Superposition theorem
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the superposition theorem in electric circuits. For other uses, see superposition.
The superposition theorem for electric circuits states that the total current in any branch of a bilateral linear circuit equals the algebraic sum of the currents produced by each source acting separately throughout the circuit.
To ascertain the contribution of each individual source, all of the other sources first must be "killed" (set to zero) by:
- replacing all other voltage sources with a short circuit (thereby eliminating difference of potential. i.e. V=0)
- replacing all other current sources with an open circuit (thereby eliminating flow of current. i.e. I=0)
This procedure is followed for each source in turn, then the resultant currents are added to determine the true operation of the circuit. The resultant circuit operation is the superposition of the various voltage and current sources.
The superposition theorem is very important in the circuit analysis. It is used in converting any circuit into its Norton equivalent or Thevenin equivalent.
[edit] External links
- All About Circuits - gives its own explanation of the superposition theorem.
[edit] References
- Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory 9th ed. by Boylestad and Nashelsky
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