Difference between Mesh and Nodal analysis

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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The main difference between the two methods is the way they divide the circuit into branches for analysis

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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Mesh vs Nodal

Divides the circuit into loops (or “meshes”)

Divides the circuit into nodes

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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Mesh vs Nodal

Solves for unknown currents

Solves for unknown voltages

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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Mesh vs Nodal

Uses Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Uses Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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Mesh vs Nodal

Suitable for circuits with multiple loops

Suitable for circuits with multiple nodes

Mesh analysis

Nodal Analysis

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Mesh vs Nodal

More suited for circuits with dependent sources and controlled sources

More suited for circuits with resistors and independent sources