ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1 THEVENIN RESISTANCE (RTH) OF A BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. ability to communicate effectively

5.1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. identify the connections of resistors of the bridge circuit
b. calculate the Thevenin resistance (RTH) of a bridge circuit
c. evaluate the results by comparing the calculated and measured values

5.1.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. calculate the Thevenin resistance (RTH) of a bridge circuit.

2. verify the results by comparing calculated measured data.

5.1.4 Principle of the Activity

An unloaded resistive bridge circuit consists of two voltage dividers and a voltage source.
An unloaded excited bridge is considered to be a network that you can thevenize by
applying the superposition method. To determine the thevenized bridge resistance (RTH),
remove the network source and replace it with a short circuit. Then apply Ohm’s law for
series-parallel resistive circuits.

5.1.5 Materials/Equipment

1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit

1- DC NETWORK THEOREMS Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply
1- Multimeter

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1.6 Procedure/s
1. Locate the THEVENIZING A BRIDGE CIRCUIT circuit block on the DC NETWORK
THEOREMS circuit board. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 5.1-1.

Figure 5.1-1

2. Which side of the bridge is selected for a load? ________________________.

3. Is the value of RTH determined at the input or the output side of a bridge?
____________________.

4. In the block of Figure 5.1-2, draw the circuit configuration that illustrates the thevenin
circuit resistance across terminals D and B in Figure 5.1-1.

Figure 5.1-2.

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

 5. Based on your circuit drawing, which resistors are parallel? ______________.

6. Determine and record RTH. First calculate the values of the parallel pairs, then add
these values. Calculated RTH = __________ ohms

7. Use a test load to connect the input sides of the bridge circuit on the DC NETWORK
THEOREMS circuit board. Measure and record the values of RTH with your multimeter.
Measured RTH = _________ ohms
NOTE: Do not short out the power source.

8. Compare the values in steps 6 and 7. Are your values approximately the same?
_______.

9. If you calculate the value of RTH across terminals A and C of Figure 5.1-1, will it equal
the RTH value recorded in step 7? ______________________________.

10. Is the reason for your answer to step 9 due to change in parallel groupings?
_______________.

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1.7 Activity Report

Section: Date Performed:

Course Code: Date Submitted:
Course Title:
Instructor:
Group No.: Activity No.:

Group Members: Signature:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

5.1.7.1 Calculations

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1.7.2 Conclusion/s: Write at least three (3) conclusions.

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT

5.1.7.3 Rating

ACTIVITY 5: BRIDGE CIRCUIT