Definitions and Keywords

Thevenin Theorem : Any two terminals of a network

composed of linear passive and active circuit elements may
be replaced by an equivalent voltage source and an
equivalent series resistance. The voltage source is equal to
the potential difference between the two terminals
connected to these terminals. The series resistance is the
equivalent resistance looking into the two terminal ports
with all the power sources within the terminal pair inactive.

Norton Theorem : Any two terminals of a network

composed of linear passive and active circuit elements may
be replaced by an equivalent current source and a parallel
resistance. The current of the source is the current measured
in the short circuit placed across the terminal-pair. The
parallel resistance is the equivalent resistance looking into
the terminal-pair with all the independent power sources
inactive.
Objective of Lecture
 State Thévenin’s and Norton Theorems.
 Chapter 4.5 and 4.6 Fundamentals of Electric Circuits
 Demonstrate how Thévenin’s and Norton theorems
can be used to simplify a circuit to one that contains
three components: a power source, equivalent resistor,
and load.
Thévenin’s Theorem
 A linear two-terminal circuit can be replaced with an
equivalent circuit of an ideal voltage source, V Th, in
series with a resistor, RTh.
 V Th is equal to the open-circuit voltage at the terminals.
 RTh is the equivalent or input resistance when the
independent sources in the linear circuit are turned off.
Circuit Schematic:
Thévenin’s Theorem
Definitions for Thévenin’s Theorem

Linear circuit is a circuit where the

voltage is directly proportional to the
current (i.e., Ohm’s Law is followed).

Two terminals are the 2 nodes/2

wires that can make a connection
between the circuit to the load.
Definitions for Thévenin’s Theorem
+
Voc
_

Open-circuit voltage Voc is the voltage, V, when the load is an open

circuit (i.e., RL = ∞W).

VOC  VTh
Definitions for Thévenin’s Theorem
 Input resistance is the resistance seen by the load
when V Th = 0V.

 It is also the resistance of the linear circuit when

the load is a short circuit (RL = 0W).

Rin  RTh  VTh iSC

Steps to Determine VTh and RTh
1. Identify the load, which may be a resistor or a part of
the circuit.
2. Replace the load with an open circuit .
3. Calculate VOC. This is V Th.
4. Turn off all independent voltage and currents sources
in the linear 2-terminal circuit.
5. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
This is RTh.
 The current through and voltage across the load in
series with V Th and RTh is the load’s actual current and
voltage in the original circuit.
Norton’s Theorem
 A linear two-terminal circuit can be replaced with an
equivalent circuit of an ideal current source, IN, in
parallel with a resistor, RN.
 IN is equal to the short-circuit current at the terminals.
 RN is the equivalent or input resistance when the
independent sources in the linear circuit are turned off.
Circuit Schematic:
Norton’s Theorem
Definitions for Norton’s Theorem

Short-circuit current Isc is the current, i, when the load is a short circuit
(i.e., RL = 0W).

I SC  I N
Definitions for Norton’s Theorem
 Input resistance is the resistance seen by the load
when IN = 0A.

 It is also the resistance of the linear circuit when

the load is an open circuit (RL = ∞W).

Rin  RN  VOC I N
Steps to Determine IN and RN
1. Identify the load, which may be a resistor or a part of
the circuit.
2. Replace the load with a short circuit .
3. Calculate ISC. This is IN.
4. Turn off all independent voltage and currents sources
in the linear 2-terminal circuit.
5. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
This is RN.
 The current through and voltage across the load in
parallel with IN and RN is the load’s actual current and
voltage in the original circuit.
Source Conversion
 A Thévenin equivalent circuit can easily be
transformed to a Norton equivalent circuit (or visa
versa).
 If RTh = RN, then V Th = RNIN and IN = V Th/RTh
Voltage Polarity and Current Flow
Value of Theorems
 Simplification of complex circuits.
 Used to predict the current through and voltage across
any load attached to the two terminals.
 Provides information to users of the circuit.