Curriculum Module
Created with R2024b. Compatible with R2024b and later releases.
This curriculum module contains interactive MATLAB® live scripts and Simscape™ models that teaches the fundamental concepts of DC circuits.
You can use these live scripts as demonstrations in lectures, class activities, or interactive assignments outside class. DC Circuit Analysis covers topics such as mesh analysis, nodal analysis, thevenin circuits, RL circuits, RLC circuits, and op amps. It also includes an application of a virtual oscilloscope to perform measurements of the variety of DC circuits.
The instructions inside the live scripts will guide you through the exercises and activities. Get started with each live script by running it one section at a time. To stop running the script or a section midway (for example, when an animation is in progress), use the 
Stop button in the RUN section of the Live Editor tab in the MATLAB Toolstrip.
Solutions are available upon instructor request. Contact the MathWorks teaching resources team if you would like to request solutions, provide feedback, or if you have a question.
This module assumes knowledge of basic ciruit theory and standard electrical circuit notation. There is minimal MATLAB and Simscape knowledge required for these scripts, but you could use MATLAB Onramp and Circuit Simulation Onramp as a resource to acquire familiarity with MATLAB syntax, live scripts, and models.
Use the 
link to download the module. You will be prompted to log in or create a MathWorks account. The project will be loaded, and you will see an app with several navigation options to get you started.
Download or clone this repository. Open MATLAB, navigate to the folder containing these scripts and double-click on DCCircuitAnalysis.prj. It will add the appropriate files to your MATLAB path and open an app that asks you where you would like to start.
Ensure you have all the required products (listed below) installed. If you need to include a product, add it using the Add-On Explorer. To install an add-on, go to the Home tab and select 
Add-Ons > Get Add-Ons.
MATLAB is used throughout. Tools from Simulink®, Simscape, Simscape Electrical™, and DSP System Toolbox™ are used frequently as well. Symbolic Math Toolbox™ is used as well for the syms function and Control System Toolbox™ is used for the tf function.
If you are viewing this in a version of MATLAB prior to R2023b, you can view the learning outcomes for each script here
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Use mesh analysis to compute currents through a linear circuit. • Solve the matrix form of circuit equations in MATLAB. • Model and analyze linear circuits in Simscape. |
• Electrical Engineering |
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Use nodal analysis to compute voltages. • Solve the matrix form of circuit equations in MATLAB. • Model and analyze linear circuits in Simscape. |
• Electrical Engineering |
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Explain Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits. • Solve for Thevenin and Norton equivalents. • Compare circuits to their Thevenin and Norton equivalents. |
• Electrical Engineering |
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Simulate charging and discharging RC circuits. • Plot solutions of RC circuit differential equations. • Measure the time constant of an RC circuit. |
• Electrical Engineering |
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Compare the response of first and second order circuits. • Analyze a second order RLC circuit differential equation. • Solve for the natural frequency and damping in an RLC circuit. • Compare underdamped, overdamped, and critically damped circuits. |
• Electrical Engineering |
| In this script, students will... |
Academic disciplines |
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• Describe the open-loop behavior of an op amp. • Compare ideal and non-ideal op amp behavior. • Analyze negative feedback op amp circuits. • Design circuits using combinations of basic op amp circuits. |
• Electrical Engineering |
These short videos demonstrate some of the basic techniques used to simulate and measure circuits in the module.
The license for this module is available in the LICENSE.md.
Feel free to explore our other modular courseware content.
Looking for more? Find an issue? Have a suggestion? Please contact the MathWorks teaching resources team. If you want to contribute directly to this project, you can find information about how to do so in the CONTRIBUTING.md page on GitHub.
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