Experiment # 3

Theorems of Electric Circuit Analysis

1 Objectives
 To apply Superposition Theorem.
 To apply Thévenin’s Theorem.
 To apply maximum power transfer Theorem.

2 Apparatus
 DC power supply (12 V, 0-12V DC).
 2 multimeters.
 Group of resistances: (330 Ω, 220 Ω)
 Potentiometer (470 Ω)

3 Theoretical Background
3.1 Superposition Theorem
The Superposition Theorem states: “In any linear circuit containing
multiple independent sources, the current or voltage at any point may be
calculated as the algebraic sum of the individual contribution (effect) of
each source acting alone”.

When determining the contribution of an independent source, the effect

of other voltage sources is set to zero by replacing them by Short Circuits.
(SC). Also, the effect of other current sources is set to zero by replacing them
by Open Circuits (OC).

3.2 Thévenin’s Theorem

This theorem is extremely useful for simplifying any electrical circuit
and hence to solve it. It is named after its author M. L. Th évenin, a French
Engineer. Referring to Figure 3.13, the theorem states That:

“Any 2 port linear network can be replaced by (i.e. equivalent to) an

independent voltage source in series with a resistance; the source voltage is
the OC voltage between the 2 port, and the resistance is the equivalent
resistance seen between the 2 port with all independent voltage sources
replaced by SC and independent current sources replaced by OC”

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 Rth A
A


Linear
RL Vth RL
Network

B B
Figure 1. Thévenin’s Theorem.

3.3 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

One of the main applications of Thévenin’s Theorem is the maximum
power transfer from a linear circuit to a resistive load. Suppose we have a
linear circuit that connected to a variable load resistance as shown in Figure 2.

Rth

Linear IL

Network
RL  Vth RL

Figure 2. Maximum Power Transfer Theorem.

It is required to calculate the value of the load resistance that absorbs

maximum power from the circuit and then to calculate that maximum power.
Using Thévenin’s Theorem, the linear circuit can be replaced by replaced by
a voltage source of Vth volt in series with an equivalent resistance Rth .

Then, after an easy mathematical manipulation, we may prove that the

load resistance that absorbs maximum power is given by:

RL  Rth (1)
and the maximum power transferred is given by:

Vth2
PLmax  (2)
4 * Rth

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4 Experimental Procedures

4.1 Superposition Theorem

(1) Connect the circuit shown in Figure 3.

330 Ω 220 Ω

Io
Figure 3. 12 V 150 Ω 6V
PS1 PS2
A

(2) Select the appropriate metering ranges at the meters.

(3) Adjust the power supply voltage PS1 to 12 V.
(4) Adjust the power supply voltage PS1 to 6 V.
(5) Measure the current Io.
(6) Remove the power supply PS1 and replace it by a short circuit. Measure
the current Io1.
(7) Reconnect the power supply PS1, remove the power supply PS2, and
replace it by a short circuit. Measure the current Io2.
(8) Calculate the current (Io) using superposition. You may utilize the results
obtained from the Pre-Lab.
(9) Compare the measured values with the calculated values.
(10) Comment on the results.

4.2 Thévenin’s Theorem

(1) Find Thévenin’s equivalent (Vth and Rth) as seen by the resistance 150 Ω.
First, remove the resistance 150 Ω and measure the open circuit voltage
(Vth) as shown in Figure 4.
(2) Remove both power supplies PS1, and PS2 and replace them by a short
circuits. Measure the resistance at the terminals of resistance 150 Ω (Rth)
as shown in Figure 5.

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 330 Ω 220 Ω
330 Ω 220 Ω

12 V 6V
PS1 V PS2 R

Figure 4. Figure 5.

(3) Utilizing the values of Vth and Rth obtained from the previous steps, adjust
the potentiometer to Rth using an ohmmeter, and adjust the power supply
voltage PS1 to Vth using a voltmeter. Then, connect the circuit shown in
Figure 6.

Rth Ω

Io
Vth 150
Figure 6. Ω
PS1
A

(4) Measure the current Io.

(5) For the circuit shown in Figure 3, calculate Thévenin’s equivalent (Vth
and Rth) as seen by the resistance 150 Ω.
(6) Calculate the current Io using Thévenin’s equivalent. You may utilize the
results obtained from the Pre-Lab.
(7) Comment on the results.

4.3 Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

(1) Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 7.
(2) Select the appropriate metering ranges at the meters.
(3) Adjust the power supply voltage PS1 to 12 V.

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 330 Ω 220 Ω

Figure 7. 12 V RL V 6V
PS1 PS2
A

(4) Adjust the power supply voltage PS1 to 6 V.

(5) Set the potentiometer (RL) to, approximately, its half value. Decrease
potentiometer (RL) in steps and take the corresponding readings of the
voltage and the current.
(8) At each step, calculate the power P = V*I, and the resistance RL = V/I.
(9) Plot the power P versus the resistance RL.
(10) From the graph, find the resistance corresponding to maximum power
and that maximum power.
(11) Calculate the value of RL that absorbs maximum power and then
calculate that maximum power.
(12) Compare the measured values with the calculated values.
(13) Comment on the results.

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