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 Thevenin theorem.
2. Understand the steps to apply the Thevenin theorem without
dependent source.
3. Understand the steps to apply the Thevenin theorem with
dependent source.
4. Solve the problem related to Thevenin theorem.
Revision
 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
Example 2:
Use the superposition theorem to find Vx in the circuit given below.

1
2

2
 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

 Thevenin’s Theorem
It states that a linear two‐terminal circuit
(Fig. a) can be replaced by an equivalent
circuit (Fig. b) consisting of a voltage
source Vth in series with a resistor Rth,
where:
 Vth is the open‐circuit voltage at the Figure (a)
terminals.
 Rth is the input or equivalent
resistance at the terminals when the
independent sources are turned off.

Figure (b)
 Thevenin’s Theorem

CASE 1 CASE 2
Circuit containing Circuit containing
only independent independent and
sources dependent sources
CASE 1: Circuit containing only independent sources

Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit to the left of

terminal a-b, then find I
 Procedure

1. Remove the resistor and mark the terminals. 2. Find the open circuit voltage (Vth) using any method.

3. Deactivate all independent sources and find Rth. 4. Produce the Thevenin’s equivalent circuit and reconnecting the
load resistor.
Use Thevenin’s to find Vo
Use Thevenin’s to find Vo
Thevenin’s equivalent circuit
 CASE 2: Circuit containing dependent sources

To find Rth: To find Vth:

1. Remove load from terminal.
2. Turn off independent source.
3. Dependent source leave as
it is.
4. Connect Vo @ Io to the
terminal. Set Vo = 1 V @ Io
= 1 A.
1. Remove load from
terminal.
2. Find Vth = V open
circuit using various
method.