Chapter 7
Series-Parallel Circuits

The Series-Parallel Network
Branch
Part of a circuit that can be simplified into two terminals
Components between these two terminals
Resistors, voltage sources, or other elements

The Series-Parallel Network
Complex circuits
May be separated both series and/or parallel elements
Other circuits
Combinations which are neither series nor parallel

The Series-Parallel Network
To analyze a circuit
Identify elements in series and elements in parallel
In this circuit
R2, R3, and R4 are in parallel
This parallel combination
Series with R1 and R5

The Series-Parallel Network

The Series-Parallel Network
In this circuit
R3 and R4 are in parallel
Combination is in series with R2
Entire combination is in parallel with R1

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Rules for analyzing series and parallel circuits still apply
Same current occurs through all series elements

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Same voltage occurs across all parallel elements
KVL and KCL apply for all circuits
Whether they are series, parallel, or series-parallel

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Redraw complicated circuits showing the source at the left-hand side
Label all nodes

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Develop a strategy
Best to begin analysis with components most distant from the source
Simplify recognizable combinations of components

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Determine equivalent resistance RT
Solve for the total current
Label polarities of voltage drops on all components

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Calculate how currents and voltages split between elements in a circuit
Verify your answer by taking a different approach (when feasible)

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Combining R2 and R3 in parallel
Circuit reduces to a series circuit
Use Voltage Divider Rule to determine Vab and Vbc.
Note that Vbc = V2 is the voltage across R2 and R3
Calculate all currents from Ohm’s Law.

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
To find voltage Vab,
Redraw circuit in  simple form
Original circuit
Two parallel branches

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Vab
Determined by combination of voltages across R1 and R2 , or R3 and R4
Use Voltage Divider Rule to find two voltages
Use KVL to find Vab

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
To find currents in the circuit
First redraw the circuit
Move source branch all the way to left
Reduce circuit to a series circuit

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits
Voltages
Use Ohm’s Law or Voltage Divider Rule
Currents
Use Ohm’s Law or Current Divider Rule

Analysis of Series-Parallel Circuits

Bridge Circuit
Circuit has Rx = 15 kW
Determine Vab
Redraw circuit as shown on slide

Bridge Circuit
Voltage Divider Rule
Determine Va and Vb.
Ground reference point
Take at bottom of circuit
Vab = 0.5 V

Bridge Circuit
Rx is a short circuit (0 W)
Voltage Divider Rule
Determine VR1
VR2 = 10 V
Vab = 8 V

Bridge Circuit
Rx is open
Find VR1
We know VR2 = 0 V
No current through it
Vab = –2 V

Transistor Circuit
Transistor
Device that amplifies a signal
Operating point of a transistor circuit
Determined by a dc voltage source
We will determine some dc voltages and currents

Transistor Circuit

Transistor Circuit
Apply KVL:
VBB = RBIB + VBE + REIE
Using IE = 100IB, we find IB = 14.3 mA.
Other voltages and currents can be determined

Potentiometers
Example of variable resistor used as potentiometer
Volume control on a receiver
Moveable terminal is at uppermost position
Vbc = 60 V
At the lowermost position
Vbc = 0 V

Potentiometers

Potentiometers
Vbc changes
If load is added to  circuit
At upper position
Vbc = 40 V
At the lower position
Vbc = 0 V