Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

2) Thevenins Theorem:
Statement:
Any linear resistive network consisting of independent and
dependent sources can be replaced at given pair of terminals by
an equivalent circuit consisting of only one independent voltage
source in series with a resistance.
Steps for Thevenins Theorem:Well take one general example to explain the steps properly.
Here we have to find current through R2 resistance.

Step1: Remove the load resistance RL(if any).

Here, we have R2 as load resistance RL.
So, remove R2,

Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

Step 2: Find the value of dependent source present.

Here, we have to find the value of Vx to get the value of
dependent voltage source.

We have,
+ - = - or - + = Therefore,
Vx = (-)I1R1
---(1)
Note: To get the steps of how to find the value of dependent source
refer to chapter Network Analysis, topic Dependent sources.
Step 3: Find the value of VTH.
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Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

While finding the value of VTH move from point B to point A (i.e. from
negative terminal to positive terminal)
Therefore,
VTH = VAB = I1R3 + 2Vx.
While tracing from B to A for VTH, VTH on LHS and for writing the
RHS, consider the end most polarity of each circuit element coming
under the trace as done in above equation of VTH.

Step 4: Calculation of IN.

Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

IN is the current flowing through the terminals A and B, when they

are short-circuited.
IN can be calculated easily by using mesh analysis.
Step 5: Calculation of RTH.
RTH =

Step 6: Thevenins equivalent

Network:-

IL =

Note: The method of solving thevenins problems having

independent sources and dependent sources are somewhat
different.
For solving thevenins problems containing only independent
sources, refer to chapter D.C Circuits in B.E.E subject.

Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

3) Nortons Theorem:
Statement: It states that any two terminals of a network can be
replaced by an equivalent current source and an equivalent
parallel resistance. The constant current source is equal to the
current which would flow in a short circuit placed over the
terminals and the parallel resistance is the resistance of the
network when viewed from these open circuited terminals after all
voltage and current sources have been removed and replaced by
internal resistances respectively.
Just like Thevenins theorem, here too well discuss Nortons
theorem for circuits containing both dependent and independent
sources.
Steps for Nortons Theorem:
Before we start, there is some good news for you guys that the
steps in Nortons Theorem are very much similar to steps in
Thevenins theorem.
Well take one general example to explain the steps properly.
Find the current through R3 resistor via Nortons Theorem.

Network Theorems

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Theory

Step 1: Identify the load resistance (if any) and remove it.
Here, in this case, R3 is the load resistance. So,

Step 2: Find the value of dependent sources present.

Here, we have current dependent voltage source and to find its
value first we have to calculate the value of I1. Because I1 is the
dependent current.
Since, its a current dependent voltage source and the dependent
current (I1) is flowing in the same mesh, which contains
dependent source. We need not have to find out the value of
dependent source instead we can directly find the value of VTH.
In case, if this is not the case, then we have to find the value of
dependent source as in Thevenins theorem.
Note: To know the different methods of finding values of
dependent sources. Refer to chapter Network analysis, topic
dependent sources. Also have a look at the Step (2) of Thevenins
theorem.
Step 3: Find the value of VTH.

Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Network Theorems

Theory

B
Tracing from B to A, we get
VTH = I1R2
For detailed step of getting Vth, refer to step (3) of Thevenins
Theorem.
Step 4: Calculation of IN:

IN is the current flowing through the terminals A and B when a

short circuit is placed across them.
Here, since R2 is in parallel with short circuit, it becomes
redundant.
Therefore,

I1 = 0
0.5 I1 = 0 (Dependent source becomes zero.)
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Thevenins & Nortons Theorem

Network Theorems

Therefore,

IN =

Theory

For other cases, you can use mesh, nodal, etc analysis to find IN.
Step 5: Calculation of RN.
RN =

Step 6: Nortons equivalent network:

IL = I N