EEEB111

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS
MEASUREMENT LABORATORY

Experiment 3:
Nodal and Mesh Analysis

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 EXPERIMENT 3

Nodal and Mesh Analysis

Assessed OBE Course Objectives: CO1, CO2, CO3 and CO4

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this laboratory experiment are to simulate a resistive circuit using computer simulation
program, LTspice, to build a resistive circuit with DC sources and make node voltage and branch current
measurements. Verify nodal and mesh analysis method.

INTRODUCTION

Nodal Analysis
A node is a point where two or more elements are connected, refer Fig. 3.1.

Figure 3.1: Example of Nodes in a resistive circuit

The voltage at each node is called node voltages. Nodal analysis is an analysis on how to calculate the
voltages at each node in the circuit.

The procedure can be divided into four (4) basic steps.

1. Assign a reference node (usually the ground node is chosen). Label the other nodes as non-
reference nodes, 1 , 2 with respect to the reference node. These 1 , 2 are
known as node voltages. Refer Fig. 3.2.

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 Figure 3.2: Assign reference node and non-reference nodes

2. Apply Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL) at each non-reference node, where sum of branch
current going into and out of the same node equals zero,

= 0
=1

where current entering a node is taken as positive (+) and current leaving the same node is
taken as negative (-). Refer Fig. 3.3.

Figure 3.3: Apply KCL at non-reference nodes

At Node 1: 1 = 1

KCL at Node 2: 1 2 6 = 0

KCL at Node 3: 2 3 + 5 = 0

KCL at Node 4: 3 4 + 6 = 0

At Node 5: 5 = 2

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 3. Then substitute the branch current I with node voltage terms, using Ohms Law:

where current flows from a higher potential to a lower potential.

At Node 1: 1 = 1

KCL at Node 2:
(1 2 ) (2 3 ) (2 4 )
=0
1 2 6

KCL at Node 3:
(2 3 ) (3 4 ) (5 3 )
+ =0
2 3 5

KCL at Node 4:
(3 4 ) (4 0) (2 4 )
+ =0
3 4 6

At Node 5: 5 = 2

4. Determine the unknown node voltages, 1 , 2 by solving the simultaneous equations

in step 3.

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Mesh Analysis

Mesh analysis provides another general procedure for analyzing circuits, using mesh currents as the
circuit variables. A mesh is a loop that does not contain any other loop within it. In the mesh analysis
of a circuit with n meshes, the calculation can be divided into the following steps.

1. Assign mesh currents 1 , 2 to the n meshes. Refer Fig. 3.4.

Figure 3.4: Assign mesh currents

2. Apply Kirchhoffs Voltage Law (KVL) to each of the n meshes, where sum of voltages in
a given mesh is zero.

= 0
=1

where the sign on each voltage is the polarity of the terminal encountered first as we travel
around the mesh. Refer Fig. 3.5.

Figure 3.5: Apply KVL at each mesh

KVL at Mesh 1: 1 + 1 + 6 + 4 = 0

KVL at Mesh 2: 2 + 3 6 = 0

KVL at Mesh 3: 4 3 + 5 + 2 = 0

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 3. Use Ohms law to express the voltages in terms of the mesh currents.

KVL at Mesh 1: 1 + 1 1 + 6 (1 2 ) + 4 (1 3 ) = 0

KVL at Mesh 2: 2 2 + 3 (2 3 ) 6 (2 + 1 ) = 0

KVL at Mesh 3: 4 (3 + 1 ) 3 (3 + 2 ) + 5 3 + 2 = 0

4. Solve the resulting n simultaneously equations to get the mesh currents; 1 , 2 and 3 .

Note:

1. Current entering negative potential of element would be a negative current.

2. Branch current is the current that goes through each branch. i.e. element. It is usually (but
not always) denoted by a capitalized I to differentiate with mesh current i. If a resistor
is not between 2 meshes, its branch current would equal the mesh current.

When there are more than two unknown node voltages, the solution of the nodal analysis becomes a bit
difficult, and thus computer software assistance would be helpful.

In this experiment, we will learn to utilize LTspice for DC analysis of circuits containing resistors and
independent voltage sources.

PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENT

1. Study on Nodal and Mesh Analysis, pages 82 99 in Circuit Analysis textbook.

2. Download and become familiar with the LTspice software available at

http://lms.uniten.edu.my/moodle/mod/resource/view.php?id=119306 . The software is also
available at the labs computers.

3. Refer to Appendix 2 for instructions and example on how to do the computer analysis for
Experiment 3 using LTspice.

4. Complete the Part A computational analysis of this lab as Pre-Lab Assignment. i.e. BEFORE
coming to lab.

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Part A: Circuit Analysis with LTspice

Refer to Appendix 2 for instructions and an example on how to do the computer analysis using
LTspice for a resistive circuit.

a. Table 3.1 lists the designated resistors values, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 according to workbench
number. Use these nominal values for your computational analysis.

Table 3.1: Designated resistor values for LTspice netlist

Workbench Number
#01, #07, #03, #09, #06, #12,
#02, #08 #04, #10 #05, #11
#13 #14 #15
Resistor Resistor Values ( )

R1 1.0 k 2.2 k 2.0 k 3.3 k 4.7 k 6.8 k

R2 6.8 k 1.0 k 2.2 k 2.0 k 3.3 k 4.7 k
R3 4.7 k 6.8 k 1.0 k 2.2 k 2.0 k 3.3 k
R4 3.3 k 4.7 k 6.8 k 1.0 k 2.2 k 2.0 k
R5 2.0 k 3.3 k 4.7 k 6.8 k 1.0 k 2.2 k
R6 2.2 k 2.0 k 3.3 k 4.7 k 6.8 k 1.0 k

b. Simulate the circuit shown in Figure 3.6 using LTspice to determine the indicated node voltages
and branch currents for: R6 = 0 (short circuit), R6 designated value and R6 (open circuit).
Set V1 = 16V and V2 = 8V.

Figure 3.6: Circuit for LTspice netlist computation

Note:

1. When R6 = 0 (short circuit), there will be no node 4 as the node 2 voltage would be
the same at node 4 voltage as well, since all the current will pass through.

2. When R6 (open circuit), you need to remove R6 from the circuit, since no current
will flow through R6.

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c. Record the results obtained from LTspice in Table 3.2:

Table 3.2: Computer Analysis using LTspice netlist - Results

Computational Branch
R6 Computational Node Voltages (V)
Currents (mA)
()

Not
0 applicable
R6

d. Attach copies of the LTspice netlists and the results obtained for ALL three (3) different values
of R6, with this experiments lab report.

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 UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
College of Engineering
Semester: I / II / Special Academic Year: 20 .. / 20 ..

COURSE CODE: EEEB111 EXPERIMENT NO.: 3

LAB INSTRUCTOR: DATE: TIME:
TITLE: Nodal and Mesh Analysis

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this laboratory experiment are to simulate a resistive circuit using computer
simulation program, LTspice, to build a resistive circuit with DC sources and make node voltage
and branch current measurements. Verify nodal and mesh analysis method.

PRE-LAB: MARKS:
Part A : Circuit Analysis with LTspice
Marks will be given in LTspice assignments marks distribution below.

3 correct Netlist /12

3 correct Simulation Results /12
Table 3.2 /6

TOTAL:
INSTRUCTORS COMMENTS: /30
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS:

Part B : Nodal Analysis

Table 3.3 /3
V1 measured /2
Table 3.4 /9
Part C : Mesh Analysis
Table 3.5 /6

POST-LAB:
Part B : Nodal Analysis
Table 3.6 /3
Part C : Mesh Analysis
Table 3.7 /3
Table 3.8 /2\

CONCLUSIONS: /2

TOTAL:
INSTRUCTORS COMMENTS:
/30
STUDENT NAME: STUDENT ID:
SECTION:
GROUP MEMBER: STUDENT ID:

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EQUIPMENT
1. Resistors: 1 k, 2 k, 2.2 k, 3.3 k, 4.7k and 6.8 k
2. Digital Multimeter (DMM)
3. DC Power Supply
4. DMM Probes x 2nos.
5. Crocodile Clips Connectors x 2 nos.
6. Protoboard
7. Wire 22 AWG x 1 no.

PROCEDURES
This laboratory experiment is to develop a familiarity with computer techniques as applied to DC
circuit.

A circuit to be investigated needs to be constructed and examined in detail in the laboratory session.
The simulated values obtained earlier from LTspice simulation will be the reference to verify the
measured results obtained experimentally.

Part B: Nodal Analysis

a. Measure the resistances of designated resistors with the DMM and record the values in Table 3.3.
Use the same resistor values as in Part A: Computer Analysis.

Table 3.3: Measured values of designated resistors

Nominal Value Measured Error
Resistors
(k) Value (k) (%)
R1
R2

R3
R4

R5

R6

b. Build the circuit shown in Figure 3.7.

Figure 3.7: Circuit for node voltage measurements, value of R6

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c. Set the voltage sources V1 = 16 V and V2 = 8 V, using the DMM for setting accuracy. Record
below:

V1 measured = ____________ V V2 measured = ____________ V

d. Using DMM, measure the node voltages; 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 with respect to reference node.
(i.e. the ground i.e. black DMM probe must be at the reference node).

e. Record the measured values in Table 3.4.

f. Repeat and record in Table 3.4, all the node voltages measurements for when the resistor R6 is zero
(0) i.e. short circuit, as per Figure 3.8.

Figure 3.8: Circuit for node voltage measurements, R6 = 0

g. Repeat and record in Table 3.4, all the node voltages measurements when the resistor R6
approaches infinity () i.e. open circuit, using the DMM, as per Figure 3.9.

Figure 3.9: Circuit for node voltage measurements,R6 ->

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 Table 3.4: Experimental Results Nodal Analysis

R6 Measured Node Voltages (V)

()
2 4 5
Not
0
applicable
R6

Part C: Mesh Analysis

a. Using the same circuit construction (i.e. maintain the voltage sources and resistor values) as per
Part B, measure the branch currents 1 , 2 and 4 as shown in the following Figures 3.10, 3.11
and 3.12.

b. Record the measured results in the subsequent Table 3.5.

Figure 3.10: Circuit for branch current measurements, value of R6

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 Figure 3.11: Circuit for branch current measurements, R6 = 0

Figure 3.12: Circuit for branch current measurements, R6 ->

Table 3.5: Experimental Results Mesh Analysis

R6 Measured Branch Currents (mA)

()

0
R6

Note:
1. Branch current 1 = mesh current 1
2. Branch current 2 = mesh current 2
3. Branch current 4 = mesh current 1 - mesh current 3

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POST LAB ASSIGNMENT:

Part B: Nodal Analysis

1. Summarize the percentage error for node voltages between the nominal computational values using
LTspice (Table 3.2) and nodal analysis experimental measured values (Table 3.4) in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6: Summary of % Error Node Voltages

R6 % Error for Node Voltages

()

Not
0
applicable
R6

Note: % error should be very small, in region of <5%.

Part C: Mesh Analysis

1. From Table 3.5, determine the mesh currents 1 , 2 and 3 of Figures 3.10, 3.11 and 3.12. Complete
the required values of Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Measured Mesh Currents

R6 Measured mesh currents (mA)

()

0
R6

Not applicable

2. In Table 3.8, compare the computational value of branch current 5 with the determined value
of 3 .

Table 3.8: Summary of % Error branch current 5 and mesh current 3

% Error for computational and

R6 measured
() % Error
(of Table 3.2) (of Table 3.7)
0

R6

Note: % error should be very small, in region of <5%.

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 CONCLUSIONS:

List TWO (2) main understandings that you have gained from this experiment.

(i)

(ii)

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