Network Analysis

Introduction

The network in simple words known as a circuit. Electrical parts are linked together to form a network. Electrical networks are often constructed to exchange energy between various constituents. These electrical networks can be built using capacitors, inductors, resistors, or a mix of these components. By utilizing the methodologies available at hand, network analysis is the process of determining the voltage response or the current response for any member within the network.

What is Network Analysis?

Simply, Network Analysis is a sub-sector or component of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. The connectivity of the electrical components is the core definition of a Network. Network analysis is useful for determining many factors, including the circuit's voltage and current as they pass through the network's components.

We can say that finding the voltages across and currents through each network component is the process of network analysis. These values can be calculated using a variety of methods. But most of the time, the algorithms imply linear components.

Basic terms used in Network Analysis

Here are some basic and important terms that are useful in Network Analysis.

• Component − One or more terminals are used in the construction of a component to supporting in the current supply.

• Terminal − The term "terminal" may refer to an electrical connector at the endpoint that serves as a conductor's repeatable contact and works as a junction for linking circuits.

• Branch − The linkages within nodes are called branches. The elements, such as a resistor, capacitor, source, etc., are examples of a branch. In a circuit, there are exactly as many branches as there are elements.

• Ports − As a point of entry or exit for electrical energy, a port is a pair of terminals joining an electrical network to an external circuit. A port is made up of two nodes joined together by an external circuit that satisfies the port condition that the currents passing into the nodes be similar and in the reverse direction.

• Nodes − A node is a site where two or more circuits, or the components of circuits, can be coupled to one another.

• Mesh − Mesh is a properly functioning circuit composed of terminals and various branches connected to one another through ports.

Equivalent Circuit

A form of electrical circuit known as an equivalent circuit is a brief account of a more complicated electrical circuit. A complex circuit having numerous sources of voltages, currents, and resistances can be improved and made easier to explain by aggregating these sources in an equivalent circuit. Or, We can substitute a single equivalent passive element in place of two or more comparable passive elements in circuits that are exclusively coupled in series or parallel. This circuit is hence known as an equivalent circuit.

There are two equivalent circuits.

• Parallel Equivalent Circuit − An equivalent parallel circuit can be described as a Parallel Equivalent circuit in which the same voltage will be kept across each passive element because all the identical passive elements are linked in a parallel configuration. But the current that passes through each constituent is split.

• Series Equivalent Circuit − An equivalent circuit can be defined as Series Equivalent Circuit if the circuit’s passive elements are attached in a series configuration. Thus the current through every element is the same but there is a difference in voltage across every element.

Nodal Analysis

Network analysis can be named as nodal analysis which can be used to determine how voltages are distributed among the nodes of a circuit. This methodology, also known as the node-voltage approach, sets up an equation correlating the voltage measured between each circuit node and some references, using Kirchhoff's voltage law, Kirchhoff's current law, and Ohm's law. Whereas mostly we use the ground as a reference. The variables in a series of linear equations are the voltage drops measured between nearby nodes, and a typical algorithm can be used to solve the problem.

Mesh Analysis

The technique is also known as a mesh current loop. Using Ohm's law we can determine voltage values in a loop. A branch is recognized as a route that links two nodes and has a circuit element, which is called a Mesh. The branch current is known as the mesh current when a mesh has only one branch. In contrast to this, when a mesh has two branches, the mesh current is either the summation or difference of the two mesh loops, depending on whether they are travelling parallel or anti-parallel.

Importance of Network Analysis

Network analysis is very important to determine the values of current and voltage in every component or member of a network.

• We can use Mesh Analysis to determine both V and I for circuits with a lot of loops. KVL and Ohm's law are both implemented in this analysis.

• If a circuit has lots of nodes then the calculation of electric current or voltage in every node is hard by simple methods so we can use nodal analysis here.

Thus, by calculating the value of electric current in any node or component of the network we can adjust or modify the network according to our needs. In complex bridge circuits, we use network analysis to determine its property.

Conclusion

Network analysis is the most important technology to determine the value of current and voltage at any point or in any component of the circuit. Also, in the modern era of technology, we can design devices with low input and high output by using network analysis.

FAQs

1. What do you mean by Bilateral Element in Network Analysis?

When the voltage and current correlations are the same for the current that is flowing in both orientations, the element is called bilateral. For instance, impedance, capacitance, resistance, etc. The network that has the bilateral elements is known as Bilateral Network.

2. What do you mean by Uni-Lateral Element in Network Analysis?

The element is said to be uni-lateral when the relation between voltage and current is changed by the change in direction of current flowing through it. Examples of these elements are silicon diodes, vacuum diodes, rectifiers, etc. The network which is equipped with these elements is known as Uni-Lateral Network.

3. What is the significance of Kirchoff’s Law in Network Analysis?

Kirchoff’s Law states that the sum of the total current in a circuit is zero.

$$\mathrm{Total\: Input\: Current\: =\: Total\: Output\: Current}$$

This rule is very useful to determine the current loss or gain in the network during analysis.

4. Why do we use Ohm’s Law in Network analysis?

A network is a set of inter-connetced resistors and some other components, so to calculate the value of resistance, voltage and current across these components we use Ohm’s Law in Network Analysis.

5. What is a bridge network?

The network or a circuit is shaped like a bridge. In this type of network, two branches or circuits are connected or bridged by a third branch.