Chapter 4: Circuit Theorem

Linearity Property

Superposition

Source Transformation

Thevenin’s Theorem

Norton’s Theorem

Maximum Power Transfer

At the end of this class, students should be able to:
1. Understand the definition of the source transformation.
2. Understand the steps to apply the source transformation.
3. Solve the problem related to source transformation.
 Linearity Property
OUTPUT = k (INPUT) where k = constant

Io is a linear function of Vs
2 x 2 Vs = 2 x 2 Io

Vo is a linear function of Is
2 x 2Is = 2 x 2 Vo

A CIRCUIT IS LINEAR ONLY IF IT IS MADE OF LINEAR ELEMENTS (LIKE RESISTORS) AND SATISFY
THE ADDITIVE PROPERTY

V = (I1+ I2) R = I1R + I2R = V1 + V2

Example:

Vo = ?
Vo = kVs, find k
 Superposition Theorem
SUPERPOSITION DEFINITION
“The VOLTAGE across or CURRENT through an element in a linear circuit is the ALGEBRAIC
SUM of the voltage across (or current through) that element due to each independent
source acting alone”
Turned off: It means all the independent source are replaced by their internal resistance. i.e we replace every voltage
source by 0V, and every current source by 0A.

Important Note:
1. The dependent sources are left as they are.
2. The superposition theorem is not valid in case of non-linear circuits.
Example 1:
Use the superposition theorem to find V in the circuit given below.

1 2

V = V1 + V2
1 Consider voltage source 6V 2 Consider current source 3A
Example 2:
Use the superposition theorem to find Vx in the circuit given below.

1
2

2
1 Consider voltage source 25V
2 Consider current source 5A
Substitute I2 into equation (i)
Use the superposition theorem to find vo in the circuit

Ans: V1 = 5V, V2 = 2.4V

V = 7.4V
Take home Exercise 1.
Determine Vo by using superposition theorem.
Take home Exercise 2
By using superposition theorem, find the current Io through 12 Ω
 Source Transformation
• Tools to simplify circuits.
• Process to replace a voltage source, Vs in series with resistor, R by
a current source, Is parallel with a resistor, R.
a) Independent source transform

b) Dependent source transform

Solution