Superposition Theorem

Superposition Theorem
• Another way to solve an AC circuit that contain two or more
independent sources.
• Suitable to be implemented for a system that has two or more
sources that operate at different frequencies.
• Since the value of impedance depends on frequency, the circuit has
to be solve in different frequency domain and then convert it into
time domain.
• Total response is obtained by adding the individual responses in
time domain.
Superposition Theorem
• Superposition states that “ the current through, or voltage across
an element in a bilateral network is equal to the algebraic sum of
currents/ voltage produced independently by each source”.
• The principle of superposition :
a) Only on independent source at a time while all other
independent sources are turned off where,
- Voltage source ⟹ short circuit
- Current source ⟹ open circuit
b) The dependent sources are left intact due to they are
controlled by circuit variables.
Superposition Theorem
• For DC system, the inductance and capacitance need to be remove
as well where at 𝜔 = 0, X = 0

Inductance
Short circuit at
DC circuit

Capacitance

Open circuit at
DC circuit
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Find 𝑣𝑜 of the following circuit using the superposition theorem.
 Superposition Theorem
Example :
The system operates at three different frequencies.

AC voltage DC voltage
source source
𝜔= 2 𝜔= 0

AC current
source 𝑉𝑜 (𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3
𝜔= 5
 Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 1: Remain 5V DC source, s/c AC voltage source & o/c AC current
source. Calculate 𝑉1 using voltage divider rules.
VDR :
1
−𝑉1 = 5𝑉
(1 + 4)
in DC system (𝝎 = 𝟎)
𝐿 ⟹ S/C 𝑉1 = 1𝑉
𝐶 ⟹ O/C
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 2: Remain AC voltage source, s/c DC voltage source & o/c AC
current source. Calculate 𝑉2 .

𝑍1 = −𝑗5 ∥ 4
= 3.12∠ − 38.66
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 2: Remain AC voltage source, s/c DC voltage source & o/c AC
current source. Calculate 𝑉2 .

10 cos 2𝑡 ⟹ 10∠0° 𝑉
𝜔 = 2 rad/s
2𝐻 ⟹ 𝑗𝜔L = j4 Ω
1 1
0.1𝐹 ⟹ = = −𝑗5Ω
𝑗𝜔𝐶 𝑗 2 0.1
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 2: Remain AC voltage source, s/c DC voltage source & o/c AC
current source. Calculate 𝑉2 .
VDR :
1
𝑉2 = 10𝑉
1 + 3.12∠ − 38.66 + 𝑗4
= 2.498∠ − 30.78°𝑉

𝑉2 = 2.498 cos(2𝑡 − 30.78°) V

Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 3: Remain AC current source, s/c DC voltage source & s/c AC
voltage source. Calculate 𝑉3 .

2 sin 5𝑡 ⟹ 2∠0° 𝑉
𝜔 = 5 rad/s
2𝐻 ⟹ 𝑗𝜔L = j10 Ω
1 1
0.1𝐹 ⟹ = = −𝑗2Ω
𝑗𝜔𝐶 𝑗 5 0.1
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 3: Remain AC current source, s/c DC voltage source & s/c AC
voltage source. Calculate 𝑉3 .

𝑍2 = −𝑗2 ∥ 4
= 0.8 − 𝑗1.6Ω
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 3: Remain AC current source, s/c DC voltage source & s/c AC
voltage source. Calculate 𝑉3 .
CDR:
𝑗10
𝐼1 = (2∠ − 90°)
𝑗10 + 1 + 0.8 − 𝑗1.6
= 2.328 ∠ − 77.91° 𝐴
𝑉3 = 2.328 ∠ − 77.91°𝑉
𝑉3 = 2.328 sin(5𝑡 − 77.91°)V
Superposition Theorem
Example :
Step 4: Calculate 𝑉𝑜 .

𝑉𝑜 (𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = −1 + 2.498 cos(2𝑡 − 30.78°) + 2.328 sin(5𝑡 − 77.91°)