D.C.

Network Theorems
Superposition, Thevenin & Norton
Course textbook reference:
Electrical & Electronic Technology
by E. Hughes, 9th edition,
chapter 4, pages 75 91.
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Superposition Theorem
30.0V

5.0A

30 V
3A
6R

Analyse the performance of a network containing several sources of mixed

type (voltage and current) that cannot be converted.

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Superposition Theorem

Analyse the response of the network one source at a time - having

removed each of the other sources.
For source removal > open circuit a current source and short circuit
a voltage source.
The total response is an algebraic sum, or combination, of each
partial response.
0.0V

30.0V

0.0A

5.0A
30 V

3A
6R

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6R

Thevenins Theorem
Simple in concept but very powerful in application.
Any linear network can be replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting
of a voltage source (VTH) and a series resistor (RTH).

5.0V
1.33A
3R
6R

10 R

9V

Load Resistance, RL

The 10 load is a driven by a network of two resistors and a 9 V source.

These may be replaced by a Thevenin equivalent circuit see next slide.

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Thevenins Theorem

Remove the load & look in to calculate the equivalent resistance, RTH
Thevenin voltage, VTH, is also seen across the o/cct load terminals
Once the equivalent circuit has been determined, the resulting load
current may be calculated by placing the load back in-circuit.
6.0V

5.0V

1.0A

500.0mA

2R

3R
6R

10 R

9V

6V
Thevenin's Equivalent Network

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Nortons Theorem

Any linear network can be replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting

of a current source (IN) and a parallel resistor (RN = RTH).
5.0V

1.33A
3R
6R

10 R

9V

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Nortons Theorem

Remove the load & look in to calculate the equivalent resistance, RN

The Norton current, IN, passes through the s/cct load terminals.
Once the equivalent circuit has been determined, the resulting load
current may be calculated by placing the load back in-circuit and using
the current division rule.
5.0V

0.0V
500.0mA

3.0A

3R
2R

6R
9V

10 R

3A

3.0A

Norton's Equivalent Network

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Case Study

The problem is to analyse a given network

to determine the current, IAB, flowing
between nodes A and B.

Three methods of analysis are used:

1.

Thevenins Theorem

2.

Nortons Theorem

3.

Loop Analysis

Determine the best solution method.

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Case Study network to be investigated

A

8R

-1.25A

6.4 R

12 R

10 V

30 V

B
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Case Study Thevenins Theorem

First steps: remove the 6.4 resistor and then determine the
equivalent Thevenin resistance, RTH, and voltage, VTH.
A
2.0A
8R

12 R
-14.0V
10 V

30 V

B
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Case Study Thevenins Theorem

The equivalent circuit plus the reinserted 6.4 resistor is simulated

to determine the resultant voltage and current with respect to A - B.

-8.0V

4.8 R

-1.25A

Rth

6.4 R

14 V

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Case Study Nortons Theorem

This uses the same equivalent resistor ( RTH RN ) but we analyse the
network in terms of currents rather than voltages.
For this case source conversions are possible for both supplies.

A
-2.91A
3.75 A
8R

12 R

Short Circuit Current

0.84 A

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Case Study Nortons Theorem

With the equivalent source and resistance in place we can connect

the 6.4 resistor again and observe the current flowing through this
component.

6.4 R

2.91 A
4.8 R

1.25A

But is it an easier analysis

than Thevenins?

B
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Case Study Loop Analysis

Finally, define two loop currents as shown below. Hence solve the
resulting loop equations which contain voltage equivalent terms.
2.75A
1.5A
A

8R

-1.25A

6.4 R

12 R

10 V

30 V

B
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Case Study Loop Analysis

Note: Using Tina to investigate loop currents

is likely to produce confusing results!
In the schematic diagram shown on the last
slide, meters are used to measure branch
currents.
A TINA meter simulates current flow from
positive to negative and produces a resultant
current that is positive (no sign shown) plus
a magnitude.

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Maximum Power Transfer

Ref: Lab booklet experiment 5
figure 2, page 11.

V load
+

330 R

load
10 V

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Vth

Rth

10

330

0.0303

0.000

10

330

load R

100

load I

0.0233

Load P

0.054

10

330

200

0.0189

0.071

10

330

300

0.0159

0.076

10

330

400

0.0137

0.075

10

330

500

0.012

0.073

10

330

600

0.0108

0.069

10

330

700

0.0097

0.066

10

330

800

0.0088

0.063

10

330

900

0.0081

0.059

10

330

1000

0.0075

0.057

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Maximum Power Transfer

0.080
0.070

Lo ad Po w er

0.060
0.050
0.040
0.030
0.020
0.010
0.000
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Load Resistance

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Further References:

TUTORIAL SHEET 2

Laboratory Booklet

Title: Introductory Circuit Analysis / Robert L. Boylestad.

Edition: 9th ed. Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2000. Call Number:
621.3815 BOY

Title: Electric Circuit Analysis / by S.A. Boctor. Edition: 2nd ed.

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 1992. Call Number: 621.3192 BOC

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