Thevenin Norton Equivalencies - GATE

Study Material in PDF

In these GATE Notes, we explain the Thevenin Norton Equivalencies. Thevenins and
Nortons Theorems are two equally valid methods of reducing a complex network down
to something simpler to analyse. These methods help a great deal in simplifying
complex networks and thereby save a great amount of time.
These concepts are important Network Theorems that form the bedrock of Electrical
Networks. These free GATE Study Notes will deal with Thevenin Norton Equivalencies in
circuits with only independent sources, in circuits with only dependent sources as well
as circuits with both dependent and independent sources. You can download these
GATE Study Material in PDF.
These notes are useful for GATE EE, EC, IES, BARC, DRDO, BSNL and other exams.
However, before you move on to Thevenin and Norton Theorems it is advised that you
have your basics clear.
Recommended Reading

Basic Network Theory Concepts

Source Transformation & Reciprocity Theorem
Kirchhoffs Laws, Node and Mesh Analysis
Voltage Division, Current Division, Star-Delta Conversion

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Thevenin's Theorem
Any two terminal bilateral linear DC circuits can be replaced by an equivalent circuit
consisting of a voltage source and a series resistor.

Nortons Theorem
Any two terminal bilateral linear DC circuits can be replaced by an equivalent circuit
consisting of a current source and a parallel resistor.

Now we will discuss how to solve different kind of problems using these theorems.

1. Problem with only Independent Sources

To find Rth : Replace all voltage sources with short circuit and all current sources with
open circuit. Find the resistance across the load terminals, that resistance is called
Thevenins resistance (Rth) or Nortons resistance (RN).
To find Voc : Calculate the open circuit voltage across load terminals. This open circuit
voltage is called Thevenins voltage (Vth).
To find Isc : Short the load terminals and then calculate the current flowing through it.
This current is called Norton current (or) short circuit current (Isc).

Example 1:
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Find ix using Thevenins and Nortons theorems.

Solution:
Rth:

Rth = RN =1
Vth:

By Nodal Analysis
Vth 10
1

2=0

Vth = 12V
Isc:

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Isc = 12A
Thevenins equivalent:

By kVL
ix =

12
3

= 4A

Nortons equivalent:

By current division
1

ix = 12 3 = 4A

2. Problem with both Dependent and Independent

Sources
To find Voc: Calculate the open circuit voltage across load terminals. This open circuit
voltage is called Thevenins voltage (Vth).
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To find Isc: Short the load terminals and then calculate the current flowing through it.
This current is called Norton current (or) short circuit current (Isc).
To find Rth: Since there are Independent sources in the circuit, we cant find Rth directly.
We will calculate Rth using Voc and Isc and it is given by
R th =

Voc
Isc

Example 2:

Find the value of ix using Thevenins and Nortons theorems.

Solution:
Voc:

By Nodal Analysis

Voc 10
1

2Vx = 0

Voc 2Vx = 10 (1)

By KVL
10 + Vx + Voc = 0
Voc = 10 Vx (2)
By (1) & (2)
Voc = 10V
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Isc:

By Nodal Analysis
V1 10

2Vx +

V1
2

=0

3V1 4Vx = 20 (3)

By KVL,
Vx = 10 V1 (4)
By (3) & (4)
V1 =
V1

Isc =

60
7

V
30
7

Rth:
R N = R th =

Voc
Isc

10

Thevenins equivalent:

By KVL
10

ix = 7
3

+3

15
8

Nortons equivalent:
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= 30/7 = 3

By current division,
ix =

30
7

[73 ] =
3

+3

30
7

[16] =

15
8

3. Problems with only Dependent Sources

Such circuits cant function on their own so Vth and Isc doesnt exists but still they exhibit
resistance, that resistance can be indirectly determined by V/I method by placing an
active source across the terminals.
1. Place a voltage source of 1V across the terminal and find the current (IT) flowing
through it. Then,
R th = R N =

1V
IT

(or)
2. Place a current source of 1A across the terminals and find the voltage (Vt) across the
current source. Then,
V

R th = R N = 1AT

Example 3:

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Find the Thevenins resistance across terminals x-y

Solution:
1. by placing 1V voltage source across terminals x-y

By nodal analysis,
V1
3

2Vo +

V1 1
5

=0

And,
2

Vo = V1 (3)

V1
3

4V1
5

IT =

4V1
3

V1

5=0

= V1 =

1V1
5

1(

1
)
4

= 4A

R xy = R Th = R N =

1V
IT

1
1
4

= 4

2. by placing 1A current source across terminals x-y

By nodal analysis
V1
3

2Vo 1 = 0

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And,
Vo =

1
3

2V1
3

41
3

1 = 0 1 = 1

By KVL,
1 5 + = 0 1 5 + = 0 = 4

= = = 1 = 1 = 4
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