Objectives: To mathematically predict the currents and voltages of a circuit by use of mesh and nodal analysis.

. To compare the calculated and measures values. To observe ammeter loading.

Introduction: The purpose of this experiment was to gain experience using both nodal and mesh analysis. Once done, the results from each were to be compared. The circuit used for the calculations was then to be built, and the values were to be measured. These measured results were then to be compared to the calculated results.

Procedure (Calculated): The various values labeled on the circuit in Figure 1 of the lab report were recorded. First, the values were used to set up the mesh analysis calculations. The calculations were done by assuming each loop to be in the clockwise position. The results of these calculations were recorded in Table 1 (see results section). The nodal analysis equations were then set up for the same circuit. Upon completion, the results were found to be the same as those of the mesh analysis. These results were recorded in Table 1.

Procedure (Measured): The circuit in Figure 1 of the lab report was assembled using the given resistor values (see Figure 1 in results section for diagram with exact used values) and two power supply units. The various currents and voltages were calculated using a digital multi-meter, and the results were recorded in Table 1 (see results section). For each current measurement, various range settings were used to observe ammeter loading. These results were then recorded in Table 2 (see results section). Afterwards, the percent error was calculated by comparing the measured results to both the mesh and nodal results. The results of these calculations were recorded in Table 1.
Figure 1 R1 E1 10 V 46.87k R2 R3 2.17 465.53 E2 5V

Equipment Used:

Item DMM Digibridge Power Supply

MFG'S Name Keithley GenRad Hewlett Packard

Model # 361885

NHCTC OR SERIAL #

94850 88446 94952

Results:
Table 1 Mesh Analysis Calculations (Using Nominal R Values) 0.19 mA -1.84 mA 2.03 mA 9.05 V 1.90 V 4.05 V Nodal Analysis Calculations (Using Nominal R Values) 0.19 mA -1.84 mA 2.03 mA 9.05 V 1.90 V 4.05 V Measured Data 0.11 mA -2.30 mA 2.15 mA 5.03 V 0.12 V 5.11 V % Error Measured vs. Mesh 42.1 25.0 5.9 44.4 93.7 26.2 % Error Measured vs. Nodal 42.1 25.0 5.9 44.4 93.7 26.2

Parameter

IR1 IR2 IR3 VR1 VR2 VR3

Table 2 DMM Range Settings Parameter IR1 IR2 IR3 200 A Range 104.9 -1 1 2 mA Range 0.106 -1 1 20 mA Range 0.10 -2.30 1

Conclusion:
This lab was a very clear demonstration of the amount of effort that both mesh and nodal analysis take, and clearly shows that each method returns the same results. This is beneficial due to the fact that it means both methods are equally suitable dependent on preference. The results found for both the mesh and nodal calculations were exactly identical. The measured results, however, varied somewhat significantly. The high % error between the measured and calculated results could be due to several possible factors. One, which is the most likely, is the fact that the color-coded and measured values of the resistors were not identical. Another factor is the internal resistance of the instruments being used, which is not accounted for in calculations. The results of the ammeter loading observations also helped stress the importance of using the correct scale when taking measurements, as being in the wrong scale can drastically alter your results (mainly be reducing efficiency). All in all, the objectives of the lab were met through calculations, measurements, and comparisons.

Sample Calculations:

See hand-written calculations attached at end of lab report.