Node Analysis is one of several
basic methods for the the
analysis of
electrical circuits.
In general, the method is:
- Identify each node.
- Let one node be common or ground, to establish a reference voltage.
- For each node attached to the (+) terminal of a voltage source, write the voltage at that node as the voltage at the (-) terminal plus the voltage boost given by the source.
- Establish a voltage variable for each remaining node, where the exact voltage is unknown.
- For each of the unknown voltage nodes, write Kirchoff's Current Law (KCL).
- Use the characteristics of devices attached between each node to determine the current in terms of the voltages at each node. For example: if a resistor is attached between nodes having voltages of V1 and V2, you would use Ohm's Law to write:
I1->2=(V1-V2)/R
- Substitute each of these device currents into the KCL equations. There should be no unknown currents left: they must all be in terms of the node voltages.
- Simultaneously solve the substituted KCL equations: there should have been one unknown voltage created for each node, and one KCL for each node, so you are guaranteed enough equations.
- At this point you have values for all voltages, substitute back into the device current formulae you derived to find all the branch currents.
- You know now all of the voltages and currents in the circuit.
Also called Node Voltage Analysis or perhaps just Node Voltage.
Contrast with Mesh Current Analysis.