Network analysis (electrical circuits): Difference between revisions

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In this method, the effect of each generator in turn is calculated. All the generators other than the one being considered are removed and either short-circuited in the case of voltage generators or open-circuited in the case of current generators. The total current through or the total voltage across a particular branch is then calculated by summing all the individual currents or voltages.

There is an underlying assumption to this method that the total current or voltage is a linear superposition of its parts. Therefore, the method cannot be used if non-linear components are present. Mesh analysis and node analysis also implicitly use superposition so these too, are only applicable to linear circuits.<ref>Wai-Kai Chen, ''Circuit Analysis and Feedback Amplifier Theory'', p. 6-14, CRC Press, 2005 {{ISBN|1420037277}}.</ref> Superposition of powers cannot be used to find total power consumed by elements even in linear circuits. Power varies according to the square of total voltage or current and the square of the sum is not generally equal to the sum of the squares. Total power in an element can be found by applying superposition to the voltages and current independently and then calculating power from the total voltage and current.

==Choice of method==