EEE223 CIRCUIT ANALYSIS LABORATORY-1

EXPERIMENT 4
THEVENIN, NORTON and MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER
1. PURPOSE OF EXPERIMENT
Experimental verification of the Thevenin Norton Theorems and linearity, superposition principles.
2. THEORY
2.1. Thevenin Theorem
Analysis may be required for only a certain part or element of a circuit with many components. In such a case,
the circuit element to be analyzed can be separated from the circuit and the remaining circuit can be simplified
as source and series impedance. The theorem used in this process is called Thevenin's theorem and the
resulting equivalent circuit is called Thevenin equivalent circuit. While creating the equivalent circuit, the
relevant element or circuit part is disconnected, the open circuit voltage of the remaining part is called
Thevenin Equivalent Voltage. Then, all the sources in the circuit should be removed and the Thevenin
equivalent resistance can be found.

Figure 1. Thevenin Theorem

2.2. Norton Theorem

With this theorem, the complex circuit between two points is converted into a very simple equivalent current
circuit. The process in Norton's theorem is the same as in Thevenin’s theorem. However, if our equivalent
circuit consists of a current source and an impedance connected in parallel, this is called the Norton equivalent
circuit and this method is called the Norton method. While the equivalent circuit is being determined, the
relevant element or circuit part is deactivated, the short-circuit current of the remaining part is called the
Norton Equivalent current. Then all the sources must be disconnected, and Norton equivalent resistance should
be found. Finally, Norton equivalent circuit can be found

Figure 2. Node voltage

 2.3 Maximum Power Transfer
To achieve maximum power on a load in a direct current circuit, the load resistance must be equal to the
internal resistance of the source. This theorem is called the maximum power transfer theorem. Any load
resistance value above or below this value will produce a smaller load power. At maximum power, the system
efficiency is 50%. This is because, since the load and the internal resistance form a simple series circuit and
have the same resistance value, equal current, and voltage, therefore, equal power values are observed. When
the load exceeds the maximum value, the load voltage will rise, however, a larger drop in current will be
observed and the power value will drop. Although this is not the maximum load power, a higher efficiency
will be observed as a larger percentage of the total generated power in the circuit will appear on the load.

3. PRELIMINARY WORK
3.1. For the circuit given in Figure 3, find the Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits with respect to
terminals a and b.
3.2. For the circuit given in Figure 4, calculate Vab, Iab for Vin=2V, 4V, 6V, 8V and 10V.
Sketch Vab vs. Vin and Vab vs. Iab.

Figure 3

Figure 4
3.3. For the circuit given in Figure 5, find the RL to transfer the maximum power.

4. EXPERIMENTAL WORK
4.1. Set up the circuit shown in Figure 3.
a) Connect a voltmeter between a and b and measure the voltage Vab.
b) Connect an ammeter between a and b and measure the current Iab.
c) Replace voltage source with the s/c and then, measure the equivalent resistance between a and b.
 4.2. Set up the circuit shown in Figure 4 and measure the voltage Vab and current Iab for Vin=2V, 6V and
10V.
2V 6V 10V
Iab
Vab

4.3. Set up circuit given in Figure 5. For the variable load resistance: measure the IL,VL and fill the table
below. What is the relationship between RL and R1 resistors at the point where the power transferred to the
load reaches its maximum value? (PL and IL can be calculated by using measured voltages). Plot PL vs RL
using values that you obtained. Comment on the results.

Figure 5
RL IL VL PL
1kΩ
2kΩ
3kΩ
4kΩ
5kΩ
6kΩ
7kΩ
8kΩ
9kΩ
10kΩ

Equipment and Components

DC Power Supply
AVO meter
Resistors 100Ω(#1), 120 Ω(#1), 220Ω (#2), 330Ω (#1), 3.3kΩ (#1)
Variable resistor 10kΩ (#1)