MIXED ELECTRIC CIRCUIT: CHARACTERISTICS AND HOW IT WORKS - PHYSICAL

A mixed electrical circuit is one that results from the combination of two basic configurations: series circuits and parallel circuits. These are the most common assemblies in everyday life, since conventional electrical networks result from the mixture of sequential and parallel circuits.

To calculate the equivalent values of each component (resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.), it is recommended to simplify the analysis by reducing the circuit to its simplest expression. It is feasible to calculate the voltage drops and current flow through each of the receivers.

In this way, it is possible to simplify the components connected in series and in parallel, until a simple equivalent circuit is obtained. Mixed electrical circuits are extremely useful when reducing the voltage drop on a particular component. For this, arrangements are made in series and in parallel to induce the desired effect.

characteristics

Given the infinity of possible combinations between series and parallel circuits, mixed electrical circuits are ideal for establishing various links and switching throughout the entire connection. The most representative characteristics of mixed electrical circuits are the following:

Element terminals are connected according to design and desired function

Mixed circuits are not limited to a single connection style, as they are designed to meet a specific objective, based on the interaction of the circuit's receivers.

For example: the voltage drop can cause some of these to shine brighter than others in a mixed circuit of bulbs, due to the interplay of resistors in series and in parallel.

The voltage drop between nodes can be variable

Analogous to the previous case, the freedom of the mixed circuit allows obtaining two possible results on each connection.

If the elements are connected in series, the total voltage will be the algebraic sum of the partial voltages, as long as the connection is made respecting the alternating connection of the polarities.

On the other hand, if the connection is in parallel, the voltages between nodes will always be the same:

This analysis should be applied to each section of the circuit independently, given the nature of the connections.

The intensity of the current varies depending on the connection

In each mesh of the circuit, the precept is fulfilled that the current is the same over all points, as long as there are no additional branches within the initial configuration.

In that case, the electric current of the mesh is unique, and it is the same that passes through each of the receivers within the circuit:

If, on the contrary, the current divides each time it passes through a node, then the total current will be the sum of all the branch currents in the circuit:

Importantly, these branch streams are not necessarily the same. The intensity of the same will depend on the resistance that exists in each branch.

The equivalent total resistance of the circuit does not have a unique formula

The value of the total equivalent resistance of a mixed electrical circuit does not obey a specific formula; on the contrary, it will depend directly on the type of connection, and its obtaining is different in each case.

The circuit must be simplified trying to go from the most complex to the simplest. For this, it is recommended to first calculate the equivalent resistances of all the segments in parallel, using the following formula:

Then, when the system has been reduced to a connection of several resistors in series, the calculation of the total resistance of the circuit would be the sum of all the values obtained, using the following formula:

How does it work?

Generally, mixed circuits have the feeder connected in series with a switch that powers the entire system equally.

After this feeder, there are usually several secondary circuits whose configuration varies according to the arrangement of the receivers: sequences and parallels without a specific pattern.

It is even feasible to appreciate commutations; that is, alternating connection changes between one secondary circuit or another, depending on the system design.

In the case of connections that are in series, when disconnecting a part of this loop or mesh, the entire adjacent circuit will be automatically removed from the assembly.

On the other hand, in the case of secondary circuits in parallel, in case one of the components melts and an open point is generated, the other branch will continue to operate independently.

How to do it?

Assembling a mixed electrical circuit can be very simple. The effect is achieved by incorporating two resistors in parallel within a series loop.

The connection is easy and practical. Here we show you how to make a mixed electrical circuit in seven easy steps:

1- Set a wooden base so that this is the platform on which you connect all the components of the circuit.

2- Locate the voltage source. To do this, use a 9-volt battery and fix it to the wooden base with duct tape.

3- Install the circuit breaker next to the positive battery terminal.

4- Screw three bulb holders on the base of the circuit, and place the bulbs where they correspond. Two will be in parallel in front of the battery and the last one will be in series with the battery, just to be connected to the negative terminal of it.

5- Set the size of the cables according to the distances between each component and according to the original design of the installation.

6- Connect the voltage source and all the receivers of the circuit to each other.

7- Finally, activate the switch to certify the operation of the circuit.

Examples

The vast majority of electronic devices and household appliances are made on the basis of mixed circuits.

This implies that cell phones, computers, televisions, microwave ovens and other implements of this branch have mixed electrical circuits as a fundamental part of their internal connections.

References

Series, parallel and mixed electrical circuits (sf). School of Technical Professions. Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Recovered from: pertiga.es
Mixed circuit (sf). Recovered at: edu.xunta.es
Series, Parallel and Mixed Circuit (2009). Recovered from: electricasas.com
Definition of Mixed Circuit (sf). Recovered from: pasalo.es

MIXED ELECTRIC CIRCUIT: CHARACTERISTICS AND HOW IT WORKS - PHYSICAL - 2024