23Superposition Theorem: Circuit Analysis
23.1 Introduction
In this chapter, we will examine the superposition theorem, another technique for circuit analysis.
23.2 The Theorem
The superposition theorem states that a circuit with multiple voltage and current sources is equal to the sum of simplified circuits using just one of the sources.
A circuit composed of two voltage sources, for example, will be equal to the sum of two circuits, each one using one of the sources and having the other removed.
23.3 Methodology
To simplify a circuit using the superposition theorem, the following steps must be followed:
- Identify all current and voltage sources in the circuit.
- Create multiple versions of the circuit, every version containing just one of the sources. The other sources must be removed using the following rule: voltage sources must be replaced with a short circuit and current sources just removed from the circuit.
- Find the currents and voltages required.
- Sum the results obtained in all circuits.
23.4 Example
Consider the circuit shown in Figure 23.1, which we have used in the previous chapters. We want to find the current flowing across R3 and the voltage across points A and B.
Figure 23.1 Circuit for superposition analysis.
Following the rules of superposition, this circuit will be equal to a first one containing just the voltage source V1 plus a second one containing ...
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