an op-amp and run your television
with it—an exercise in killing your brain with brain power!
128 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Assuming a to be the reference node, writing these voltages in terms of node

voltages, and using the fact that Vda = Vo , we obtain
Vo − Vca Vca
= + I−
R1 R2
From assumption 1, I− = 0, and from the virtual short assumption Vca = Vi . Sub-
stituting these values into the equation, we get
Vo − Vi Vi
=
R1 R2
or,


R1
Vo = 1 + Vi
R2
By picking R1 to be much larger than R2 we can get significant amplification,
limited only be the power source. Notice that the polarity of the output voltage is the
same as the polarity of the input voltage.

7.6 THE ANALOG COMPUTER

Long before PC came to symbolize personal computer, there were computers much
much faster than any digital computer yet designed. These were analog comput-
ers that performed arithmetic and calculus. The building blocks for these analog
computers were op-amps. While the analog computer is no more the circuits that
performed the computations in the analog computer are still widely used. In this
section we look at some of these circuits.

7.6.1 Adding Circuit

Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 7.9. This is a addition circuit.
R0 R0 R0
V0 = − V1 − V2 − V3
R1 R2 R3
In order to analyze this, as before, we write the Kirchhoff ’s current law at the
inverting terminal, which in the figure is node e.

Ibe + Ice + Ide + Ife = I−

 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 129

R1
R0
R2

R3 i– –
i+
+ + + +
– V1 – V2 – V3 V0

FIGURE 7.9: A summing amplifier circuit.

Writing the currents through the resistors in terms of the voltages across the resistors
and noting that I− = 0 we obtain

Vbe Vce Vde Vfe

+ + + =0
R1 R2 R3 R0

Using node a as the reference node and writing the voltages in terms of the node
voltages we get

Vba − Vea Vca − Vea Vda − Vea Vfa − Vea

+ + + =0
R1 R2 R3 R0

Noting that Vba = V1 , Vca = V2 , Vda = V3 , and Vfa = V0 we get

V1 − Vea V2 − Vea V3 − Vea V0 − Vea

+ + + =0
R1 R2 R3 R0

Now we use the virtual short assumption to note that Vea = Vaa = 0, and
therefore,

V1 V2 V3 V0
+ + + =0
R1 R2 R3 R0

Solving for V0 we obtain

R0 R0 R0
V0 = − V1 − V2 − V3
R1 R2 R3

If we pick all the resistors to be identical we get

V0 = −(V1 + V2 + V3 )
130 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

R1

b R1 d – f
c R2 e + +

+ +
V1 – V2 – Vo
R2
–
a

FIGURE 7.10: A difference circuit.

which is the negative of the sum of the inputs. We can easily get rid of the negative
sign by using an inverting op-amp with unity gain. By letting the resistors take
on different values we can design a circuit that will give us a weighted sum of the
inputs. However, all the weights have to be the same sign. In the next application
we see how we can change the sign.

7.6.2 Subtraction Circuit

Consider the circuit shown in Fig. 7.10. Notice that unlike the previous circuits there
are components connected to the noninverting terminal of the op-amp. Despite
this change the analysis proceeds as it did for the previous circuits. We first write
the KCL at the inverting terminal, which in this case is node d.

Ibd + Ifd = I−

Writing the currents through the resistors in terms of the voltages across the
resistors and noting that I− = 0 we get

Vbd Vfd
+ =0
R1 R1

Multiplying both sides by R1

Vbd + Vfd = 0
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 131

Picking node a as the reference node we can write the voltages in terms of
the node voltages and use the fact that Vba = V1 and Vfa = Vo to obtain

V1 − Vda + Vo − Vda = 0

or,

Vo = 2Vda − V1 (7.1)

At this point in the previous analyses, we used the virtual short assumption to
set the voltage at the inverting terminal equal to the voltage at the noninverting
terminal. We do the same here and set Vda = Vea . However, unlike earlier analyses
where the noninverting terminal was directly connected to the reference node, we
have to do some work to get the value of Vea . Fortunately, it is not a lot of work.
Writing the current law at node e we get

Ice = Iea + I+

Writing the currents through the resistors in terms of the voltages across the
resistors and using the fact that I+ = 0 we get

Vce Vea
=
R2 R2
Multiplying both sides by R2 , writing the voltages in terms of node voltages, and
substituting Vca = V2 we get

V2 − Vea = Vea

or
1
Vea = V2
2
Substituting this value of Vea for Vda in Eq. (7.1) we get

Vo = V2 − V1
132 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

Notice that in the circuit of Fig. 7.10 we have four resistors but only two
distinct values. If we had allowed all four resistor values to vary we would have
obtained a relationship of the form

Vo = αV2 − βV1

where the values of α and β would depend on the values of the four resistors.

7.6.3 Implementing Algebraic Equations

By combining the strategies used in the addition and subtraction circuits we can
implement any algebraic equation using op-amps. Consider the following exa-
mple:

Example 7.6.1: We are asked to implement the equation

Vo = 2V1 − 3V2 − 2V3 (7.2)

using op-amps. Let’s first try to implement the equation directly. Sometimes it
might be easier to implement the negative of the equation and then use an inverting
op-amp to fix the polarity. Notice that V2 and V3 have the same polarity, which is
opposite to that of V1 , so if we were to implement this using a single op-amp the V2
and V3 inputs would go to one terminal while the V1 input would go to the other
terminal. Based on the polarities the V2 and V3 inputs would go to the inverting
terminal, while the V1 input would go to the noninverting terminal. Therefore, the
circuit would look as shown in Fig. 7.11.
To find the values of the various resistors, let’s write the current law at the
noninverting input, or node e.

Ide + Ice + Ige = I−

Writing the currents through the resistors in terms of the voltages across the resistors
and using the fact that I− = 0
Vde Vce Vge
+ + =0
R3 R2 Ro
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 133

d R3 Ro

e –
c R2 g
b R1 f + +

+ + +
V3 – V2 – V1 – Vo
R4
–
a

FIGURE 7.11: Implementing an algebraic equation.

Picking node a to be the reference node and writing the voltages in terms of
the node voltages,

Vda − Vea Vca − Vea Vga − Vea

+ + =0
R3 R2 Ro

Now substitute the values of Vda , Vca , and Vga

V3 − Vea V2 − Vea Vo − Vea

+ + =0
R3 R2 Ro

Expanding this out

Ro R2 V3 − Ro R2 Vea + Ro R3 V2 − Ro R3 Vea + R2 R3 Vo − R2 R3 Vea = 0

or

R2 R3 Vo = (Ro R2 + Ro R3 + R2 R3 )Vea − R0 R3 V2 − R0 R2 V3

Dividing both sides by R2 R3 we obtain

Ro R2 + Ro R3 + R2 R3 Ro Ro
Vo = Vea − V2 − V3 (7.3)
R2 R3 R2 R3

Looking at the circuit and using the fact that we will find Vea by using the
virtual short assumption it is clear that Vea will be in terms of V1 . Therefore, the
134 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

coefficients of V2 and V3 will be Ro /R2 and Ro /R3 respectively in the final equation.
Looking at the equation we want to implement, it is clear that
Ro Ro
=3 and =2
R2 R3
or
Ro Ro
R2 = R3 = (7.4)
3 2
Substituting these values of R2 and R3 into Eq. (7.3) we get

Vo = 6Vea − 3V2 − 2V3

Using the virtual short assumption and writing the current law at node f we obtain
R4
Vea = Vfa = V1
R1 + R4
From Eq. (7.2) we know that
R4
6Vea = 6 V1 = 2V1
R1 + R4
which will be true if

R1 = 2R4 (7.5)

Now all we need to do is to pick resistor values that satisfy Eqs. (7.4) and
(7.5). In practice not all resistor values may be available and there may be other
constraints as well. For this example we do not worry about those constraints so
we have an infinite number of possible solutions. One solution would be to pick
Ro = 6 k. From Eq. (7.4) this would mean R2 = 2 k and R3 = 3k. If we pick
R4 = 1 k, from Eq. (7.5), R1 = 2 k.

7.6.4 Integration
In order to perform integration using op-amps we have to broaden our horizons
a bit and use capacitors as well as resistors in our circuit. An integrator circuit is
shown in Fig. 7.12. To see that this circuit really does perform integration, let’s
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 135

R
b c – d

+ +
– v i (t)
vo(t)

FIGURE 7.12: An integrator circuit.

calculate Vo (t) in terms of Vi (t) . Writing the current law at the inverting termi-
nal.

Ibc + Idc = I−

Ibc is the current through a resistor so we can write it in terms of the voltage across
the resistor using Ohm’s law. Idc is the current through a capacitor so we use the
capacitor component rule to write Idc in terms of Vdc . The current I− is zero.

Vbc d
+ C Vdc = 0
R dt

Picking a to be the reference node and writing the voltages in terms of node voltages
we get

Vba − Vca d
+ C (Vda − Vca ) = 0 (7.6)
R dt

Using the virtual short assumption Vca = Vaa = 0. Substituting Vba = Vi (t)
and Vda = Vo (t) into Eq. (7.6) we obtain

Vi (t) d
+ C Vo (t) = 0
R dt

or

d 1
Vo (t) = − Vi (t)
dt RC
136 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

b C c – d
+
+ v (t)
– i
vo(t)

FIGURE 7.13: A differentiator circuit.

Integrating both sides


1
Vo (t) = − Vi (t) d t
RC

Thus the output voltage is a scaled integral of the input voltage.

7.6.5 Differentiation
By switching the places of the resistor and capacitor as shown in Fig. 7.13 we can
obtain a circuit whose output is the derivative of the input. Writing the current law
at the inverting input we obtain

Ibc + Idc = I−

In this case Ibc is the current through the capacitor and Idc is the current through
the resistor.

d Vdc
C Vbc + =0
dt R

Writing these voltages in terms of the node voltages with a being the reference
node.

d Vda − Vca
C (Vba − Vca ) + =0
dt R
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 137

Using the virtual short assumption Vca = Vaa = 0. Substituting Vba = Vi (t) and
Vda = Vo (t) into the equation we get

d Vo (t)
C Vi (t) + =0
dt R
or
d
Vo (t) = −RC Vi (t)
dt
The integrator and differentiator circuits are used in many different applica-
tion. One way they can be used is to simulate differential equations. As differential
equations are used to model a whole variety of complex systems, including economic
systems, chemical systems, mechanical systems and of course, electrical systems,
this is a very useful application.

7.7 SUMMARY
In this chapter we have introduced the operational amplifier, a complex and useful
component with a surprisingly simple component rule. We have shown how the
op-amp can be used to amplify voltages, to act as a buffer, and to implement various
algebraic operations.

7.8 PROBLEMS
1. In the following circuit find Vout .

4 kΩ

8 kΩ
–
+ +

12 V
+
– Vout

⫺
138 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

2. In the following circuit find Vout .

8 kΩ
+
– +

+ 4 kΩ 12 kΩ
12 V
– Vout
4 kΩ
⫺

3. In the following circuit find Vo .

–
+
1.1 kΩ
+ – +
+ 4 kΩ
– vout
2V
2 kΩ
–

4. In the circuit below find Vout .

6 kΩ
+
– +

9V
+ 3 kΩ 12 kΩ
– Vout
4 kΩ
–
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 139

5. In the following circuit find Vout .

10 kΩ

3 kΩ
–
+ +

6 kΩ
+
5V – 4 kΩ Vout

6. In the following circuit find Vout .

20 kΩ
12 kΩ

5 kΩ
– 6 kΩ
–
+
+ ⫹
+
3V – Vout

7. In the following circuit find Vout .

20 kΩ

5 kΩ
–
+ ⫹
2 kΩ
+ +
3V – 6V – Vout
1 kΩ

⫺
140 UNDERSTANDING CIRCUITS

8. In the following circuit find Vout when Vin = 0.5 V.

8 kΩ

4 kΩ
– +
+ –
+
+ 12 kΩ
–
Vin Vout

4 kΩ
–

9. In the following circuit find Vo .

40 kΩ

5 kΩ
–
+ +
5 kΩ
+ +
5V – 4V – Vout
20 kΩ

10. In the following circuit find Vout when Vin = 0.5 V.

9 kΩ

3 kΩ
– – +
+ + –
+
+ 10 kΩ
–
Vin Vout

5 kΩ –
 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 141

11. In the circuit below find Ic and Vce if Vin = 0.5 V.

10 Ω
IC

⫹ + +
– β = 100 – 12 V

⫹
Vin IE
6 kΩ 8 Ω Vout
3 kΩ
⫺
⫺