EE 205 Circuit Theory

Lab 3

Thevenin Theorem

1. Objective:

The objective of this exercise is to examine the use of Thevenin’s Theorem to create

simpler versions of DC circuits as an aide to analysis.

2. C o m p o n e n t s
1. DC source
2. Digital Multi-meter

3. Electrical and Electronic System Trainer Kit

4. Breadboard

5. Resistors

6. Wires

3. Theory

Thevenin’s Theorem for DC circuits states that any two port linear network may be replaced by a

single voltage source with an appropriate internal resistance. The Thevenin equivalent will

produce the same load current and voltage as the original circuit to any load. Consequently, if

many different loads or sub- circuits are under consideration, using a Thevenin equivalent may

prove to be a quicker analysis route.

- The Thevenin voltage is found by determining the open circuit output voltage.
 - The Thevenin resistance is found by replacing any DC sources with their internal

resistances and determining the resulting combined resistance as seen from the two

ports using standard series-parallel analysis techniques. In the laboratory, the

Thevenin resistance may be found using an ohmmeter (again, replacing the sources

with their internal resistances).

Thevenin’s theorem states that in a circuit containing voltage and/or current sources and
resistors, all the circuit elements can be replaced by a single voltage source in series with a
resistor with respect to any two terminals.

To find the Thevenin resistance, we follow the following steps:

- Short circuit the terminals, and find the short circuit current (I SC).
- Thevenin resistance can be calculated from RTH=VTH/ISC.

Lab procedure
1. Constructed the following circuit. Use the following values:
E=10V, R1=3.3k, R2=6.8k, R3=4.7k, and R4=RLOAD=8.2k.
 Fig.1. Thevenin circuit with respect to terminals a and b.

2. Calculate the voltage and current for the load resistor R4. Write them in Table 1.
3. Measure the voltage and current for the load resistor R4. Write them in Table 1.

Table 1.

Calculated Voltage Measured Voltage Calculated Current Measured Current

4. Calculate the Thevenin voltage and resistor with respect to terminals a and b.
VTH= _________________
RTH= _________________

5. Construct the following Thevenin equivalent circuit: RL=R4.

Fig.2. Thevenin equivalent circuit.

6. Calculate the voltage and current for the load resistor R4. Write them in Table 2.
7. Measure the voltage and current for the load resistor R4. Write them in Table 2.
Table 2.

Calculated Voltage Measured Voltage Calculated Current Measured Current

Conclusion:
Make comments on Table 1 and Table 2.