Loop and Node Methods of Circuit Analysis

In Loop and Node Methods of Circuit Analysis, you'll learn ...

• The fundamental principles governing linear electrical circuits, including Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws
• The systematic approach to analyzing complex circuits using loop and node methods
• The relationships between voltages, currents, and resistances in multi-loop and multi-node circuits
• How to apply structured analytical techniques to determine unknown electrical quantities in linear DC circuits

Overview

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Credit: 2 PDH

Length: 27 pages

When analyzing electrical circuits, simple linear circuits can be analyzed easily and often by inspection using Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws. However, for more complex circuits that may contain multiple sources of power and many components and branches, circuit analysis is best done using a systematic approach that guarantees solution in a limited and predictable number of well-defined steps.

Fortunately, electrical circuit theory offers two such methods. Loop method of circuit analysis is one of these systematic methods, the other one is the node method of circuit analysis.

Loop method results in calculation of entities known as loop currents in a circuit, from which all branch currents are easily calculated. The node method on the other hand allows calculation of voltages of all nodes of the circuit with respect to a common reference node. The two methods are alternative methods of circuit analysis; either can be used to find currents through each branch and voltage across each component of the circuit.

In this course, both methods will be explained, accompanied by a numerical example of each to help enhance understanding of the theory and application of the methods. Since development of these methods relies on Ohm’s and on Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws, the course starts with a brief review of these topics before expanding into the two methods of the course title.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

• The definitions and roles of loops, nodes, passive elements, and linear elements in circuit analysis
• The mathematical relationships defined by Ohm’s Law and their application to circuit components
• The principles and application of Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) in closed-loop analysis
• The principles and application of Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) at circuit nodes
• The step-by-step procedure for implementing the loop method to determine branch currents
• The formation and solution of simultaneous equations derived from loop analysis
• The process of determining branch currents and component voltages from loop currents
• The step-by-step procedure for applying the node method to determine node voltages
• The use of KCL and KVL together to express currents in terms of node voltages
• How to completely solve any linear circuit using either of the two methods covered in this course

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 10 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.