EEB501

Introduction to Electrical & Electronics Engineering

LABORATORY EXERCISE: 5

Title: Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorem

Aim: To verify and investigate Thevenin’s and Norton’s theory for resistive networks.

Materials:
 Digital Multi-meter (DMM)
 DC Power Supply
 Resistors – 330Ω, 680Ω
 1kΩ Variable Resistor
 Cutter, Long Nose Pliers
 Breadboard & Connecting Wires

Introduction:
Thevenin’s Theorem states that "Any linear circuit containing several voltages and
resistances can be replaced by just a Single Voltage in series with a Single Resistor". In
other words, it is possible to simplify any "Linear" circuit, no matter how complex, to an
equivalent circuit with just a single voltage source in series with a resistance connected
to a load as shown below. Thevenin’s Theorem is especially useful in analyzing power or
battery systems and other interconnected circuits where it will have an effect on the
adjoining part of the circuit.

The basic procedure for solving a circuit using Thevenin’s Theorem is as follows:
i) Remove the load resistor RL or component concerned.
ii) Find RS by shorting all voltage sources or by open circuiting all the current sources.
iii) Find VS by the usual circuit analysis methods.
iv) Find the current flowing through the load resistor RL.

The Thevenin’s equivalent circuit, if correctly derived, will behave exactly the same as
the original circuit. The advantage in performing the “Thevenin’s conversion” to the
simpler circuit, of course, is that it makes load voltage and load current so much easier
to solve than in the original network.

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By: Dr. Shiu Kumar
Norton’s theorem is very useful to simplify a network in terms of currents instead of
voltage. Norton's theorem for electrical networks states that “Any collection of voltage
sources, current sources, and resistors with two terminals is electrically equivalent to an
ideal current source in parallel with a single resistor.”

For single-frequency AC systems the theorem can also be applied to general

impedances, not just resistors. The Norton equivalent is used to represent any network
of linear sources and impedances, at a given frequency. The circuit consists of an ideal
current source in parallel with an ideal impedance (or resistor for non-reactive circuits).

Procedure:
Part A – Thevenin’s Theorem
1. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 1.
2. First, remove the resistor RL from the terminals a and b. This results in the terminals
to become open circuit.
3. Calculate the open circuit voltage VOC that appears across terminals a and b when
RL is removed.
4. Calculate Rth by setting all the sources to zero (voltage sources are replaced by short
circuits and current sources by open circuits) and then measure the resultant
resistance between a and b.
5. Connect RL back to its terminals a and b from where it was temporarily removed
earlier. Measure current through RL.
6. Calculate the current flowing through RL using equation IL = Vth / ( Rth + RL) and
compare it with the measured value.
7. Vary the supply voltage and repeat the whole process.

R1

680
.a
+
Vs 9V R2 330
RL

.b
Figure 1: Circuit Diagram

Part B – Norton’s Theorem

1. Construct the circuit as shown in Figure 1.
2. Remove RL from the terminals a and b. Obviously the terminals become open circuit.

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By: Dr. Shiu Kumar
3. Then measure short circuit current ISC that appears through terminals a and b when
RL is removed. Here ISC = IN.
4. First set all sources to zero (voltage sources are replaced by short circuits and
current sources are replaced by open circuits) and then measure RN, the equivalent
resistance between terminal a and b.
5. Calculate RN and compare it with the measured value.
6. Measure IN by first returning all the sources to their original places and then
measuring the short-circuit current between the terminals a and b.

 R 
7. Calculate I L  
 R  R  I N
N
and compare it with the measured value.
 N L 

8. Vary the supply voltage and repeat the whole process.

Results:
Table 1: Thevenin’s Theorem
Thevenin’s Thevenin’s IL
No. of
Supply Voltage Voltage Resistance
observation Calculated Measured
(VTH) (RTH)
1 9V
2 5V
3 2V

Table 2: Norton’s Theorem

Norton’s Norton’s IL
No. of
Supply Voltage Current Resistance
observation Calculated Measured
(IN= ISC) (RN)
1 9V
2 5V
3 2V

Discussion:
1. What is meant by the word "equivalent" in Thevenin’s Equivalent circuits?
2. What is the practical value of Thevenin’s Equivalent circuits? Give several practical
applications in which Thevenin’s Equivalent circuits are used.
3. What will be the circuit diagram after removing RL from the terminals a and b in the
experimental circuit?
4. Draw the Thevenin’s and Norton’s equivalent circuit.
5. Calculate the current through the load resistor if a load of 0.41kΩ is connected.

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By: Dr. Shiu Kumar
Requirements:
i. Please remember that all Laboratory exercise have to be supervised and results
verified while it is still connected on the breadboard and signed by the Supervisor or
Lecturer conducting the class.

ii. Any unsigned lab sheet, when submitted will be classified as null and void.

LAB SUPERVISOR: ____________________ DATE: _________________

Due before next Lab Class

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By: Dr. Shiu Kumar