VERIFICATION OF THEVENIN’S AND NORTON’S

THEOREM IN DC CIRCUITS
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

Fig-1 Theoretical Circuit Diagram

Fig–2 Measurement of VTH Fig-3 Measurement of RTH

Fig-4 Measurement of Isc Fig-5 Practical circuit for measurement

of IL
 VERIFICATION OF THEVENIN’S THEOREM IN DC CIRCUITS

Ex. No: Date :

THEVENIN’S THEOREM:
Thevenin’s Theorem states that “Any complex linear bilateral network consisting
of one / many sources and passive elements (resistances) with two accessible
terminals A and B can be replaced by a simple equivalent circuit having a single
voltage source in series with a resistance”. In other words, it is possible to simplify
any electrical circuit, no matter how complex, to an equivalent two-terminal circuit
with just a single constant voltage source in series with a resistance as shown
below.

Fig.1. Thevenin Equivalent circuit

The thevenin equivalent circuit VTH is the open circuit voltage across terminals A
and B. The thevenin equivalent resistance RTH is the looking back resistance
between terminals A and B when all sources are replaced by their internal
impedances. Assuming ideal sources the voltage source is replaced by a short
circuit and current source by an open circuit
OBSERVATIONS:

Practical
Parameters Theoretical Values
Values

VTH (V)

ISC(A)

RTH (Ω)

IL (A)

Fig-6 Thevenin’s equivalent circuit Fig-7 Norton Equivalent circuit

THEORETICAL CALCULATION:
To find Vth in Fig.3 using voltage division method,
(𝑅2 +𝑅3 )
𝑉𝑡ℎ = ×𝑉 ISC=V/R1
(𝑅1 +𝑅2 +𝑅3 )

𝑉𝑡ℎ = _________ 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠

To find Rth in Fig.4,
(𝑅2 +𝑅3 ) ×𝑅1 𝑉𝑡ℎ
𝑅𝑡ℎ = = __________Ω ; 𝐼𝐿 = = _______𝑚𝐴
𝑅1 +𝑅2 +𝑅3 𝑅𝑡ℎ +𝑅𝐿
NORTONS THEOREM:
Norton’s Theorem states that it is possible to simplify any linear circuit, no matter
how complex, to an equivalent circuit with just a single current source and parallel
resistance connected to a load.

Fig.2. Norton Equivalent circuit

Then, to find the Norton current, place a direct wire (short) connection between
the load points and determine the resultant short circuit current (ISC). The
Norton Resistance is the same as thevenin resistance.
APPARATUS:

S.No. Equipment Range Type Quantity

1 Ammeter (0-20)mA MC 1

2 Voltmeter (0-20)V MC 1

3 R.P.S (0-30)V Analog 1

4 Bread Board - - 1

1kΩ, 2.2kΩ,
5 Resistors 2.7kΩ & - Each one
3.3kΩ

6 Connecting Wires - - As required

Sample calculation:
Let us assume, 𝑽 = 𝟐𝟎𝑽; 𝑹𝟏 = 𝟏𝒌; 𝑹𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟑𝒌; 𝑹𝟑 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝒌; 𝑹𝑳 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝒌𝛀
To find Vth,
Apply voltage division method in Fig.3
(3.3𝑘 + 2.7𝑘)
𝑉𝑡ℎ = × 20
(3.3𝑘 + 2.7𝑘 + 1𝑘)
𝑉𝑡ℎ = 17.14 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
To find Rth in Fig.4,
6𝑘 × 1𝑘
𝑅𝑡ℎ = = 857Ω
6𝑘 + 1𝑘
With the help of Thevenin’s equivalent circuit as shown in Fig.5, load
current IL can be calculated as,
𝑉𝑡ℎ
𝐼𝐿 = = 5.607𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝑡ℎ + 𝑅𝐿
Voltage across the load,
𝑉𝐿 = 𝐼𝐿 × 𝑅𝐿 = 12.3𝑉
Power consumed by the load,
𝑃𝐿 = 𝐼𝐿2 × 𝑅𝐿 = 69.2𝑚𝑊
PROCEDURE:

1. The circuit diagram as shown in Fig.1 has to be thevenized across terminals A

and B
2. Disconnect the load resistor, reconnect the circuit as shown in Fig. 2 and
measure open circuit voltage Voc by open circuiting terminals i.e, VTH
3. Connect the circuit diagram as shown in Fig.3 and compute RTH as shown in
the calculation
4. Draw the Thevenin’s equivalent circuit Fig. 6 and obtain the theoretical value
of load current IL.
5. Disconnect the load resistor, reconnect the circuit as shown in Fig.4 and
measure short circuit voltage Isc by short circuiting terminals i.e, Inorton
6. Draw the Norton’s equivalent circuit Fig. 7 and obtain the theoretical value of
load current IL.
7. Connect the circuit diagram as shown in Fig.5 and obtain the practical value
of load current IL.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Check for proper connections before switching ON the supply

2. Make sure of proper color coding of resistors

3. The terminal of the resistance should be properly connected.

RESULT:
Thus, the given circuit is used for verification and understanding of
Thevenin’s theorem and Nortons’s theorem.

QUIZ :
1. Explain difference between ideal and practical voltage source