3.4 Superposition

Superposition principle states that for all linear systems:

The net response at a given place and time caused by two or more stimuli is the sum of the responses which would have been caused by each stimulus individually.

Superposition method:

1. For each independent source, form a subcircuit with all other independent sources set to zero. Setting a voltage source to zero implies replacing the voltage source with a short circuit, and setting a current source to zero implies replacing the current source with an open circuit.

2. From each subcircuit corresponding to a given independent source, find the response to that independent source acting alone. This step results in a set of individual responses.

3. Obtain the total response by summing together each of the individual responses.