SUPERPOSITION THEOREM

This theorem is applicable when there are more than

one source in a circuit.

The superposition principle states that any response

in a linear circuit is the sum of the responses for each
independent source acting alone while the other
independent sources are taken as zero.

When zeroed, a current source becomes an open

circuit and a voltage source becomes a short circuit.
How to Apply Superposition to Solve Circuits:

Rather than applying Node Analysis, or Mesh Currents, you

can apply Superposition alternatively. In some circuits, it
might be easier applying Superposition.

Rules:

1- We analyze the circuit with each source taken separately.

All other sources are zeroed (voltage source taken as short,
current source taken as open circuit).

2- We then add the individual responses to find the total

response.
 Example: Find current i1 shown on 6 ohm
resistor using Superposition Principle

We analyze the circuit with only one source activated at a

time and finally add the responses.
When we take one source at a time we deactivate (kill) the
other independent source
1) i1 contribution due to voltage source only

Call it i1_bar
We find the contribution
due to 120[V] source
 Original circuit

2) i1 contribution due to current source (2nd source) only

6 || 3 =2[]

i
i=6[A]
 i
3
i1’’=i = 2[A]
3+6

3) Finally, add contributions to find total response

Applying Superposition to circuits containing
both independent and dependent sources:

We never deactivate (kill) any dependent

sources.

We consider one independent source at a

time, but the dependent sources stay in the
circuit.
Example: Solve vo using Superposition
a-The circuit with the 10V source present (5 A source
deactivated).

Current
source
is open

The voltage on 10 ohm resistor v’

v’=10(-0.4v’) (due to dependent current source)

This means v’= 0

b-The circuit with the 5 A source present (10V source
deactivated.)

2i’’
KCL

KCL
b- Last Step: Add the responses

vo =vo’+vo’’= 8+16 =24 [V]

Problem

Use the principle of superposition to find the

current i shown
 2(i1-i2)+ 2.5Vb-90=0

i2+ 4(i2 – i3 )+ 2(i2 - i1 ) =0

-2.5Vb+4(i3 – i2 )+ 2i3 =0

Vb=i2
 2(i1-i2)+ 2.5Vb=0

i2+ 4(i2 – i3 )+ 2(i2 - i1 ) =0

-2.5Vb+4(i3 – i2 )+ 40+2i3 =0
Vb=i2
Total response
Problem

Use the principle of superposition to find the

voltage vo shown
 vo1
25

KCL at VO1 i
vo2

i
We need to add two contributions to get the
solution:
Problem
Use superposition in the circuit below to find vQ.
4.7[k]

iX
+
+ vQ
12[V]
- 2.9[k]

+ vX -

23[mA]
+
6.8[k] 5[k]iX
-

2[mS]vX
 4.7[k]

iX
+
+
12[V]
- 2.9[k]

vX
Superposition part 1
+ -
vQ
12[V] source is deactivated
23[mA]
+

6.8[k] 5[k]iX
-

2[mS]vX
 (blue path)

(23 mA is the difference)

(red arrow path)

3 unknowns, 3 expressions
 4.7[k]

iX
+
Superposition part 2
+ vQ
12[V]
- 2.9[k]

+ vX -

23[mA]
+

6.8[k] 5[k]iX
-

2[mS]vX

Here ix2, equals to 2Vx2 .

VQ2 can be found after knowing ix2
 We need the value of ix2

Vx2= 0.5 ix2

7.1*ix2= 12  ix2 =1.69 [mA]

Finally,

ix2 =1.69 [mA]

VQ2 13.35[V]
Total Response VQ

-12.80+13.35= 0.55[V]