BASIC MESH ANALYSIS

Chapter 4
 Key Concepts
➢ Nodal Analysis

➢ The Supernode Technique

➢ Mesh Analysis

➢ The Supermesh Technique

➢ Choosing Between Nodal and Mesh Analysis

➢ Computer-Aided Analysis, Including PSpice and MATLAB
 Chapter-4 Outline
➢ Nodal Analysis

➢ The Supernode
➢ Mesh Analysis

➢ The Supermesh

➢ Nodal vs Mesh Analysis

➢ Computer-Aided Analysis, Including PSpice and MATLAB
➢ Summary and Review
 Introduction
➢ As we have seen, nodal analysis is a straightforward analysis
technique when only current sources are present, and voltage
sources are easily accommodated with the supernode concept
➢ Still, nodal analysis is based on KCL, and one might wonder if
there isn’t a similar approach based on KVL
➢ Sure there is — it’s known as mesh analysis—and although
strictly speaking applicable to what we will shortly define as a
planar circuit, it can in prove simpler to apply than nodal analysis
➢ If it is possible to draw the diagram of a circuit on a plane surface
in such a way that no branch passes over or under any other branch,
then that circuit is said to be a planar circuit
 Introduction
➢ As we have seen, nodal analysis is a straightforward analysis
technique when only current sources are present, and voltage
sources are easily accommodated with the supernode concept
➢ Thus, Fig. 4.14a shows a planar network, Fig. 4.14b shows a
nonplanar network, and Fig. 4.14c also shows a planar network,
although it is drawn in such a way as to make it appear nonplanar at
first glance
 Introduction
➢ We have already defined the terms path, closed path, and loop
➢ Before we define a mesh, let us consider the sets of branches drawn
with heavy lines in Fig. 4.15
➢ The first set of branches is not a path, since four branches are
connected to the center node, and it is of course also not a loop
➢ The second set of branches
does not constitute a path, since it
is traversed only by passing
through the central node twice
➢ The remaining four paths are
all loops
➢ The circuit contains 11
branches
 Introduction
➢ The mesh is a property of a planar circuit and is undefined for a nonplanar
circuit
➢ We define a mesh as a loop that does not contain any other loops within it

➢ Thus, the loops indicated in Fig.

4.15c and d are not meshes, whereas
those of parts e and f are meshes
➢ Once a circuit has been drawn
neatly in planar form, it often has
the appearance of a multipaned
window; the boundary of each pane
in the window may be considered to
be a mesh
If a network is planar, mesh
analysis can be used to accomplish
the analysis
 Mesh Analysis
➢ A mesh is a loop which does not contain any other loops within it
➢ For example paths abefa and bcdeb in figure below are meshes
➢ The current through a mesh is known as mesh current
 Mesh Analysis
➢ Mesh analysis is used to determine the mesh currents

➢ The steps to determine currents are as follows:

1. Assign mesh currents i1, i2, i3, ….. in to the n meshes

2. Apply KVL to each of the n meshes (Use Ohm’s law to express

the voltages in terms of the mesh currents)

3. Solve the resulting n simultaneous equations to get the mesh

currents
 Mesh Analysis
➢ To illustrate the steps, consider the circuit
shown
➢ The first step requires that mesh currents i1
and i2 are assigned to meshes 1 and 2
➢ Although a mesh current may be assigned
to each mesh in an arbitrary direction
➢ It is conventional to assume that each mesh current flows Clockwise

➢ As the second step, we apply KVL to each mesh

➢ Applying KVL to mesh 1, we obtain the equations;

or
➢ For mesh-2, applying KVL gives;

or
 Mesh Analysis
➢ Note that in Mesh-1 equation the
coefficient of i1 is the sum of the
resistances in the first mesh, while the
coefficient of i2 is the negative of the
resistance common to meshes 1 and 2

➢ Now observe that the same is true for Mesh-2

➢ This can serve as a shortcut way of writing the mesh equations

➢ The shortcut way will not apply if one mesh current is
assumed clockwise and the other assumed counterclockwise
➢ The third step is to solve for the mesh currents
 Mesh Analysis
➢ Putting the Mesh equations in Matrix form yields
𝑅1 + 𝑅3 −𝑅1 𝑖1 𝑉1
=
−𝑅3 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 𝑖2 𝑉2
which can be solved to obtain the mesh currents i1 and i2
➢ We are at liberty to use any technique for solving the simultaneous
equations
➢ We know that if a circuit has n nodes, b branches, and l independent
loops or meshes, then l = b−n+1
➢ Hence, l independent simultaneous equations are required to solve the
circuit using mesh analysis
➢ Notice that the branch currents are different from the mesh currents
unless the mesh is isolated
➢ To distinguish between the two types of currents, we use i for a mesh
current and I for a branch current
➢ The current elements I1, I2, and I3 are algebraic sums of the mesh
currents
➢ It is evident from Fig. that : I1 = i1, I2 = i2, I3 = i1 − i2
 Problem-1
➢ Calculate the mesh currents i1 and i2 for the circuit and determine the
power dissipated in the 12 Ω resistor.

𝑖2
 Problem-1 Solution
Calculate the mesh currents i1 and i2 for the circuit and determine the
power dissipated in the 12 Ω resistor.
Mesh Equations:
Mesh-1: −36 + 2𝑖1 + 12 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 + 4𝑖1 = 0
18𝑖1 − 12𝑖2 = 36 ----- (1)
Mesh-2: 24 + 12 𝑖2 − 𝑖1 + 9𝑖2 + 3𝑖2 = 0 𝑖2
−12𝑖1 + 24𝑖2 = −24 ---- (2)
Using Cramer’s Rule, we get;
18 −12 𝑖1 36
= ;
−12 24 𝑖2 −24
36 −12
−24 24 36×24− −12 ×(−24) 864−288 576
𝑖1 = 18 −12 = = = =2𝐴
18×24− −12 ×(−12) 432−144 288
−12 24
18 36
−12 −24 18×(−24)− −12 ×36) −432+432 0
𝑖2 = 18 −12 = = = =0𝐴
18×24− −12 ×(−12) 432−144 288
−12 24
P12Ω = (i1 – i2)2 x 12 = (2 – 0)2 x 12 = 4 x 12 = 48 W
 15

The Mesh Analysis Method

Mesh currents

Branch
currents
 16

Mesh: Apply KVL

Apply KVL to mesh 1 Apply KVL to mesh 2
( Σ drops = 0 ): ( Σ drops=0 ):
- 42 + 6i1 +3(i1 - i2) = 0 3(i2 - i1) + 4i2 -10 = 0
9i1 - 3i2 = 42 --- [1] - 3i1 + 7i2 = 10 --- [2]
i1 = 6 A, and. i2 = 4 A
 17

Example: Mesh Analysis

Determine the power supplied by the 2 V source.

Applying KVL to the meshes:

−5 + 4i1 + 2(i1 − i2) − 2 = 0
6i1 − 2i2 = 7 --- [1]
2 + 2(i2 − i1) + 5i2 + 1 = 0
− 2i1 + 7i2 = − 3 --- [2]
Solving:

Answer: 2.474 W i1 = 1.132 A, i2 = − 0.1053 A

PS = 2(i1 − i2 ) = 2 x 1.237 W
 18

A Three Mesh Example

The three required mesh currents are assigned as indicated, and we
methodically apply KVL about each mesh:
Mesh-1: −7 + 1(i1 −i2) + 6 + 2(i1 −i3) = 0
Mesh-2: 1(i2 −i1) + 2i2 + 3(i2 −i3) = 0
Mesh-3: 2(i3 −i1) −6 + 3(i3 −i2) + 1i3 = 0
➢ Simplifying,
3i1 − i2 − 2i3 = 1
−i1 + 6i2 − 3i3 = 0
−2i1 − 3i2 + 6i3 = 6
➢ Solving simultaneously, we obtain
i1 = 3 A, i2 = 2 A, and i3 = 3 A
 Summary of Basic Mesh Analysis
➢ Determine if the circuit is a planar circuit. If not, perform nodal
analysis
➢ Count the number of meshes (M). Redraw the circuit if necessary.
➢ Label each of the M mesh currents. Generally, defining all mesh
currents to flow clockwise results in a simpler analysis.
➢ Write a KVL equation around each mesh. Begin with a convenient
node and proceed in the direction of the mesh current. Pay close attention
to “−” signs. If a current source lies on the periphery of a mesh, no KVL
equation is needed and the mesh current is determined by inspection.
➢ Express any additional unknowns such as voltages or currents other
than mesh currents in terms of appropriate mesh currents. This
situation can occur if current sources or dependent sources appear in our
circuit.
➢ Organize the equations. Group terms according to mesh currents.
➢ Solve the system of equations for the mesh currents (there will be M
of them)
MESH ANALYSIS WITH
CURRENT SOURCES -
SUPERMESH
 Mesh Analysis with Current Sources
➢ CASE-1: When a current source exists only in one mesh:

➢ For example consider the circuit in Figure

➢ We set 𝑖2 = −5 A and write a mesh equation for the other mesh in the
usual way; that is,
 The Super Mesh
➢ How we modify this straightforward procedure when a current
source is present in the network?
➢ We adopt a technique that is quite similar to the supernode
approach
➢ We create a “supermesh” from two meshes that have a current
source as a common element; the current source is in the
interior of the supermesh
➢ We reduce the number of meshes by 1 for each current source
present
➢ If the current source lies on the perimeter of the circuit, then
the single mesh in which it is found is ignored
➢ Kirchhoff’s voltage law is thus applied only to those meshes or
supermeshes in the reinterpreted network
 Mesh Analysis with Current Sources
➢ CASE-2: When a current source exists between two meshes:

➢ We create a supermesh by excluding the current source and any

elements connected in series with it
 Mesh Analysis with Current Sources
➢ CASE-2:

➢ Applying KVL to the supermesh:

➢ Applying KCL to the node in original circuit:

➢ Hence, 6i1 + 14i1 + 84 = 20, or 20i1 = - 64
➢ Therefore:
 25

Current Sources and the Supermesh Ex-4.11

Determine the three mesh currents
What is the voltage across a current source in between two
meshes?

We can eliminate the need

for introducing a voltage
variable by applying KVL to
the supermesh formed by
joining mesh 1 and mesh 3
 26

Current Sources and the Supermesh Ex-4.11

➢ Apply KVL to mesh 2:
1(i2 − i1) + 2i2 + 3(i2 − i3) = 0
− i1 + 6i2 − 3i3 = 0 ---- [1]
➢ Apply KVL to supermesh 1/3:
-7 +1(i1 − i2) + 3(i3 − i2) +1i3 = 0
i1 − 4i2 + 4i3 = 7 ---- [2]
➢ Add the current source:
i 1 − i3 = 7 ---- [3]
➢ Solving simultaneously we find;

i1 = 9 A, i2 = 2.5 A, and i3 = 2 A
Current Sources and the Supermesh PP-4.9
Determine the current i1 in the circuit
Solution:
➢ There are three meshes and the 3 A source is a common
element between meshes 1 and 3 (Super Mesh)
− 10 + 4(i1 − i2) + 10(i3 − i2) + 8i3 = 0
or 4i1 − 14i2 + 18i3 = 10 --- [1]
➢ KVL around mesh 2 gives
− 4i1 + 28i2 − 10i3 = 0 --- [2]
Const eqn: i1 − i3 = − 3 --- [3]
Solving; i1 = −1.93 A
 28

Dependent Source Example

Find the three mesh currents.
➢ The current sources appear in meshes 1 and 3
➢ Since the 15 A source is located on the perimeter of the circuit,
we may eliminate mesh 1 from consideration
➢ It is clear that i1 = 15 A
➢ Key step: Constraint eqn;

vx
= i3 - i1
9
and 𝑣𝑥 = 3(i3 − i2 )
➢That leads to;

i2 + 2i3 = 45 --- [1]

 29

Dependent Source Example

➢ Applying KVL to Mesh-2 we get:

1(i2 − i1) + 2i2 + 3(i2 − i3) = 0

or 6i2 − 3i3 = 15 --- [2]
➢ Solving Eqs. [1] and

[2], we find that;

i1 = 15 A ,
i2 = 11 A, and
i3 = 17 A
 Problem-2
➢ Using mesh analysis, determine Io in the circuit below.

𝑖3

𝑖2
 Problem-2 Solution 𝑖3

➢ Using mesh analysis, determine Io in the circuit.

𝑖2
Mesh Equations: 𝐼𝑜 = 𝑖3
−20 + 2 𝑖1 − 𝑖2 + 4 𝑖1 − 𝑖3 = 0 or 6𝑖1 − 2𝑖2 − 4𝑖3 = 20 ----- (1)
−10𝐼3 + 2 𝑖2 − 𝑖1 + 8 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 = 0 or −2𝐼1 + 10𝐼2 − 18𝐼3 = 0 ----- (2)
4 𝑖3 − 𝑖1 + 8 𝑖3 − 𝑖2 + 6𝑖3 = 0 or −4𝑖1 − 8𝑖2 + 18𝑖3 = 0 ----- (3)
Using Cramer’s Rule, we get;
6 −2 −4 𝑖1 20
−2 10 −18 𝑖2 = 0 ; Δ=6{180−(144)}−(−2){(−36)−(72)}+(−4){16−(−40)}=−224
−4 −8 18 𝑖3 0
20 −2 −4
0 10 −18
0 −8 18 20{ 180 − 144 } 20(36) 720
𝑖1 = Δ = −224
= −224
= −224 = −3.214 𝐴
6 20 −4
−2 0 −18
−4 0 18 −20{−36− 72 } −20(−108) 2160
𝑖2 = Δ = −224
= −224
= −224 = −9.643 𝐴
6 −2 20
−2 10 0
−4 −8 0 20{16− −40 } 20(56) 1120
𝑖3 = Δ = −224
= −224
= −224 = −5.0𝐴
𝐼𝑜 = 𝑖3 = - 5 A
 Problem-3
➢ Use mesh analysis to determine the currents shown in the
figure below.
 Problem-3 Solution
➢ Since we have a current source between two meshes, we create a supermesh
excluding the current source and 1 Ω resistor in series with it;
➢ Equation for Super Mesh:

−6 + 2 𝑖1 − 𝑖3 + 4 𝑖2 − 𝑖3 + 8𝑖2 = 0
or 2𝑖1 + 12𝑖2 − 6𝑖3 = 6 ---- (1)
➢Around Mesh 3

2 𝑖3 − 𝑖1 + 4 𝑖3 − 𝑖2 + 2𝑖3 = 0
or −2𝑖1 − 4𝑖2 + 8𝑖3 = 0 ---- (2)
➢ And finally, the independent source current is related to the mesh currents,

𝑖1 − 𝑖2 = 3 ----- (3) or 𝑖1 = 𝑖2 + 3
2(𝑖2 +3) + 12𝑖2 − 6𝑖3 = 6 or 14𝑖2 − 6𝑖3 = 0 ----- (4)
and −2(𝑖2 +3) − 4𝑖2 + 8𝑖3 = 0 or - 6𝑖2 + 8𝑖3 = 6 ----- (5)
 Problem-3 Solution
➢ Expressing (4) & (5) in matrix form, we get

14 −6 𝑖2 0
= ;
−6 8 𝑖3 6
➢ Using Cramer’s rule we can solve for i2 and i3

Δ = 14x8 – (−6)(−6) = 112 – 36 = 76

➢ Hence,
0 −6
6 8 0−(−36) 36
𝑖2 = = = = 0.47 A
Δ 76 76
14 0
−6 6 84−0 84
and 𝑖3 = = = = 1.105 A
Δ 76 76

➢ Therefore,

𝑖1 = 𝑖2 + 3 = 0.47 + 3 = 3.47 A
 35

Summary of Supermesh Analysis Procedure

1.Determine if the circuit is a planar circuit. If not, perform
nodal analysis instead.
2.Count the number of meshes (M). Redraw the circuit if
necessary.
3.Label each of the M mesh currents. Generally, defining all
mesh currents to flow clockwise results in a simpler analysis.
4.If the circuit contains current sources shared by two meshes,
form a supermesh to enclose both meshes. A highlighted
enclosure helps when writing KVL equations.
5. Write a KVL equation around each mesh/supermesh. Begin
with a convenient node and proceed in the direction of the mesh
current. Pay close attention to “−” signs. If a current source lies
on the periphery of a mesh, no KVL equation is needed and the
mesh current is determined by inspection.
 36

Summary of Supermesh Analysis Procedure

6.Relate the current flowing from each current source to mesh
currents. This is accomplished by simple application of KCL;
one such equation is needed for each supermesh defined.
7.Express any additional unknowns such as voltages or
currents other than mesh currents in terms of appropriate
mesh cur- rents. This situation can occur if dependent sources
appear in our circuit.
8.Organize the equations. Group terms according to nodal
voltages.
9.Solve the system of equations for the mesh currents (there will
be M of them).
 37

Node or Mesh: How to Choose?

➢ If the circuit is nonplanar, then there is no choice: only nodal analysis
may be applied
➢ Use the one with fewer equations, or use the method you like best, or
use both (as a check)
➢ If one or more dependent sources are included in the circuit, then each
controlling quantity may influence our choice of nodal or mesh
analysis
➢ A dependent voltage source controlled by a nodal voltage does not
require an additional equation when we perform nodal analysis
➢ A dependent current source controlled by a mesh current does not
require an additional equation when we perform mesh analysis
➢What about the situation where a dependent voltage source is
controlled by a current? Or the converse, where a dependent current
source is controlled by a voltage?
 38

Node or Mesh: How to Choose?

➢ Provided that the controlling quantity can be easily related to mesh
currents, we might expect mesh analysis to be a straightforward option
➢ Likewise, if the controlling quantity can be easily related to nodal
voltages, nodal analysis may be preferable
➢ One final point in this regard is to keep in mind the location of the
source; current sources which lie on the periphery of a mesh, whether
dependent or independent, are easily treated in mesh analysis
➢ Voltage sources connected to the reference terminal are easily treated in
nodal analysis When either method results in essentially the same
number of equations, it may be worthwhile to also consider what
quantities are being sought
➢ Nodal analysis results in direct calculation of nodal voltages, whereas
mesh analysis provides currents
➢ If asked to find currents through a set of resistors,, after performing
nodal analysis, we must still invoke Ohm’s law at each resistor to
determine the current
 Node or Mesh: How to Choose?
➢ As an example, consider the circuit below. We wish to determine the
current ix
➢ We choose the bottom node as the reference node, and note that there
are four nonreference nodes
➢ Although this means that we can write four distinct equations, there
is no need to label the node between the 100 V source and the 8 Ω
resistor, since that node voltage is clearly 100 V
➢ Thus, we label the remaining node voltages v1, v2, and v3
 Node or Mesh: How to Choose?
➢ We write the following three nodal equations:

➢ Solving, we find that v1 = 25.89 V and v2 = 20.31 V

➢ We determine the current ix by

application of Ohm’s law:
 Node or Mesh: How to Choose?
➢ Next, we consider the same circuit using mesh analysis
➢ We see that we have four distinct meshes, although it is obvious that
i4 = −8 A; we therefore need to write three distinct equations
➢ Writing a KVL equation for meshes 1, 2, and 3:

➢ Solving, we find that i2 (= ix ) = 2.79 A

➢ For this particular problem,
mesh analysis proved to be simpler
➢ Since either method is valid,
however, working the same
problem both ways can also serve
as a means to check our answers
 42

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis

➢ A complex circuit may not necessarily have many components
➢ When we will analyse complex circuits, it will become obvious that it
is easy to make errors during the analysis and verifying solutions by
hand can be time-consuming
➢ A powerful computer software package known as PSpice is commonly
employed for rapid analysis of circuits, and the schematic capture tools
are typically integrated with either a printed circuit board or integrated
circuit layout tool
➢ Originally developed in the early 1970s at the University of California
at Berkeley, SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit
Emphasis) is now an industry standard
➢ MicroSim Corporation introduced PSpice in 1984, which built intuitive
graphical interfaces around the core SPICE program
➢ Depending on the type of circuit application being considered, there are
now several companies offering variations of the basic SPICE package
➢ LTspice is a variant developed by Analog Devices; an IC manufacturer
 43

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis

➢ Although computer-aided analysis is a relatively quick means of deter-
mining voltages and currents in a circuit, we should be careful not to
allow simulation packages to completely replace traditional “paper and
pencil” analysis. There are several reasons for this:
➢ First, in order to design we must be able to analyse
➢ Overreliance on software tools can inhibit the development of necessary
analytical skills, similar to introducing calculators too early in grade
school
➢ Second, it is virtually impossible to use a complicated software package
over a long period of time without making some type of data-entry error
➢ If we have no basic intuition as to what type of answer to expect from a
simulation, then there is no way to determine whether or not it is valid
➢ Thus, the generic name really is a fairly accurate description:
computer-aided analysis. Human brains are not obsolete. Not yet,
anyway
 44

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis Ex

➢ Let’s simulate the previous circuit in LTspice
➢ We have a voltage source and a current source as well as six resistors
➢ After launching LTspice we select the option to start a new schematic
➢ Next we draw the wires as per schematic layout and insert the
components as per their location
➢ We need to add a reference (Gnd) connection at the reference node
➢ Now we select the Spice directive operating point (.op) from the
simulation menu and press run
➢ All node voltages and branch currents are shown in the window
 45

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis Ex

 46

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis Ex

➢ As a further example, consider the circuit shown below
➢ It contains a dc voltage source, a dc current source, and a voltage-
controlled current source
➢ We are interested in the three nodal voltages, which from either
nodal or mesh analysis are found to be 82.91 V, 69.9 V, and 59.9
V, respectively, as we move from left to right across the top of the
circuit
 47

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis Ex

➢ Figure below shows this circuit after the simulation was performed
➢ The three nodal voltages are indicated directly on the schematic
➢ Note that the dependent source uses a “behavioral” current source component
bi, where the current may be defined by another voltage or current in the circuit
➢ The nodes Va and Vb were defined using Net Name, and the value of the
current in the dependent source may then be defined by the function
I = 0.2*(v(Va) − v(Vb))