Introduction

Thevenins Theorem is a very important and useful theorem. It is a method for the reduction of a portion of a complex circuit into a simple one. It reduces the need for repeated solutions of the same sets of equations.

Thevenins Theorem

Thevenin Equivalent Circuit

Any two-terminal linear network, composed of voltage sources, current sources, and resistors, can be replaced by an equivalent two-terminal network consisting of an independent voltage source in series with a resistor.

V-I Characteristic of Thevenin Equivalent

v
RTh

.
a +
v = VTh-RThi

VTh

.V
0

Th

Network of Sources and Resistors

i a

.
+

RTh

.
a +
Arbitrary Network

v b

. i

sc

v b

Arbitrary Network

VTh

v b

Finding VTh and RTh

Open circuit across terminals
RTh

Finding VTh and RTh Contd

i a

.
+

Short circuit across terminals

RTh

i a

.
isc=VTh/RTh

i = 0, v = voc = vTh
Calculate the opencircuit voltage in the original network, voc

VTh

voc=VTh

.
Network of Sources and Resistors

vTh v = 0, i = isc = RTh

Calculate the shortcircuit current in the original network, isc
b

VTh

.b
a
Network of Sources and Resistors

.
+

.
isc

voc

VTh = voc

.
-

RTh =

voc isc

Thevenin Equivalent - Example

Find the Thevenin equivalent with respect to terminals a,b.
5 4

Alternative Method of finding RTh

-- for circuits containing only independent sources

.
a

1. Set all independent sources to zero 2. Find equivalent resistance Req of the dead circuit between the terminals
Circuit with all independent sources set equal to zero

25 V

20

3A

. .
Req b

RTh = Req

Alternative Method of finding RTh -- for circuits containing dependent sources

1. Set all independent sources to zero 2. Apply either a test voltage source v0 (or a test current source i0 ) to the terminals 3. Calculate i0 (or v0 )
v0 RTh = i0
Circuit with all independe nt sources set equal to zero

Thevenin Equivalent - Example

Find the Thevenin equivalent of the following circuit. If a 10 resistor is connected between the terminals, what current will flow in it?

a .

i0 v0

.b

- +
10 A 4

2i1 i1 6

a
o

Circuit with all independe nt sources set equal to zero

. +
a

v0

.
-

i0