Lab Manual:

Introduction to Circuits
Using the TI Electronics Kit for NI ELVIS III

Lab 4: Thevenin and Norton Equivalents

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Lab 4: Thevenin and Norton Equivalent Circuits
In this lab, you will learn about Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits. Equivalent
circuits are simplified versions of complex circuits that yield the same values and can
therefore be used to make calculations about those circuits easier.

The lab is divided into two sections: Thevenin Equivalent Circuits and Norton's
Equivalent Circuits. In each section, you will confirm the founding theorems of
equivalent circuits through a combination of calculation and circuit-building on the NI
ELVIS III.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lab, you will be able to complete the following activities:

1. Discuss the purpose of equivalent circuits and provide examples of use

scenarios
2. Determine the Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits for various circuit
configurations
3. Use equivalent circuits to analyze the effect of changing load resistances
4. Identify the differences and similarities between Thevenin and Norton equivalent
circuits
5.

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Required Tools and Technology
Platform: NI ELVIS III
Instruments used in this lab:
● Variable Power Supply
● Digital Multimeter
Note: The NI ELVIS III Cables and
Accessories Kit (purchased separately)
is required for using the instruments.
Hardware: NI ELVIS III Default
Prototyping Board
Hardware: TI Electronics Kit
 View User Manual:
http://www.ni.com/en-
us/support/model.ni-elvis-iii.html
 View Tutorials:
https://www.youtube.com/playlis
t?
list=PLvcPIuVaUMIWm8ziaSxv
0gwtshBA2dh_M
 Install Soft Front Panel support:
http://www.ni.com/documentatio
n/en/ni-elvis-iii/latest/getting-
started/installing-the-soft-front-
panel/
 View Breadboard Tutorial:
http://www.ni.com/tutorial/54749
/en
Components used in this lab:
 (2) 1 kΩ resistors
 (2) 3.3 kΩ resistors
 4.7 kΩ resistor
 10 kΩ resistor
 10 kΩ potentiometer on
protoboard
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Expected Deliverables

In this lab, you will collect the following deliverables:

 Calculations using Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorems

 Data from circuit-building
 Observations about equivalent circuits

Your instructor may expect you to complete a lab report. Refer to your instructor for
specific requirements or templates.

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Section 1: Thevenin Equivalent Circuits

In this section you will focus on exploring and applying Thevenin's theorem. You will find
the current across a variable resistor only using Ohm's law and then using Thevenin
equivalent circuits. First, you will do this in theory and then you will build a real circuit
with the NI ELVIS III.

1.1 Theory and Background

Figure 1-1 Video Screenshot. View the video here: youtu.be/Ov-CHwR3-m0

Video Summary

● Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems allow you to replace portions of complex

circuits with simple electrical equivalents
● Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems facilitate equations associated with changing
load resistors

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Fundamentals of Equivalent Circuits

Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits allow you to replace complicated circuits with
simple ones. Thevenin circuits are based on Thevenin's theorem for linear electrical
networks. The theorem states that any circuit made up of voltage/current sources and
two-terminal resistors has an electrically equivalent circuit made up of a single voltage
source in series with one resistor.

Figure1-2 Thevenin's  theorem allows us to replace circuit portions  with a voltage source and resistor

The basis for Norton equivalent circuits is Norton's theorem for electrical networks.
Norton's theorem states that any circuit made up of voltage sources and two-terminal
resistors has an equivalent circuit formed by a current source connected in parallel with
one resistor.

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 Figure 1-1 Norton's circuits are like Thevenin's but use  a current source instead of a voltage source

Equivalent circuits allow you to simplify complex circuits, replacing many components
with single calculated values. Equivalent circuits make analysis faster and less error-
prone. This is especially important for the repetitive calculations involved in applications
like determining the effect of changing load resistors on a circuit.

Check Your Understanding

Note: The following questions are meant to help you self-assess your understanding so far.
You can view the answer key for all “Check your Understanding” questions at the end of the lab.

1-1 I have a complex circuit including multiple voltage sources and several resistors.
According to Thevenin's theorem, I can replace this circuit with

A. A series circuit with voltage source and resistor

B. A parallel circuit with voltage source and resistor
C. A series circuit with current source and resistor

1-2 The purpose of equivalent circuits is to help us

A. Make and design simple, two-component circuits

B. Understand Norton’s theorem
C. Analyze complex circuits more quickly and easily
D. Avoid having to analyze a parallel circuits

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Using Thevenin's Theorem

Thevenin equivalent circuits can be developed according to the following procedure: 

Figure 1-4 Development of a Thevenin circuit

1. Remove the part of the network through which the equivalent Thevenin's circuit
will be analyzed (RL, in the illustration above), and tag the network terminals
where the removed element was located (A and B).
2. Calculate Thevenin's Resistance RTh, substituting all supplies by zero (current
supply sources are replaced by open circuits and voltage supply sources are
replaced by short circuits) and finding the resulting resistance between the two
tagged terminals.
3. Calculate Thevenin's voltage ETh, returning all power supply sources to their
original settings and finding the voltage of the open circuit between the tagged
terminals.
4. Draw Thevenin's equivalent circuit, adding the circuit part removed before. This
step is indicated by placing the RL resistor between the Thevenin equivalent
circuit terminals.
 

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Using Norton's Equivalent Circuits

The first two steps to applying Norton's theorem are the same as for Thevenin analysis:
1. Remove the part of the network through which the equivalent Norton's circuit will
be analyzed and tag the network terminals where the removed element was
located.
2. Calculate Norton's resistance "RN," substituting all supplies by zero (current
power supplies are replaced by open circuits and voltage supplies are replaced
by short circuits) and find the resulting resistance between the two tagged
terminals.

 Note that RTh = RN. 

The final two steps are different:
3. Calculate Norton's current "IN," returning all power supply sources to their original
settings and finding the short circuit current between the tagged terminals. (In all
cases, keep in mind that the current has to be measured using an ammeter
between the pair of terminals tagged in step one.)
4. Draw Norton's equivalent circuit, adding the circuit part you removed before.

Applications of Equivalent Circuits

Equivalent circuits are helpful for quickly analyzing complex circuits. Norton circuits are
well-suited to simplifying parallel circuits, while Thevenin's theorem applies best to
series circuits. Some of the advantages offered by both theorems are:

 Both theorems allow the determination of any given voltage or current in a linear

network with one, two, or any number of power supplies.
 Both theorems allow the analysis of a specific part of a network, substituting the
remaining network with an equivalent circuit.

Equivalent circuits are helpful for calculating current and voltage across load resistors,
which are subject to change across multiple trials or use cases. Equivalent circuits are
often used to expedite calculations regarding power circuits that support loads such as
light bulbs and appliances. 
Another real-world application of equivalent circuits is in determining the maximum
power transfer between two circuits.

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In addition, each type of circuit can also be used to help calculate the other, as they are
mathematically related:

Equation 1-1

Equation 1-2

Equation 1-3

When performing either type of analysis, it is sometimes easiest to calculate the values

for the other method and convert them using the appropriate equation.

Figure 1-5 You can convert between Norton and Thevenin equivalents

When you are exploring the applications of equivalent circuits, it is important to

understand their limitations, as well. The greatest drawback of the both theorems is that
they only apply to linear circuits, and most circuits behave linearly only within a specific
range of values.

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1-3 Which statement is UNTRUE of Thevenin equivalent circuits?

A. They allow you to isolate specific components by abstracting out the rest of a
circuit
B. They are closely related to Norton equivalents but Thevenin circuits use a current
instead of a voltage source
C. They are often used to make calculations for power circuits with variable loads
D. They do no necessarily apply to circuits with non-linear components

1-4 Which equation relating to Thevenin and Norton circuits is TRUE?

A. RN / RTh = VTh
B. ITh = IN
C. VTh = IN / RN
D. VTh = IN x RTh

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 1.2 Exercise: Compare Current Through a Load Resistor

Section 1 of this lab gives you the chance to compare current through a load resistor
(with various resistances) for a complex circuit and for its Thevenin equivalent. In this
first step, you will use Ohm's Law and then Thevenin circuit analysis to determine these
values theoretically.

Figure 1-6 Calculate the current at RL for various loads

1. For the circuit shown, use Ohm's law to calculate the current flowing
through RL for load resistance values of 1 kΩ, 4.7 kΩ, and 10 kΩ. Record the
calculated values in Table 1-1.

2. Determine the current for each load resistance once more, this time by using
Thevenin's theorem to develop an equivalent circuit. Record your calculated
values in Table 1-1.

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1-5 Record your calculated values.

Table 1-1

RL Resistance Calc I (mA) – Using Ohm’s Calc I (mA) – Using Thevenin’s

(kΩ) Law Theorem

4.7

10

1-6 What was the Thevenin resistance you found while developing your equivalent
circuit (in Ω)?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

1-7 What was the Thevenin voltage you found while developing your equivalent circuit
(in V)?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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1.3 Implement: Original Circuit

You will now use the NI ELVIS III to construct a complex circuit and measure the current
across a load resistor for various resistance values.

Instructions:

Set up the Circuit

1. Connect the circuit shown: This is the same circuit you studied in the exercise
section, with a load resistance of 1 kΩ to start.

 Remember to turn off the protoboard while you are wiring.

Figure 1-7 Breadboard configuration for the original circuit

2. Turn on the NI ELVIS III and ensure that it is connected to your computer.

3. From the Instruments tab of Measurements Live, open the following instruments:

 Digital Multimeter (DMM)

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  Variable Power Supply, 0-15 V DC (Power Supply)
Note: For more information about accessing Measurements Live and launching
instruments, visit http://www.ni.com/documentation/en/ni-elvis-iii/latest/getting-
started/launching-soft-front-panels/

4. Set the variable power supply to 12 V. 

5. Check that the voltage equals that provided by the power supply using the DMM.

Measure the Current

1. Measure the current flowing through R L using the DMM.

1-8 Record your measurements in the appropriate locations in the table.

Table 1-2

RL Resistance (kΩ) Measured Current (mA) – Original Circuit

4.7

10

Change Load Resistance and Measure Again

1. Change the RL value to 4.7 kΩ by replacing the 1 kΩ RL resistor (modeling

variable load resistance).
2. Measure the current flowing through R L.
3. Record the resulting current value in Table 1-2.
4. Repeat with an RL value of 10 kΩ.

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1.4 Implement: Thevenin Equivalent Circuit

Now, you will build a simplified Thevenin equivalent of the circuit you have just analyzed
and once more find the current for various load resistances.

Instructions:

Set up the Equivalent Circuit

1. Set the 10 kΩ potentiometer on the protoboard to the calculated Thevenin

resistance value (RTh). Check its resistance using the DMM in resistance mode.

2. Connect the Thevenin equivalent for the circuit you investigated in the last step,
as shown. Set the variable power supply voltage value to the calculated VTh and
use the 10 kΩ potentiometer set at RTh. Begin with an RL value of 1 kΩ.

Figure 1-8 Breadboard configuration for Thevenin equivalent

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Measure the Current

1. Measure the current flowing through R L (as you did for the original circuit).

1-9 Record your measurement in the appropriate location in Table 1-3. 

Table 1-3

RL Resistance (kΩ) Measured Current (mA) – Thevenin Equivalent Circuit

4.7

10

Change Load Resistance and Measure Again

1. Change the RL value to 4.7 kΩ by replacing the 1 kΩ resistor (modeling variable

load resistance).
2. Measure the current flowing through R L.
3. Record the resulting value in Table 1-3.
4. Repeat for a resistance of 10 kΩ.

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1.5 Analyze

These questions will help you to review and interpret the concepts learned in the first
section of this lab. 

1-10 In your own words, what is a Thevenin equivalent circuit? What are its
components? What is it used for?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

1-11 When the two circuit analysis methods are compared, in what cases should we
use Ohm's Law and in which should we use Thevenin's theorem?
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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1-12 How similar are your values for the original circuit and for the Thevenin equivalent?
Are your measured values consistent with your calculated ones? If not, why do you
think that is?  
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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Section 2: Norton Equivalent Circuits

In this section you will have the opportunity to explore in more detail what a Norton
equivalent circuit is and how we apply it. First, you will explore a Norton equivalent
circuit in theory and then you will build real circuits with the NI ELVIS III. Finally, you
will use Norton's theorem to analyze a complex circuit.

2.1 Exercise: Compare Current Through a Load Resistor

In this section, you will compare current through a load resistor (with various
resistances) for a complex circuit and for its Norton equivalent. First, you'll use Ohm's
Law and then Norton circuit analysis to determine these values theoretically.

Figure 2-1 Calculate the current at RL  for various loads

1. For the circuit shown, use Ohm's law to calculate the current flowing through the
potentiometer RL for load resistance values of 1 kΩ, 4.7 kΩ, and 10 kΩ. Record
the calculated values in Table 2-1.

2. Determine the current for each load resistance value once more, this time
by using Norton's theorem to develop an equivalent circuit. Record your
calculated values in Table 2-1.

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2-1 Record your calculated values.

Table 2-1

RL Resistance Calc I (mA) – Using Ohm’s Calc I (mA) – Using Thevenin’s

(kΩ) Law Theorem

4.7

10

2-2 What was the Norton resistance you found while developing your equivalent circuit
(in Ω)?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2-3 What was the Norton current you found while developing your equivalent circuit (in
mA)?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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2.2 Implement: Original Circuit

You will use the NI ELVIS III to construct the complex circuit you analyzed in the
calculation exercise and experimentally observe current for various load resistances.

Instructions:

Set up the Circuit

1. Connect the circuit shown: This is the same circuit you studied in the exercise
section, with a load resistance of 1 kΩ to start.

 Be sure to turn off the protoboard while you are wiring.

Figure 2-2 Breadboard configuration for the original circuit

2. Set the variable power supply to 12 V. 

3. Check that the voltage equals that provided by the power supply using the DMM.
 

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Measure the Current

1. Measure the current flowing through R L.

2-4 Record your measurements in the appropriate location in the table.

Table 2-2

RL Resistance (kΩ) Measured Current (mA) – Original Circuit

4.7

10

Change Load Resistance and Measure Again

1. Change the RL value to 4.7 kΩ by replacing the 1 kΩ RL resistor (modeling

variable load resistance).
2. Measure the current flowing through R L.
3. Record the resulting current value in Table 2-2.
4. Repeat with an RL value of 10 kΩ.

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2.3 Implement: Norton Equivalent Circuit

Now, you will build the simplified Norton equivalent of the circuit you have analyzed and
compare current measurements with the original circuit.

Instructions:

Set up the Equivalent Circuit

1. Set the 10 kΩ potentiometer on the protoboard to the calculated Norton

resistance value (RN). Check its resistance using the DMM in resistance mode.

2. Connect the equivalent for the circuit you investigated in the last step, as shown.
Convert the Norton current supply value to a Thevenin voltage supply value
using the formula V Th =I N × R N . Set the variable power supply voltage value to the
calculated VTh and use the 10 kΩ potentiometer set at RN. Begin with an RL value
of 1 kΩ.

Figure 2-3 Breadboard configuration for the Norton equivalent circuit

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Measure the Current

1. Measure the current flowing through R L (as you did for the original circuit).

2-5 Record your measurement in the appropriate location in the table. 

Table 2-3

RL Resistance (kΩ) Measured Current (mA) – Norton Equivalent Circuit

4.7

10

Change Load Resistance and Measure Again

1. Change the RL value to 4.7 kΩ by replacing the 1 kΩ RL resistor (modeling a

variable load resistance).
2. Measure the current flowing through R L.
3. Record the resulting current value in Table 2-3.
4. Repeat with an RL value of 10 kΩ.

5.

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2.4 Conclusion

These questions will help you to review and interpret the concepts learned in Section 2
and in the lab as a whole.

2-6 In your own words, describe Norton's theorem. How is Norton's theorem limited in
its applications?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2-7 Are the values for the original circuit in this section similar to the values for its
equivalent? Do your measured values align with your calculated ones? If not, why do
you think that is?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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2-8 How are Norton's Theorem and Thevenin's theorem related?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2-9 How is a Norton equivalent circuit different from a Thevenin equivalent circuit?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2-10 What kind of equivalent circuit did you build in both Implement stages? 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2-11 Record any observations related to Thevenin's theorem, Norton's theorem, or their
applications that you have not yet noted.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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 Answer Key – Check Your Understanding Questions Only

Check Your Understanding

1-1 A
1-2 C
1-3 B
1-4 D

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