The node voltage method

• Equivalent resistance
• Voltage / current dividers
• Source transformations
• Node voltages
• Mesh currents
• Superposition
Not every circuit lends itself to “short-cut” methods. Sometimes we
need a formal approach that does not rely on seeing a trick that can be
used. The node-voltage is the first (and maybe most used) of our three
formal methods.
The node-voltage method is a systematic method for deriving a set of
simultaneous equations that can be solved to find the voltage at each
node of the circuit. Once the node voltages are known, all currents and
powers in the circuit follow easily. The method is identical for any size
circuit, although the math will be messier for bigger circuits since the
number of simultaneous equation scales with the number of nodes.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 1
 An example R4

Consider the circuit at right. It 20 Ω

looks easy enough, but we are R1 R3
quickly disappointed when we find
that no short-cut methods will help 40 Ω 40 Ω
in trying to solve it. We must go VS + R2 IS
–
back to Kirchoff’s Laws. 8V 20 Ω 0.375 A

Let’s poke at this a bit using KCL. R4

Label the currents in each branch —
the directions are arbitrary. Then write iR4
KCL equations at the four nodes. R1 b R3
a c
a. iVS = iR1 + IR4
iR1 iR3
b. iR1 + iR3 = iR2 VS + R2 iR2 IS
– iVS
c. iR4 + IS = iR3
d. iR2 = IS + iVS d
There are four equations relating five unknown currents — not good.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 2
 We can use Ohm’s law to write + vR4 –
resistors currents in terms of the
resistor voltages. (Pay attention to iR4
polarities. For the resistors, the + vR1 – b – vR3 +
voltage polarities must match the a c
chosen current directions.) iR1 + iR3
vR1 vR4 VS + iVS vR2 iR2 IS
a. iVS = + –
R1 R4 –
vR1 vR3 vR2
b. + = d
R1 R3 R2
vR4 vR3
c. + IS =
R4 R3
vR2
d. = IS + iVS
R2
This doesn’t improve the situation — there are still four equations
relating five unknowns — four resistor voltages and the current flowing
through the voltage source.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 3

 We can take a further step and assign + vR4 –
a voltage to each node. (Recall that
our definition of a node is a point of iR4
connection between components, + vR1 – vb – vR3 +
and the node has a single voltage.) va vc
We can then write the resistor iR1 + iR3
voltages as differences between the VS + iVS vR2 iR2 IS
–
node voltages. –
va − vb va − vc
a. iVS = +
R1 R4 vd
va − vb vc − vb vb − vd va − vb
b. + = iR1 =
R1 R3 R2 R1
va − vc vc − vb vb − vd
c. + IS = iR2 =
R4 R3 R2
vb − vd etc.
d. = IS + iVS
R2
However, it seems that we might be going circles, since there are still 5
unknowns — va, vb, vc, vd, and iVS. Basically, we have just been
changing names. But we are ready for a crucial step.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 4
 Voltage, like energy, is a relative quantity — only differences are
important. The absolute values of va, vb, vc,and vd do not matter — only
the differences, va – vb, va – vc, etc. are important, as we saw in the
previous set of equations. This means that we can assign a voltage value
to one node, and then all other node voltages can be defined with respect
to that chosen node voltage. We could assign any voltage that we want,
but an obvious value would be 0 V. When a particular node is chosen to
have “0 volts”, we call it the ground node.
We are free to choose any of the nodes in the circuit to be the ground. We
will see in the examples to follow that some choices are better than others,
but, at least initially, each node is an equally viable ground.
R4
In this example, we will choose
node d to be ground, and so, by our iR4
definition vd = 0. Once we have R1 vb R3
chosen a node to serve as ground, va vc
we denote that in the circuit with iR1 iR3
the ground symbol, as shown at VS + i R i IS
right. – VS 2 R2

vd = 0
EE 201 node-voltage method – 5
 Choosing a ground node to serve as a voltage reference has two
significant effects on the set of equations that describe the circuit. The
first is that, since the voltage at d was assigned to be zero, it is no longer
“unknown” and our math problem reduces to a set of four equations
with four unknowns — va, vb, vc, and iVS. The set can be solved!
va − vb va − vc
a. iVS = +
R1 R4
va − vb vc − vb vb
b. + =
R1 R3 R2
va − vc vc − vb
c. + IS =
R4 R3
vb
d. = IS + iVS
R2
We could just get to work and solve these equations, but the math can
be reduced further.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 6

 The second effect is that, by defining node d as ground, we also
immediately know the value of va. By the definition of a voltage source, va
= vd + VS = 0 + VS = VS. So we also know va. The four equations now have
only 3 unknowns — we have the luxury of choosing which equations to
solve to find the remaining unknown quantities.

VS − vb VS − vc
a. iVS = + In examining the set of equations,
R1 R4
we see that the middle two
VS − vb vc − vb vb equations depend only on the node
b. + =
R1 R3 R2 voltages, vb and vc. So we could
VS − vc vc − vb solve just those two equations to
c. + IS = find vb and vc. Then we can
R4 R3
immediately calculate iVS using
vb either the first or the last equation.
d. = IS + iVS
R2
Our approach of focusing on the node voltages, defining one as ground,
and then using the information provided by the voltage source has allowed
us to reduce a messy problem of 5 unknowns with 4 equations to the
tractable problem of 2 unknown node voltages related by two equations.
The tricky issue of handling the current of the voltage source has, in
EE 201
essence, disappeared from view. node-voltage method – 7
 Taking the two equations relating vb and vc and working on them a bit:
VS − vb vc − vb vb VS − vc vc − vb
+ = + IS =
R1 R3 R2 R4 R3
R1 R1 R4
VS − vb + (vc − vb) = vb VS − vc + R4IS = (vc − vb)
R3 R2 R3

( R2 R3 ) ( R3 )
R1 R1 R1 R4 R4
1+ + vb − vc = VS − vb + 1 + vc = VS + R4IS
R3 R3

Insert numbers:

( 20 Ω 40 Ω )
40 Ω 40 Ω 40 Ω
1+ + vb − vc = 8 V
40 Ω

( 40 Ω )
20 Ω 20 Ω
− vb + 1 + vc = 8 V + (20 Ω) (0.375 mA)
40 Ω

5vb − vc = 8 V
Solve the 2x2 to give: vb = 5 V and vc = 12 V.
−0.5vb + 1.5vc = 15.5 V
EE 201 node-voltage method – 8
 Let’s step through the same problem R4
again, but now use the knowledge
gained from the first time through. 20 Ω
First, identify the nodes and choose R1 R3
one to be ground. Again, any node 40 Ω 40 Ω
could be ground. Choose the
VS + R2 IS
bottom one again. –
24 V 20 Ω 0.25 A
Now, with the ground chosen, we
note that the voltage at the node
R4
above the voltage source must be
VS. That leaves two nodes where the iR4
voltage is not known. This time, we R1 vx R3
will label the voltages vx and vy. (The VS vy
specific names are irrelevant.) iR1 iR3
Identify the currents flowing into VS + iVS R2 iR2 IS
–
and out of the unknown nodes.
Since we don’t yet know the vd = 0
currents, we can choose the
directions however we want.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 9
 R4
The currents that enter and leave the
two unknown nodes are iR1, iR2, iR3, iR4,
iR4
and IS. Note that the troublesome iVS
R1 vx R3
won’t be involved, since it does flow
VS vy
into or out of of an unknown node.
This is good!
iR1 iR3
VS + iVS R2 iR2 IS
At each of the unknown nodes, use
–
KCL to balance in and out:
vd = 0
x. iR1 + iR3 = iR2
y. iR4 + IS = iR3

Next, use Ohm’s law to write each resistor current in terms of the node
VS − vx
voltages on either end of the resistor: iR1 = , etc.
R1
VS − vx vy − vx vx VS − vy vy − vx
+ = + IS =
R1 R3 R2 R4 R3

These are the two node-voltage equations that can be solved to find the
two unknown node voltages. The rest is just math.
This approach is known as the node-voltage method.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 10
 The node-voltage method
1. Identify all of the nodes in the circuit.
2. Choose one node to be ground. In principle, the choice is arbitrary, but, if
possible, choose a node that is connected to a voltage source. The chosen
node is assigned a voltage of 0.
3. Identify nodes for which the voltage is known due to sources.
4. If possible, use short current to eliminate any non-essential nodes.
5. Assign variables for the voltages at the remaining unknown nodes.
6. Assign currents to all of the branches connected to the nodes. In principle,
the direction is arbitrary. Label the voltage polarity for any resistors.
(Make sure that that voltage polarities match the current direction!)
7. Write KCL equations relating the currents at each of the unknown nodes.
8. Use Ohm’s law to express resistor currents in terms of the (unknown) node
voltages on either side of the resistor.
9. Substitute the resistor currents into the KCL equations to form the node-
voltage equations — a set of equations relating the unknown node
voltages.
10. Do the math to solve the equations and determine the node voltages.
EE 201
Determine currents, powers, etc., if needed. node-voltage method – 11
 Example 1 R1

10 Ω
Apply the node-voltage method to +
VS R2 IS
the “2 source – 2 resistor” problem. –
10 V 5Ω 1A

R1 b
a
Step 1 – Identify the nodes in the
circuit. Three in this case. VS + R2 IS
–

c
R1 b
a
Step 2 – Choose one to be ground.
We choose node c in this case. VS + R2 IS
–

vc = 0
EE 201 node-voltage method – 12
 va = VS R1 b
Step 3 – Identify other nodes for
which the voltage is known. In this +
case, the source VS between ground
VS
– R2 IS
and node a means that va = VS.

vc = 0
Step 4 – Reduce the circuit using and series or parallel combinations.
For this circuit, there are no simplifications.

va = VS R1 vb
Step 5 – Assign variables for the
voltages at the remaining unknown +
nodes. In this case, there is only one
VS
– R2 IS
unknown node voltage.

vc = 0

EE 201 node-voltage method – 13

 Step 6 – Assign currents to all of the va = VS + vR1 – vb
branches connected to the nodes. In
principle, the direction is arbitrary. iR1 +
VS + vR2 iR2 IS
Label the voltage polarity for any –
resistors. (Be sure to get the –
polarities correct!)
vc = 0

Step 7 – Write KCL equations

relating the currents at each of the iR1 + IS = iR2
unknown nodes. In this case, there
is only one.

vR1 va − vb VS − vb
Step 8 – Use Ohm’s law to express iR1 = = =
resistor currents in terms of the R1 R1 R1
(unknown) node voltages on either vR2 vb − vc vb
side of the resistor. iR2 = = =
R2 R2 R2

EE 201 node-voltage method – 14

 Step 9 – Substitute the resistor
currents into the KCL equation(s) to VS − vb vb
+ IS =
form the node-voltage equations — R1 R2
a set of equations relating the
unknown node voltages.
R1
Step 10 – Do the math to find the 10 Ω
node voltage. VS + R2 IS
–
VS − vb vb 10 V 5Ω 1A
+ IS =
R1 R2
R1 10 V + (1 A) (10 Ω)
VS − vb + IS R1 = vb vb =
R2 1+ 10 Ω
5Ω

( R2 )
R1 vb = 6.67 V
1+ vb = VS + IS R1
Once vb is known, the currents
VS + IS R1 and powers are easily found
vb = R1
1+ R using Kirchoff’s laws.
2
EE 201 node-voltage method – 15
 Example 2 R1 R3
Let’s apply the node voltage
2.5 kΩ 7.5 kΩ
method to the simple ladder
VS + R2 R4
circuit shown. Recall that we –
solved this circuit earlier by using 15 V 10 kΩ 2.5 kΩ
the voltage divider method twice.
R1 b R3
a c
Step 1 – Identify the nodes in the +
VS R2 R4
circuit. Four in this case. –

d
R1 b R3
a c
Step 2 – Choose one to be ground.
Nodes a or d would be good VS + R2 R4
–
choices — we will go with d.

vd = 0
EE 201 node-voltage method – 16
 va = VS R1 b R3
Step 3 – Identify other nodes for c
which the voltage is known. As in
the previous example, the voltage VS + R2 R4
–
source causes node a to have
voltage va = VS.
vd = 0
Step 4 – Reduce the circuit using series or parallel combinations. In this
case, we could eliminate node c by combining R3 and R4 and treating
them as a single resistor. Then the problem reduces to having a single
unknown (vb) and it could handled easily using a voltage divider, taking
us back to our earlier method. However, to better illustrate the node-
voltage method, we will keep the two resistors separate, with node c
between them.
va = VS R1 vb R3 vc
Step 5 – Assign variables for the
voltages at the remaining unknown
V + R2 R4
nodes. In this case, there is only one S –
unknown node voltage.
vd = 0
EE 201 node-voltage method – 17
 Step 6 – Assign currents to all of the va = VS + vR1 – vb + vR3 – vc
branches connected to the nodes. In
principle, the direction is arbitrary. iR1 + iR3 +
VS + vR2 iR2 vR4 iR4
Label the voltage polarity for any –
resistors. (Be sure to get the – –
polarities correct!)
vd = 0

Step 7 – Write KCL equations iR1 = iR2 + iR3

relating the currents at each of the
unknown nodes. In this case, there iR3 = iR4
is only one.
vR1 va − vb VS − vb
iR1 = = =
R1 R1 R1
vR2 vb − vd vb
Step 8 – Use Ohm’s law to express iR2 = = =
R2 R2 R2
resistor currents in terms of the
(unknown) node voltages on either vR3 vb − vc
iR3 = =
side of the resistor. R3 R3
vR4 vc − vd v4
iR4 = = =
R4 R4 R4
EE 201 node-voltage method – 18
 Step 9 – Substitute the resistor VS − vb vb vb − vc
= +
currents into the KCL equation(s) to R1 R2 R3
form the node-voltage equations — vb − vc vc
=
a set of equations relating the R3 R4
unknown node voltages.
R1 R3

Step 10 – Do the math to find the 2.5 kΩ 7.5 kΩ

node voltages. VS + R2 R4
–
15 V 10 kΩ 2.5 kΩ
R1 R1
VS − vb = vb + (vb − vc)
R2 R3
R3
vb − vc = vc 1.5833vb − 0.333vc = 24 V
R4
vb − 4vc = 0

( R2 R3 )
R1 R1 R1
1+ + vb − vc = Vs Two equations, two unknowns:
R3
Solve to give: vb = 10 V, vc = 2.5 V

( R4 )
R3
vb − 1 + vc = 0
EE 201 node-voltage method – 19
 Example 3
R1 R3
As we become more
familiar with the node- 3 kΩ 2 kΩ
voltage procedure, we VS1 + R2 IS + V
S2
– –
can a probably do some 25 V 1 kΩ 5 mA 10 V
of the steps by
“inspection”, without
writing out everything.
We see that there are four nodes in the circuit. Making things easier, there
are two voltage sources that share a common connection. It makes sense
to choose that node as ground. The ground and the two voltage sources
mean that we already know the voltage of three of the nodes. This
becomes a “one-node” circuit and should be easy to solve.

+ vR1 – vx + vR3 –
v = VS1 v = VS2

iR1 + iR3
VS1 + vR2 iR2 IS + V
S2
– –
–
EE 201 v=0 node-voltage method – 20
 There are no series/parallel simplifications, so we can jump directly to
writing the KCL equation.

at node x : iR1 + IS = iR2 + iR3

As we are become better at recognizing how the node voltages relate to

the resistor currents, we can immediately re-write the currents above in
terms of node voltages and resistors:
VS1 − vx vx vx − VS2
+ IS = +
R1 R2 R3
The circuit analysis is done, and the rest is just math.
R1 R1 R1
VS1 − vx + R1IS = Vx + vx − VS2
R2 R3 R3

( R2 R3 )
R1 R1 R1
1+ + vx = VS1 + R1IS + VS2
R3
R1
VS1 + R1IS + R3
VS2 25 V + (3 kΩ) (5 mA) + 3 kΩ
2 kΩ (25 V)
vx = R1 R1
= 3 kΩ 3 kΩ
= 10 V
1+ + 1+ 1 kΩ
+ 2 kΩ
EE 201
R2 R3 node-voltage method – 21
 Example 4
Practice makes perfect. Here is a circuit with three voltage sources.
R4
16 kΩ
R1 R3 R5 R7

8 kΩ 48 kΩ 32 kΩ 8 kΩ
VS1 + R2 VS2 + R6 + V
– – – S3
5V 6 kΩ 45 V 10.67 kΩ 35 V

There there are six nodes in the circuit. Fortunately, if we choose

ground at the bottom once again, then three of the nodes will have
known voltages due to the sources.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 22

 There are no series/parallel simplifications, so we can label the two
unknown voltages and define the currents. Again, directions are
arbitrary at this point.
R4

iR4
v = VS1 R1 visu R3 v = VS2 R5 vcy R7 v = VS3

iR1 iR3 iR5 iR7

VS1 + R2 iR2 VS2 + R6 iR6 + V
– – – S3

Write the KCL equations at the two nodes:

at node “isu” : iR1 + iR3 = iR2 + iR4

at node “cy” : iR4 + iR5 + iR7 = iR6

EE 201 node-voltage method – 23

 Convert the KCL equations to node-voltage equations using Ohm’s law
and the node voltages.

VS1 − visu VS2 − visu visu visu − vcy

+ = +
R1 R3 R2 R4

VS2 − vcy VS3 − vcy visu − vcy vcy

+ + =
R5 R7 R4 R6

The circuit analysis is done, and we need to finish the math to find the
voltages. Start by re-arranging.

( R1 R2 R4 )
R3 R3 R3 R3 R3
1+ + + visu − vcy = VS2 + VS1
R4 R1

( R4 R6 R7 )
R5 R5 R5 R5 R5
− visu + 1 + + + vcy = VS2 + VS3
R4 R7

EE 201 node-voltage method – 24

 Plug in the values:

( 16 kΩ )
48 kΩ 48 kΩ 48 kΩ 48 kΩ 48 kΩ
1+ + + visu − vcy = 45 V + (5 V)
8 kΩ 6 kΩ 16 kΩ 8 kΩ

( 8 kΩ )
32 kΩ 32 kΩ 32 kΩ 32 kΩ 32 kΩ
− visu + 1 + + + vcy = 45 V + ( 35 V)
16 kΩ 16 kΩ 10.67 kΩ 8 kΩ

18visu − 3vcy = 75 V

−2visu − 10vcy = 185 V

Solve to give: visu = 7.5 V and vcy = 20 V

EE 201 node-voltage method – 25

 Example 5
Here is a slightly bigger circuit to tackle. The approach doesn’t change.

R6
150 Ω
R1 R3 R4

75 Ω 150 Ω 300 Ω
VS + R2 IS1 R5 IS2
–
60 V 75 Ω 0.2 A 150 Ω 0.2 A

We see that there are five nodes. Choose the ground connection — the
nodes on either side of the voltage source are good options. Choosing the
bottom node as ground makes the voltage at the left-hand node equal to
VS.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 26

 R6

iR6
R1 vx R3 vy R4 vz

iR1 iR3 iR4

VS + R2 iR2 IS1 R5 iR5 IS2
–

That leaves three unknown node voltages. Those are labeled as above,
along with currents in each of the branches connected by nodes. Write
KCL equations for the currents at each of the nodes and then convert
them to node-voltage equations.
VS − vx vx vx − vy
x: = +
x : iR1 = iR2 + iR3 R1 R2 R3
vx − vy vy − vz
y : iR3 = IS1 + iR4 y: = IS +
R3 R4
z : iR4 + IR6 + IS2 = iR5
vy − vz VS − vz vz
z: + + IS2 =
R4 R6 R5
EE 201 node-voltage method – 27
 Now take care of the math. First, re-arrange the equations into standard
form:

( R2 R3 )
R1 R1 R1
x: 1+ + vx − vy = VS
R3

( R4 )
R3 R3
y : vx − 1 + vy + vz = R3IS1
R4

( R4 R5 )
R6 R6 R6
z : − vy + 1 + + vz = VS + R6IS2
R4

Then insert the values:

x : 2.5vx − 0.5vy = 60 V * http://math.bd.psu.edu/~jpp4/finitemath/3x3solver.html

y : vx − 1.5vy + 0.5vz = 30 V * http://www.1728.org/unknwn3.htm

* https://www.wolframalpha.com
z : −0.5vy + 2.5vz = 90 V

And use your favorite method* to solve:

vx = 26 V, vy = 10 V, and vz = 38 V.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 28
 Rogue voltage sources
As described above and demonstrated in the examples, the node-
voltage works well in most circuits. However, there is one situation
where the basic algorithm fails, and we must improvise a bit. Consider
the circuit below.
VS2
R1 6V

+
–
150 Ω
+
VS1 R2 R3 IS
–
24 V 100 Ω 75 Ω 0.1 A

There are four nodes, and a first glance it looks like another routine
application of the method. The complication arises in choosing which
node to be ground. There are two voltage sources, and they do not
share a node. We need to pick a ground, and we will stick with past
habit and put it at the bottom node.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 29

 VS2
va vb

+
–
There are two unknown iR1
+ iVS2
node voltages. That VS1
– iR2 iR3 IS
seems OK.

But things get sticky when we write the two KCL equations,
a : iR1 = iR2 + iVS2
b : iVS2 + IS = IR3
and try to turn them into node-voltage equations,
VS1 − va va
a: = + iVS2
R1 R2
vb
b : iVS2 + IS =
R3
The two expected unknowns, va and vb, are joined by a third, iVS2 — the
current through the second voltage source. Two equations, three
unknowns — not good.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 30
 VS1 − va va
a: = + iVS2
R1 R2
vb
b : iVS2 + IS =
R3
We could use the second equation to write iVS2 in terms of IS and vb and
then insert the result into the first equation, thus eliminating iVS2. But the
result is one equation in two unknowns. We are not really making
progress.
The correct approach is to find another equation relating the quantities
that can be added to the mix. We can call the extra relation the auxiliary
equation. In this case, VS2 — with its unknown current — is causing the
difficulty in analyzing this circuit, but it also offers the way out of the
conundrum. From the definition of a voltage source, we can write the
auxiliary equation: VS2 = vb – va. Now, we have three equations in three
unknowns, and the path to a solution is clear.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 31

 VS1 − va va
a: = + iVS2
R1 R2
vb
b : iVS2 + IS =
R3
aux : VS2 = vb – va
VS1 − va va vb
There are several ways to handle = + − IS
the math. One is to eliminate iVS2 R1 R2 R3
from a and b, as suggested above. VS2 = vb – va

Then use the auxiliary equation to solve for vb and substitute into the
other equation.

VS1 − va va VS2 + va
= + − IS
R1 R2 R3
R1
VS1 + R1IS − R3
⋅ VS2
Solve for va : va = R1 R1
= 6 V and vb = va + VS2 = 12 V
1+ R2
+ R3

EE 201 node-voltage method – 32

 The super node
Some textbooks offer a slight variation on the approach just described.
The alternate method avoids even having to acknowledge that the
troublesome voltage source has an unknown current. The trick is to
create a “really big node” or super node that completely encloses the
offending voltage source. The method relies on the fact that KCL applies
to any sized entity. It doesn’t matter how big it is — what goes in must
come out. We typically apply KCL to the bundle of wires that makes up
a node, but it works just as well if we make a little box that contains
some portion of the circuit — what goes into the box must come out.
In particular for this circuit, VS2
let’s a make a box that va vb
contains VS2 and the nodes

+
–
on either side of it, as iR1 iVS2
shown at right. The box is VS1
+
IS
the super node. Then apply – iR2 iR3
KCL to the box:
iR1 + IS = iR2 + iR3

EE 201
Note that iVS2 does not appear! node-voltage method – 33
 iR1 + IS = iR2 + iR3
Now that we have a KCL equation, we can forget about the super node.
(The super node does not have a single voltage — on one side the
voltage is va and the other it is vb. So in this sense, the super node is not
like “regular” nodes that we typically use. The super node’s only
purpose is to come up with a simpler KCL equation.)
Now we proceed as before — use Ohm’s law to express the currents in
terms of the voltages on either sides. Here we use va and vb.

VS1 − va va vb
+ IS = +
R1 R2 R3
This gives us a single equation in two unknowns. Note that this is exactly
the same situation that we encountered previously. To go any further, we
once again need the auxiliary equation, VS2 = vb – va. Now we have two
equations in two unknowns, and the math proceeds as before.
There is nothing particularly “super” at the super node approach. It is a
clever maneuver that allows us avoid on unknown in our system of
equations. It is not a requirement to employ a super node.
EE 201 node-voltage method – 34
 VS2
Example 6 c
R4

+
–
8V 1 kΩ
Use the node voltage method to
find the current through R4. R2 R3
a b
We need to find voltages on either
1 kΩ 1 kΩ
side of R4. The two voltage sources +
are not connected. This looks like R1 VS1 IS
– 4V
another circuit that may need an 1 kΩ 4 mA
auxiliary equation. (And we could
use a super node.)
iVS2 VS2 iR4
c
Choose the bottom node to be

+
–
ground. Write KCL equations at the
three other nodes. iR2 iR3
a : iR2 = iR1 + iVS2 a b
b : iR3 + iR4 + IS = 0 +
iR1 VS1 IS
c : iVS2 = iR4 –

Grrr. iVS2 is causing trouble.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 35
 VS1 − va va
a: = + iVS2
R2 R1
Turn the KCL expressions
into node-voltage
VS1 − vb vc − vb
b: + + IS = 0
equations R3 R4
vc − vb
c : iVS2 =
R4
Three equations, four unknowns. We could insert iVS2 from c into a, and
reduce the problem to two equations, three unknowns. But we still need
an auxiliary equation. Fortunately, one is readily at hand: VS2 = vc – va.
Now we have enough equations.
OK, we could stuff 4 equations into Wolfram-Alpha and let it grind, but
we can more elegant that that. First, as suggested we can substitute the
expression for iVS2 from c in to a.
VS1 − va va vc − vb
a: = +
R2 R1 R4
VS1 − vb vc − vb
b: + + IS = 0
R3 R4
EE 201 node-voltage method – 36
 Then we can substitute vc = VS2 + va at the appropriate spots, leaving us
with two equations and two unknowns
VS1 − va va VS2 + va − vb
a: = +
R2 R1 R4
VS1 − vb VS2 + va − vb
b: + + IS = 0
R3 R4
Re-arrange into a nicer form

( R1 R4 )
R2 R2 R2 R2
1+ + va − vb = VS1 + ⋅ VS2
R4 R4

( R4 )
R3 R3 R3
− ⋅ va + 1 + vb = VS1 + ⋅ VS2 + R3 ⋅ IS
R4 R4

Insert numbers
3va − vb = 12 V Solve to give va = 8 V and vb = 12 V.
−va + 2vb = 16 V Then va = 16 V and iR4 = (16 V – 12 V) /1 kΩ = 4 mA.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 37

 To use the super-node approach, we would draw a box around around
the second source and the nodes on either side. The box has a strange
shape, but that’s OK.
iVS2 VS2 iR4
Balancing currents that are crossing c

+
–
the boundary of the box:

iR2 iR3
iR2 = iR1 + iR4
a b

No iVS2! Turning this into a node- iR1 VS1

+
IS
voltage equation: –

VS1 − va va vc − vb
= +
R2 R1 R4

This is identical to the equation a on the previous slide. We are on the

same math path taken previously.

EE 201 node-voltage method – 38