EE209 Circuit Laboratory I

2016-2017

EXPERIMENT 3
LINEARITY AND SUPERPOSITION THEOREM
3.1 Objective
In this experiment you will learn:
1. Ground loops and simultaneous voltage measurements by two channels of the DSO.
2. Measurement with multi-meters.
3. Measure circuit parameters to determine proportionality constants.
4. Node voltage and mesh current methods.
5. Superposition theorem.
3.2 Equipment List
1. Digital Storage Oscilloscope (GW Instek GDS-1072A-U)
2. Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AATech AWG 1020A)
3. Multi-meters
4. Breadboard
5. Resistors: 4.7 k, 5.6 k, 6.8 k, 5x10 k
3.3 Preliminary Work

1. Study the Notes on Signal Generators and the Notes on Multi-meters.

2. Study your notes on circuit theory and review, RMS value, Ohms law, Kirchhoffs laws,
voltage dividers, and superposition theorem.
3. Construct the circuits given in Fig. 3.1, Fig. 3.2, Fig. 3.3, Fig 3.4a and Fig. 3.4b on any of
circuit design programs (PSpice, Multisim, etc.). Follow the experiment steps (from 1 to
7) on the circuit design program you have chosen and note the observed results to your
pre-lab report which will be submitted.
Attention: While measuring with two channels simultaneously, ground terminals of both
channels of the oscilloscopes should be connected in common configuration since they are
connected to each other internally. So, if one measures by two channels simultaneously with a
configuration where the ground terminals of both channels are not connected to the same
point, the measurement gives wrong results.

EE209 Circuit Laboratory I

2016-2017

3.4 Theory
The superposition theorem for electrical circuits states that the response (voltage
or current) in any branch of a bilateral linear circuit having more than one independent source
equals the algebraic sum of the responses caused by each independent source acting alone,
while all other independent sources are replaced by their internal impedances. To know the
contribution of each individual source, all of the other sources first must be set to zero either
by:

Replacing all other independent voltage sources with a short circuit, thereby
eliminating potential difference i.e. V=0.

Replacing all other independent current sources with an open circuit thereby,
eliminating current, i.e. I=0. The above procedure is followed for each source in turn,
and then the resultant responses are added to determine the true operation of the
circuit. The resultant circuit operation is the superposition of the various voltage and
current sources

3.5 Experimental Work

1. Construct the circuit shown in Figure 3.1 on your breadboard.

Figure 3.1 Linear Circuit to Study Proportionality

2. At 5 different voltages of Vin between 0 and 15 V, measure the output voltage, Vout.
Calculate the proportionality constant that relates the output voltage to the input voltage.
Record your data in Table 3.1.

Input Voltage
Vin (V)

Output Voltage
Vout (V)

Proportionality
Constant
K=Vout / Vin

EE209 Circuit Laboratory I

2016-2017

Table 3.1 Data for Figure 3.1

3. If the input in Figure 3.1 were a 5V peak to peak and 1kHz sine wave instead of a constant
DC voltage, plot Vin and Vout. Is there still a linear relationship between Vin and Vout?

4. Measure the V1 and V2 node voltages, I1, I2 and I3 mesh currents in Figure 3.2
(Vin1=8V, Vin2 =12V)

Figure 3.2 Node voltages and mesh currents

5. We will now verify the superposition circuit. Since we will be constructing three circuits, it
is advised that each lab partner builds one circuit and takes the measurements for that circuit.
Construct the circuit shown in Figure 3.3 on your breadboard and measure Vout. Record your
data in Table 3.2.

Figure 3.3 Circuit to Verify Superposition

Quantity
Vout

Measured Voltage
(V)

EE209 Circuit Laboratory I

2016-2017

V1
V2

Table 3.2 Data for verify Superposition

6. Now remove the 15 V source by replacing it with a short circuit.

This is shown in Figure 3.4a. Measure the voltage V1 across the 6.8 k resistor. Record your
data in Table 3.2.

Figure 3.4a Superposition Circuit with One Source Removed

7. Reconnect the 15V source and replace the 5V source with a short circuit and measure the
voltage V2 across the 6.8 k resistor. Record your data in Table 3.2. This circuit is shown in
Figure 3.4b.

Figure 3.3b Superposition Circuit Missing A Voltage Source

3.6 Post Lab Questions

1. For the circuit of the Figure 3.1, calculate the values in Table 3.1 theoretically and compare
with the measured outputs. Explain any differences.

2. For each of three circuits you build for the superposition portion of this lab (step 5-6-7),
calculate the output values theoretically and compare with the measured outputs. Explain any
differences.