University of Technology, Jamaica

School of Engineering

Electrical Engineering Science – ELE1002

ENG 1
Exercise 3 – Introduction to Superposition Theorem

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

ID Number: ________________ Date: ___________________

Objectives:
1. To verify Superposition theorem by comparing voltages obtained from a real circuit to
those predicted by theoretical calculations.

Apparatus: D.C. Power Supply

Bread Board
Digital Multimeter
R1, 2.2KΩ Carbon Resistor
R2, 5.6KΩCarbon Resistor
R3, 4.7KΩCarbon Resistor

Overview:

In this lab, we will analyze, build, and test a circuit containing multiple sources. Except in
special cases, multiple sources preclude the use of analysis techniques based entirely on circuit
reduction approaches. We can, however, use circuit reduction techniques in conjunction with
superposition to determine the response of a circuit with multiple sources.

It should be noted that alternate analysis techniques can be used to predict this circuit’s response.
The approach used to analyze the circuit does not, however, affect the actual circuit’s behavior.
Other lab assignments will use this same circuit, in conjunction with other analysis techniques.
Please keep in mind that the circuit’s physical behavior is not affected by the analysis technique
used; the same measurement on the same circuit should provide the same result, regardless of the
approach used to predict the response.

After completing this lab, you should be able to:

 Compare measured voltages and currents in an electrical circuit with predictions based on
superposition techniques
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General Discussion:
This lab assignment concerns the circuit shown in Figure 1 below. We wish to determine the
voltages across and the currents through each resistor in the circuit below.

R1 R2

2.2kΩ 5.6kΩ

V1 V2
20 V R3 15 V
4.7kΩ

Figure 1: First Circuit

Pre-lab:
Use superposition to predict the voltages and currents in the circuit of Figure 1. (e.g. determine
the response of the voltage across the 4.7kΩ resistor resulting from the 15V source, determine
the response of the voltage across the 4.7kΩ resistor resulting from the 20V source, and sum the
results to obtain the total voltage across the 4.7kΩ resistor from both sources.). Record these
results in the respective tables provided in the calculation section below.

Lab Procedures:
1. Choose the three resistors for the circuit of Figure 1. Record the actual resistance values.
Record these results in the respective sections of table 1.
2. Build the circuit of Figure 1, with both sources in place. Measure the voltage and current
across each resistor. Record these results in the respective sections of table 2.
3. Build the circuit of Figure 1, with the V2 source replaced with a short circuit. Measure
the resulting voltage and current across each resistor. Record these results in the
respective sections of table 3.
4. Build the circuit of Figure 1, with the V1 source replaced with a short circuit. Measure
the resulting voltage and current across each resistor. Record these results in the
respective sections of table 4.
5. Calculate a percent difference between the sum of the voltages of step 3 and step 4 and
the voltage measured in step 2. Comment on the agreement between the principle of
superposition and your results.
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Table 1: Stated and measured resistance values

Resistor Values
R1 R2 R3
Colour Code
Colour Code Value (Ω)
Measured Value (Ω)
Within Tolerance(Y/N)

Show a sample of your tolerance calculations in the space below

Table 2: Resistor voltage and current with both sources in place

Resistor Voltage and Current
R1 R2 R3
Measured Voltage (V)
Measured Current (A)

Table 3: Resistor voltage and current for V1 only

Resistor Voltage and Current
R1 R2 R3
Measured Voltage (V)
Measured Current (A)

Table 4: Resistor voltage and current for V2 only

Resistor Voltage and Current
R1 R2 R3
Measured Voltage (V)
Measured Current (A)
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Calculations:

Resistor Voltages
R1 R2 R3
Calculated Voltage for V1 only (V)
Calculated Voltage for V2 only (V)
Algebraic sum (V)

Show sample calculations:

Resistor Currents
R1 R2 R3
Calculated Current for V1 only (A)
Calculated Current for V2 only (A)
Algebraic sum (A)

Show sample calculations:

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Discussion:

In your discussion use the results obtained and the calculations made to show whether Superposition
theorem has been verified.

Conclusion:
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