COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Course name: Linear Circuit Analysis (CPE-122)

Lab report #: 05
Lab title: Experimental Validation of Mesh Analysis Method

Submitted by:
Student Name Registration #
1. Muhammad Umair Khan FA23-BCE-084
2. Muhammad Moiz Malik FA23-BCE-073
3. Muhammad Eshan Ali FA23-BCE-065

Submitted to: Engr. Saad Zahid

Submission date: 18th March, 2024
Remarks (if any):

______________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT:
In this lab session, we performed several experiments to check the validation of the Mesh Analysis
Method. This method is another way to solve complex circuits, mainly when a resistor is common
between two voltage sources. We underwent three main phases, firstly, by solving the circuit
theoretically and making a calculations table; secondly, by drawing the circuit on LTSPICE, and
matching our calculations; and lastly, by drawing the circuit on a breadboard module and taking
readings using DMM. This whole study involved drawing circuits, taking readings, and performing
calculations.

LAB EQUIPMENTS:
• Breadboard Module
• Connecting wires
• DMM (Digital multimeter)
• DC Power supply
• 3-6 resistors

LAB OBJECTIVES:
1. To implement the Mesh Analysis Method in the lab.
2. To verify that measured values of branch voltages and currents are comparable to the values
obtained by solving the circuit using the mesh analysis method.

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IN-LAB TASK:
Task-I: Validation of Mesh Analysis Method
Overview:
This experiment aims to validate the Mesh Analysis Method. In this technique, a circuit is divided
into separate meshes and then KVL is applied. Tasks include simulation on LTSPICE, constructing
a circuit, and finding currents and voltage drops across resistors. The agreement between
calculated and measured readings will assess the validity of the method.
Resistors Used:
R1 =100 Ω R2 = 1000 Ω R3 = 1000 Ω
R4 =100 Ω R5 = 470 Ω R6 = 3300 Ω

Figure 1.1: Circuit to solve using Mesh Analysis

Pre-Performance:
1. Calculations:
For the given circuit, we first define the mesh currents. As we know the given circuit has a total of
3 meshes, so we have 3 mesh currents.
By Mesh Analysis:
• For Mesh-I
-5V + 100(I1) + 1k(I1 - I2) = 0
-5V + 100I1 + 1kI1 – 1kI2 = 0
1.1kI1 - 1kI2 = 5V –––––––––– E1
Figure 1.2: Circuit labeled with polarities and currents
• For Mesh-II
+5V + 100(I2) + 1k(I2 – I1) + 1k(I2)= 0
-1kI1 + 2.1kI2 = -5V –––––––––– E2

• For Mesh-III
470I3 + 3.3k(I3) - 5V = 0
3.77k(I3) = 5V –––––––––– E3
(The calculations for equations 1, 2, and 3 are shown on the paper attached next)

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Therefore,
I1 = 4.19mA
I2 = -0.3816mA
I3 = 1.32mA

Now, we have to find the currents and voltage drops across each resistor:
For R1:
IR1 = I1 = 4.19mA
VR1 = IR1 * R1 = 4.19mA * 100 Ω = 0.419V
For R2:
IR2 = I1 – I2 = 4.19mA – (-0.3816mA) = 4.57mA
VR2 = IR2 * R2 = 4.57mA * 1000 Ω = 4.571V
For R3:
IR3 = I2 = -0.3816mA
VR3 = IR3 * R3 = 0.3816mA * 1000 Ω = 0.3816V
For R4:
IR4 = I2 = -0.3816mA
VR4 = IR4 * R4 = 0.3816mA * 1000 Ω = 0.3816V
For R5:
IR5 = I3 = 1.32mA
VR5 = IR5 * R5 = 1.32mA * 470 Ω = 0.6204V
For R6:
IR6 = I3 = 1.32mA
VR6 = IR6 * R6 = 1.32mA * 3300 Ω = 4.356V

A summary of these calculated values is shown in the table 1.1.

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Reference Table:
Resistance: Current (mA) Voltage Drop (V)

R1=100Ω 4.19mA 0.419V

R2=1000Ω 4.57mA 4.571V

R3=1000Ω -0.3816mA 0.3816V

R4=100Ω -0.3816mA 0.03816V

R5=470Ω 1.32mA 0.6204V

R6=3300Ω 1.32mA 4.356V

Table 1.1: A table showing the currents and voltages across each resistor found by calculations

2. Simulation:
In this phase of our experimentation procedure, we drew the circuit on LTSPICE by adding a
voltage, six resistors, and a ground, and connecting them through wires. Then, we assigned values
to each resistor and the voltage source according to the circuit we were supposed to design. The
simulated circuit is shown in Figure 1.3.

Figure 1.3: Circuit simulated on LTSPICE

Then, after configuring the analysis, we ran the circuit and got the currents on each resistor and
voltages on each node of the circuit. The output console is shown in Figure 1.4.

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 Figure 1.4: The output console window, showing output currents and voltages

From this simulation, we found the following currents:

IR1 = -0.00419A = -4.19mA IR2 = -0.00458A = -4.58mA
IR3 = -0.000381A = -0.381mA IR4 = 0.000381A = 0.381mA
IR5 = 0.00132A = 1.32mA IR6 = 0.00132A = 1.32mA

Now, to find out voltages, we labeled each node’s voltage as shown in Figure 1.5.
Let
V(n001) = 5V,
V(n002) = 4.58V,
V(n003) = 4.961V,
V(n004) = 4.33V,
V(n005) = -38.16mV,
V(G) = 0V

Figure 1.5: Figure showing nodal voltages

If V(n001) is 5V and V(n002) is 4.58V, since R1 is in between these two nodes, the voltage drop
on R1 will be:
VR1 = V(n001)-V(n002) = 5V – 4.58V = 0.42V
Similarly,
VR2 = V(n002)-V(G) = 4.5801 - 0V = 4.5801V
VR3 = V(n003)-V(n002) = 4.9618V – 4.5801V = 0.3817V
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VR4 = V(n005)-V(G) = -38.167mV - 0V = -38.167mV
VR5 = V(n004)-V(n003) = 4.338V – 4.961V = -0.623V
VR6 = V(n005)-V(n004) =-38.167mV - 4.33V = -4.29V
Table 1.2 shown below and Table 1.1 shown previously, are evident enough to tell that our
calculations and simulations are on the same ground.
Reference Table:
Resistance: Current (mA) Voltage Drop (V)

R1=100Ω 4.19mA 0.42V

R2=1000Ω -4.58mA 4.5801V

R3=1000Ω -0.381mA 0.3817V

R4=100Ω 0.381mA -0.03817V

R5=370Ω 1.32mA -0.623V

R6=3300Ω 1.32mA -4.29V

Table 1.2: A table showing the currents and voltage drops across each resistor found by simulation

Performance:
Circuit Description:
• The circuit was first designed by
connecting wires with the power
supply and the resistors on a
breadboard module.
• It consists of a total of six resistors
connected through wires. The circuit
is labeled in the figure 1.6.
• An ammeter is connected to it series.
So, the current through each resistor
was measured by using an ammeter
and connecting it in series. Figure 1.6: Circuit drawn on the breadboard module
• A voltmeter is connected in parallel.

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 • To find the voltage across each resistor, a voltmeter was connected in parallel to each
resistor. The measured currents and voltages are shown in Figures 2.5 and 2.6 respectively.

Current through R1 Current through R5 Current through R6

Current through R2 Current through R3 Current through R4

Figure 2.5: Current through each resistor measured using DMM

Voltage drop across R1 Voltage drop across R5 Voltage drop across R6

Voltage drop across R2 Voltage drop across R3 Voltage drop across R4

Figure 2.5: Voltage drop across each resistor measured using DMM

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 Now, to find the percentage error between calculated and measured readings, we use the following
formula:

• For R1:
| 4.19mA − 4.16mA|
%Error (in Current) = x 100 = 0.71%
4.19𝑚𝐴
| 0.419V − 0.423V|
%Error (in Voltage) = x 100 = 0.95%
0.419𝑉

Similarly, on the same pattern, the percentage error was found for all resistances. These values are
shown in Table 1.3.

Reference Table:
Element Calculated Results Simulated Results Measured Results Percentage Error

Current Voltage Current Voltage Current Voltage Current Voltage

R1=100Ω 4.19mA 0.419V 4.19mA 0.42V 4.16mA 0.423V 0.71% 0.95%

R2=1000Ω 4.57mA 4.571V 4.58mA 4.5801V 4.61mA 4.65V 0.88% 1.72%

R3=1000Ω -0.382mA 0.3816V -0.381mA 0.3817V -0.42mA 0.42V 10.5% 10.5%

R4=100Ω -0.382mA 0.03816V -0.381mA 0.03817V -0.42mA 0.042V 10.5% 10.5%

R5=370Ω 1.32mA 0.6204V 1.32mA 0.623V 1.34mA 0.623V 1.51% 0.42%

R6=3300Ω 1.32mA 4.356V 1.32mA 4.29V 1.34mA 4.45V 1.51% 2.15%

Table 1.3: A table showing the summary of currents and voltage drops across each resistor found

Conclusion:
This experiment provided us with enough evidence to defend the validity of the Mesh Analysis
method to solve circuits. As seen previously in thorough calculations of our pre-performance and
performance, the experimental readings and the calculated values matched approximately with
very minute errors. Therefore, the Mesh Analysis truly is a valid method to analyze circuits.
______________________________________________________________________________

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Task-II: Validation of Mesh Analysis Method
Overview:
This experiment aims to validate the Mesh Analysis Method. In this technique, a circuit is divided
into separate meshes and then KVL is applied. Tasks include simulation on LTSPICE, constructing
a circuit, and finding currents and voltage drops across resistors. The agreement between
calculated and measured readings will assess the validity of the method.
Resistors Used:
R1 =1000 Ω R2 =2200 Ω
R3 =3300 Ω R4 =3900 Ω
Pre-Performance:
1. Calculations:
For the given circuit, we first define the mesh currents. As we know the given circuit has a total of
3 meshes, so we have 3 mesh currents.
By Mesh Analysis:
• For Mesh-I
-5V + 1k(I1 – I3) + 2.2k(I1 - I2) = 0
-5V + 1kI1 + 2.2kI1 – 1kI3 – 2.2kI2 = 0
3.2kI1 - 2.2kI2 – 1kI3 = 5V
1000(3.2I1 - 2.2I2 – 1I3) = 5V

3.2I1 - 2.2I2 – 1I3 = 0.005V –––––––––– E1

• For Mesh-II
+5V + 2.2k(I2 – I1) + 3.3k(I2 – I3) = 0
-2.2kI1 + 5.5kI2 – 3.3kI3 = -5V
1000(-2.2I1 + 5.5I2 – 3.3I3) = -5V
-2.2I1 + 5.5I2 – 3.3I3 = -0.005V –––––––––– E2

• For Mesh-III
By KVL:
3.9kI3 + 3.3k(I3 – I2) + 1k(I3 – I1) = 0
8.2kI3 - 3.3kI2 – 1kI1 = 0
1000(-I1 – 3.3I2 + 8.2I3) = 5V
-I1 – 3.3I2 + 8.2I3 = 0V –––––––––– E3
Figure 2.1: Circuit to solve using Mesh Analysis

(The calculations for equations 1, 2, and 3 are shown on the paper attached next)

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Therefore,
I1 = 1.29mA
I2 = -0.3919mA
I3 = 0A
Now, we have to find the currents and voltage drops across each resistor:
For R1:
IR1 = I1 – I3 = 1.29mA – 0A = 1.29mA
VR1 = IR1 * R1 = 1.29mA * 1000 Ω = 1.29V
For R2:
IR2 = I1 – I2 = 1.29mA – (-0.3919mA) = 1.6819mA
VR2 = IR2 * R2 = 1.6819mA * 2200 Ω = 3.70018V
For R3:
IR3 = I2 – I4 = -0.3919mA – 0A = -0.3919mA
VR3 = IR3 * R3 = 0.3919mA * 3300 Ω = 1.29327V
For R4:
IR4 = I3 = 0A
VR4 = IR4 * R1 = 0A * 3900 Ω = 0V
A summary of these calculations is in shown the table 2.1.
Reference Table:
Resistance: Current (mA) Voltage Drop (V)

R1=1000Ω 1.29mA 1.29V

R2=2200Ω 1.6819mA 3.70018V

R3=3300Ω -0.3919mA 1.29327V

R4= 3900Ω 0mA 0V

Table 2.1: A table showing the currents and voltages across each resistor found by calculations

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 2. Simulation:
In this phase of our experimentation procedure, we drew the circuit on LTSPICE by adding a
voltage, four resistors, and a ground, and connecting them through wires. Then, we assigned values
to each resistor and the voltage source according to the circuit we were supposed to design. The
simulated circuit is shown in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2: Circuit simulated on LTSPICE

Then, after configuring the analysis, we ran the circuit and got the currents on each resistor and
voltages on each node of the circuit. The output console is shown in Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: The output console window, showing output currents and voltages

From this simulation, we found the following currents:

IR1 = -0.0012931A = 1.29mA IR3 = 0.00039185A = 0.391mA
IR2 = 0.00168495A = 1.68mA IR4 = 0A

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Now, to find out voltages, we labeled each node’s voltage as shown in Figure 2.3.
Let
V(n001) = 5V, V(n002) = 5V,
V(n003) = 3.706V, V(G) = 0V

If V(n001) is 5V and V(n003) is 3.706V, since R1 is

in between these two nodes, the voltage drop on R1
will be:
VR1 = V(n001)-V(n002) = 5V – 3.706V = 1.294V
Similarly,
VR2 = V(n003)-V(G) = 3.706 - 0V = 3.706V
VR3 = V(n002)-V(n003) = 5V – 3.706V = 1.294V Figure 2.3: Figure showing nodal voltages

VR4 = V(n001)-V(n002) = 5V - 5V = 0V
Table 2.2 shown below and Table 2.1 shown previously, are evident enough to tell that our
calculations and simulations are on the same ground.

Reference Table:
Resistance: Current (mA) Voltage Drop (V)

R1=1000Ω 1.29mA 1.294V

R2=2200Ω 1.6819mA 3.706V

R3=3300Ω -0.3919mA 1.294V

R4= 3900Ω 0mA 0V

Table 2.2: A table showing the currents and voltage drops across each resistor found by simulation

Performance:
Circuit Description:
The circuit was first designed by connecting wires with the power supply and the resistors on a
breadboard module. It consists of a total of four resistors connected through wires. The circuit is
labeled in the figure 2.4.

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 Then, the current through each resistor was measured by using an ammeter and connecting it in
series with each resistor. To find the voltage across each resistor, a voltmeter was connected in
parallel to each resistor.

3.9kΩ

3.3kΩ 1kΩ

Positive Terminals of Battery

2.2kΩ

Negative Terminals of Battery

Figure 2.4: Circuit drawn on the breadboard module

The measured currents are shown in Figure 2.5.

Current through 3.9kΩ resistor Current through 2.2kΩ resistor

Current through 1kΩ resistor Current through 3.3kΩ resistor

Figure 2.5: Current through each resistor measured using DMM

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 The measured voltages are as follows:
VR1 = 1.31V
VR2 = 3.74V
VR3 = 1.287V
VR4 = 0V
Now, to find the percentage error between calculated and measured readings, we use the following
formula:

• For R1:
| 1.29mA − 1.31mA|
%Error (in Current) = x 100 = 1.55%
1.29𝑚𝐴
| 1.29V − 1.31V|
%Error (in Voltage) = x 100 = 1.55%
1.29𝑉

Similarly, on the same pattern, the percentage error was found for all resistances. These values are
shown in Table 2.3.

Reference Table:
Element Calculated Results Simulated Results Measured Results Percentage Error

Current Voltage Current Voltage Current Voltage Current Voltage

R1=1000Ω 1.29mA 1.29V 1.29mA 1.294V 1.31mA 1.31V 1.55% 1.55%

R2=2200Ω 1.6819mA 3.70018V 1.6819mA 3.706V 1.7mA 3.74V 1.076% 1.076%

R3=3300Ω -0.391mA 1.29327V -0.391mA 1.294V -0.39mA 1.287V 0.25% 0.46%

R4= 3900Ω 0mA 0V 0mA 0V 0A 0V 0% 0%

Table 2.3: A table showing the summary of currents and voltage drops across each resistor found

Conclusion:
This experiment provided us with enough evidence to defend the validity of the Mesh Analysis
method to solve circuits. As seen previously in thorough calculations of our pre-performance and

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performance, the experimental readings and the calculated values matched approximately with
very minute errors. Therefore, the Mesh Analysis truly is a valid method to analyze circuits.
______________________________________________________________________________
POST-LAB:
1. What is the difference between mesh and loop?
Answer: A mesh is simply a closed loop within the circuit that does not contain any other closed
loops inside it. However, a loop refers to any closed path within a circuit, regardless of whether it
contains other loops inside it.

2. What is a super mesh? Is there a super mesh in the following circuit?

Answer: A super mesh forms when two meshes have a common current source (dependent or
independent), allowing them to be combined into a single larger loop for analysis, simplifying
calculations.
In the provided circuit, there is no common current source between two meshes and instead of a
common voltage source, then there is no super mesh. In this case, you would analyze the circuit
using conventional mesh analysis techniques without forming a super mesh.

CONCLUSION:
In this lab session, we went through a series of experiments in which we used the Mesh Analysis
to solve our circuits. In this technique, a circuit is divided into separate meshes and then KVL is
applied. We performed the calculations theoretically and then practically, we simulated the circuit
on LTSPICE, and experimented on a breadboard module, using DMM and resistors connected
through wires. Regardless of small errors in our readings which occurred due to a non-ideal
environment, we can say that this method is 100% valid. Furthermore, these tasks gave us a
practical overview of circuit analysis.

______________________________________________________________________________

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