Module 7 - Thevenins and Nortons Theorem

Unit Network Theorems Week 13&14: November 3-13
Module 7.0 – Thevenin’s & Norton’s Theorem

Learning After finishing this module, you are expected to:
Objectives
1. Become proficient in applying Thévenin’s theorem to ac
networks with independent and dependent sources.
2. Be able to apply Norton’s theorem to ac networks with
independent and dependent sources.
3. Solve problems associated with the topics.
Topics 1.1. Thevenin’s Theorem

(a) Circuits Containing Current Sources
(b) Circuits Containing Voltage Sources
(c) Circuits Containing Dependent Source(s)
1.2. Norton’s Theorem
(a) Circuits Containing Voltage Sources
(b) Circuits Containing Current Sources
(c) Circuits Containing Dependent Source(s)
Introductory Circuit Analysis, 10th Edition, Boylestad

Electrical Circuits Theory and Technology, 3rd Edition, John Bird 2007
Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, Third Edition, Charles A. Alexander & Matthew N.O. Sadiku
Electric Circuit Analysis, 2nd Edition, Johnson, Johnson & Hilburn
Warm Up
Give three things that you expect you will learn in this module.
1. _________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________
Answer the following:
1. In dealing with dependent source(s), only the __________ sources are

killed, never the _____________ sources.
2. In getting for the Thevenin’s/Norton’s equivalent resistance, the current
source(s) is/are replaced by ___________ circuit and voltage source(s)
is/are replaced by ____________ circuit.
Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 1

Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges Associate Professor IV
Nabua, Camarines Sur College of Engineering
4
Introduction
This chapter will introduce the important fundamental theorems of network

analysis. Included are the Thévenin’s and Norton’s. We will consider a number of
areas of application for each.
Thevenin’s Theorem
Any linear electric network or a complex circuit with current and voltage
sources can be replaced by an equivalent circuit containing of a single independent
voltage source VTH and a Series Resistance RTH.
We can use the different principles and laws discussed in the previous
chapter i.e. Current and Voltage Divider Principle, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s law, Nodal
and Mesh analysis to determine the unknown voltage (open-circuit voltage) and
resistance (equivalent).
Basic Steps Used in Thevenin’s
Let us consider a simple DC circuit as shown in the figure below, where we

have to find the load current IL by the Thevenin’s theorem.
1. Open the load resistor where the unknown current IL is located.
2. Calculate / measure the open circuit voltage. This is the Thevenin Voltage
(VTH / VOC / VAB).
3. Open current sources and short voltage sources.

4
4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the Thevenin

Resistance (RTH / ROC / RAB).
5. Now, redraw the circuit with measured open circuit Voltage (VTH) in Step
(2) as voltage source and measured open circuit resistance (RTH) in step
(4) as a series resistance and connect the load resistor which we had
removed in Step (1). This is the equivalent Thevenin circuit of that linear
electric network or complex circuit which had to be simplified and
analyzed by Thevenin’s Theorem.
6. Now find the Total current flowing through load resistor by using the Ohm’s
Law: IT = VTH / (RTH
Some Features of Thevenin’s
1. Both Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems can be applied to both AC and DC

circuits containing difference components such as resistors, inductors and
capacitors etc. Keep in mind that the Thevenin’s voltage “VTH” in AC circuit
is expressed in complex number (polar form) whereas, the Thevenin’s
resistance “RTH” is stated in rectangular form.
2. Thevenin’s Theorem is a way to reduce a network to an equivalent circuit
composed of a single voltage source, series resistance, and series load.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0GsrzjVkd4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-48-4qWnhjA
Watch this video explaining the Superposition Theorem.

4
Circuits Containing Current Source(s)

A current source present in the circuit will be replaced by an open circuit in
finding for the open-circuit or Thevenin’s equivalent resistance.
Example Problem 1:
Using Thevenin’s theorem, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑖.
7A
𝒗𝟏 𝒊 𝒗𝟐
8Ω
4A 4Ω 12Ω
Solution:
Step 1: Open the load resistor 8Ω where the unknown current 𝑖 is located.
7A
𝒗𝟏 𝒗𝑻𝑯 𝒗𝟐
_ +
𝑰𝟐
+ +
4A ↷𝑰𝟏 4Ω 12Ω
– –
Step 2: Calculate / measure the open circuit voltage. This is the Thevenin
Voltage (VTH / VOC / VAB).
Using mesh analysis;

𝐼 = 4𝐴
𝐼 = 7𝐴
𝑣 = 4(𝐼 − 𝐼 )

4
𝑣 = 4(4 − 7)
𝑣 = −12 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
𝑣 = 12(𝐼 )
𝑣 = 12(7)
𝑣 = 84 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
@ loop 2: KVL
𝑣 −𝑣 +𝑣 =0
𝑣 =𝑣 −𝑣
𝑣 = 84 − (−12) = 96 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
Step 3: Open current sources.
open circuit
𝑹𝑻𝑯
open circuit 4Ω 12Ω
Step 4: Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the

Thevenin Resistance (RTH / ROC / RAB).
𝑅 = 12 Ω + 4 Ω
𝑅 = 16 Ω
Step 5: Now, redraw the circuit with measured open circuit Voltage (VTH)
in Step (2) as voltage source and measured open circuit resistance (RTH) in step
(4) as a series resistance and connect the load resistor which we had removed in
Step (1).
𝑹𝑻𝑯 = 𝟏𝟔 Ω
𝑖
+
𝒗𝑻𝑯 8Ω
–
Thevenin’s Equivalent Circuit

4
Step 6: Now find the Total current flowing through load resistor by using the
Ohm’s Law.
𝑣
𝑖=
𝑅 + 8Ω
96 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
=
16Ω + 8Ω
𝑖 = 4𝐴 … … 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
Circuits Containing Voltage Source(s)

A voltage source will be replaced by short circuit in finding for the open-circuit
or Thevenin’s equivalent resistance.
Example Problem 2:
Find vo using Thevenin’s theorem.
Solution:
Step 1: Open the load resistor 2Ω where the unknown voltage 𝑣 is located.
Step 2: Calculate / measure the open circuit voltage. This is the Thevenin
Voltage (VTH / VOC / VAB).
𝑉 = 5Ω 𝑥 4𝐴
𝑉 = 20 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
𝑉 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 4𝐴
By KVL:
𝑉 − 𝑉 − 10𝑉 = 0
𝑉 = 𝑉 + 10𝑉
𝑉 = 20 + 10 = 30 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠

4
Step 3: Open current source and short voltage source.
Step 4: Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the

Thevenin Resistance (RTH / ROC / RAB).
𝑅 = 3Ω+5Ω
𝑅 =8Ω
Step 5: Now, redraw the circuit with measured open circuit Voltage (VTH)
in Step (2) as voltage source and measured open circuit resistance (RTH) in step
(4) as a series resistance and connect the load resistor which we had removed in
Step (1).
𝑹𝑻𝑯 = 𝟖 Ω
+ +
𝒗𝑻𝑯 𝑣 2Ω
– –
Thevenin’s Equivalent Circuit
Step 6: Now find the across load resistor 2Ω by voltage divider principle
(VDP).
2Ω
𝑣 = 𝑥 𝒗𝑻𝑯
𝑅 + 8Ω
2Ω
= 𝑥30 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
8Ω + 2Ω
𝑣 = 6 𝑉 … … 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

4
Do it Yourself
Practice Solving the following problems.
Problem 1:
Find I by using the Thevenin’s theorem if 𝑅 = 2Ω.
– 6V + 2Ω a
2A 6Ω 3Ω 𝑅
b
Solution:

4
Problem 2:
Find the value of current through 2Ω Resistor in the given circuit using
Thevenin’s theorem.
2/3Ω
10Ω
2A + 5Ω 2Ω
10V
–
Solution:

4
Norton’s Theorem
Norton’s Theorem allows us to replace a complicated circuit with a simple

equivalent circuit containing only a current source and a parallel connected resistor.
This theorem is very important from both theoretical and practical viewpoints.
We can use the different principles and laws discussed in the previous
chapter i.e. Current and Voltage Divider Principle, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s law, Nodal
and Mesh analysis to determine the unknown voltage (open-circuit voltage) and
resistance (equivalent).
Basic Steps Used in Norton’s
Let us consider a simple DC circuit as shown in the figure below, where we

have to find the load current IL by the Norton’s theorem.
1. Replace the load resistor by a short circuit where the unknown current IL is
located.
2. Calculate / measure the short circuit current (𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝒊𝑵 )
3. Open current sources and short voltage sources.
4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance same as with the Thevenin’s

theorem. This is the Norton’s Resistance (RTH / RN / RAB).

4
5. Now, redraw the circuit with measured short circuit current (𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝒊𝑵 ) in
Step (2) and measured open circuit resistance (RN) in step (4) as a series
resistance and connect the load resistor which we had removed in Step (1).
This is the equivalent Norton circuit of that linear electric network or

complex circuit which had to be simplified and analyzed by Norton’s
Theorem.
6. Now find the load current 𝑖 flowing through load resistor by using the current
divider principle (CDP).
Some Features of Norton’s
1. Both Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems can be applied to both AC and DC

circuits containing difference components such as resistors, inductors and
capacitors etc. Keep in mind that the Thevenin’s voltage “VTH” in AC circuit
is expressed in complex number (polar form) whereas, the Thevenin’s
resistance “RTH” is stated in rectangular form.
2. Norton’s Theorem is a way to reduce a network to an equivalent circuit
composed of a single current source, parallel resistance, and parallel load.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0GsrzjVkd4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-48-4qWnhjA
Watch this video explaining the Superposition Theorem.

4
Circuits Containing Voltage Source(s)

A voltage source will be replaced by short circuit in finding for the open-circuit
or Norton’s equivalent resistance.
Example Problem 4:
Find the current through 𝑅 using Norton’s theorem.
Solution:
located.
shorted
4𝑥4
𝑅 =4+ = 6Ω
4+4
10𝑉 10 5
𝐼 = = = 𝐴
𝑅 6 3
using CDP:
4
𝑖 = 𝑥𝐼
4+4
4 5
𝑖 = 𝑥( )
8 3
40
𝑖 = 𝐴
24

4
3. Replace the voltage source by short circuit.

4𝑥4
𝑅 = +4 ∥5
4+4
6𝑥5 30
= = Ω
6 + 5 11
𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝟒𝟎/𝟐𝟒 𝑨 𝑹𝑵 𝟑𝟎/𝟏𝟏 2.5 Ω
Norton’s Equivalent Circuit (NEC)
6. Now find the load current 𝑖 flowing through 2.5 Ω load resistor by using the
current divider principle (CDP).
40
𝑖= 𝑥( )
+ 24
𝑖 = 0.87 𝐴 … … 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
Circuits Containing Current Source(s)

A current source present in the circuit will be replaced by an open circuit in
finding for the open-circuit or Norton’s equivalent resistance.
Example Problem 5:
Find the current through 10Ω using Norton’s theorem.

4
Solution:
located.
shorted
Thus, the equivalent circuit becomes,

5
𝐼 = 𝑥20𝐴
5+8
100
𝐼 = 𝐴
13
3. Replace the voltage source by short circuit.

𝑅 = (5 + 8) ∥ (5 + 1)

4
13𝑥6 78
= = Ω
13 + 6 19
𝑖 = 100/13𝐴 𝑅 78/19 10 Ω
Norton’s Equivalent Circuit (NEC)
6. Now find the load current 𝑖 flowing through 10 Ω load resistor by using the
current divider principle (CDP).
100
𝑖= 𝑥( )
10 + 13
𝑖 = 2.236 𝐴 … … 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

4
Do it Yourself
Practice Solving the following problems.
Problem 1:
Find I by using the Norton’s theorem if 𝑅 = 2Ω.
– 6V + 2Ω a
2A 6Ω 3Ω 𝑅
b
Solution:

4
Problem 2:
Find the value of current through 2Ω Resistor in the given circuit using
Norton’s theorem.
2/3Ω
10Ω
2A + 5Ω 2Ω
10V
–
Solution:

4
WORKSHEET No. 7
Name: _____________________________________ Course/Year: ___________

Instructor: __________________________________ Rating: ________________
Instructions: Answer the following problems and write the solution on the space
provided in each problem.
PROBLEMS:
1. Find I by using the Thevenin’s theorem if 𝑅 = 2Ω.
– 6V + 2Ω a
2A 6Ω 3Ω 𝑅
b
Solution:

4
2. Find the value of current through 2Ω Resistor in the given circuit using
Thevenin’s theorem.
2/3Ω
10Ω
2A + 5Ω 2Ω
10V
–
Solution:

4
3. Find I by using the Norton’s theorem if 𝑅 = 2Ω.
– 6V + 2Ω a
2A 6Ω 3Ω 𝑅
b
Solution:

4
4. Find the value of current through 2Ω Resistor in the given circuit using
Norton’s theorem.
2/3Ω
10Ω
2A + 5Ω 2Ω
10V
–
Solution:


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Unit Network Theorems Week 13&14: November 3-13

Module 7.0 – Thevenin’s & Norton’s Theorem

Topics 1.1. Thevenin’s Theorem

Introductory Circuit Analysis, 10th Edition, Boylestad

Answer the following:

1. In dealing with dependent source(s), only the __________ sources are

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 1

This chapter will introduce the important fundamental theorems of network

Basic Steps Used in Thevenin’s

Let us consider a simple DC circuit as shown in the figure below, where we

1. Open the load resistor where the unknown current IL is located.

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 2

4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the Thevenin

Some Features of Thevenin’s

1. Both Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems can be applied to both AC and DC

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 3

Circuits Containing Current Source(s)

Using Thevenin’s theorem, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑖.

Using mesh analysis;

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 4

Step 3: Open current sources.

open circuit 4Ω 12Ω

Step 4: Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the

Thevenin’s Equivalent Circuit

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 5

Circuits Containing Voltage Source(s)

Find vo using Thevenin’s theorem.

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 6

Step 3: Open current source and short voltage source.

Step 4: Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance. This is the

Thevenin’s Equivalent Circuit

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 7

Practice Solving the following problems.

Find I by using the Thevenin’s theorem if 𝑅 = 2Ω.

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 8

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 9

Norton’s Theorem allows us to replace a complicated circuit with a simple

Basic Steps Used in Norton’s

Let us consider a simple DC circuit as shown in the figure below, where we

2. Calculate / measure the short circuit current (𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝒊𝑵 )

3. Open current sources and short voltage sources.

4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance same as with the Thevenin’s

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 10

This is the equivalent Norton circuit of that linear electric network or

Some Features of Norton’s

1. Both Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems can be applied to both AC and DC

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 11

Circuits Containing Voltage Source(s)

Find the current through 𝑅 using Norton’s theorem.

2. Calculate / measure the short circuit current (𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝒊𝑵 )

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 12

3. Replace the voltage source by short circuit.

4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance same as with the Thevenin’s

𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝟒𝟎/𝟐𝟒 𝑨 𝑹𝑵 𝟑𝟎/𝟏𝟏 2.5 Ω

Norton’s Equivalent Circuit (NEC)

Circuits Containing Current Source(s)

Find the current through 10Ω using Norton’s theorem.

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 13

Thus, the equivalent circuit becomes,

2. Calculate / measure the short circuit current (𝒊𝑺𝑪 = 𝒊𝑵 )

4. Calculate/measure the Open Circuit Resistance same as with the Thevenin’s

Republic of the Philippines Engr. Wenceslao D. Gavina 14

Norton’s Equivalent Circuit (NEC)

Name: ___________________________ Course/Year: _