Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Lecture Handouts
Course Code &Name: :  19EC13301 &Analog Electronic Semester/
Circuits Year
Class : III Semester B.Tech. (I.T) III / II
Faculty Name : M. Sweetline Sonia
Unit : I Lecture No. : 1 Date of lecture:
Topic of Lecture: Network Theorems-Introduction
Introduction :
 The current through, or voltage across, any element of a network is equal to the
algebraic sum of the currents or voltages produced independently by each source. In
other words, this theorem allows us to find a solution for a current or voltage using only
one source at a time.
Prerequisite knowledge for Complete learning of Topic:
 Requires knowledge in basic circuit laws, matrices and determinants.
Detailed Content of the Lecture:
 There are a number of theorems that have application throughout the field of electricity
and electronics.
 They can be used to solve networks
 The first theorem to be introduced is the superposition theorem, followed by Thévenin’s
theorem, Norton’s theorem, and the maximum power transfer theorem.

Superposition theorem:
 The superposition theorem states the following: “The current through, or voltage
across, any element of a network is equal to the algebraic sum of the currents or
voltages produced independently by each source”.

 In other words, this theorem allows us to find a solution for a current or voltage using
only one source at a time. Once we have the solution for each source, we can combine
the results to obtain the total solution. The term algebraic appears in the above theorem
statement because the currents resulting from the sources of the network can have
different directions, just as the resulting voltages can have opposite polarities.
 If we are to consider the effects of each source, the other sources obviously must be
removed. Setting a voltage source to zero volts is like placing a short circuit across its
terminals.
 Therefore, when removing a voltage source from a network schematic, replace it with a
direct connection (short circuit) of zero ohms. Any internal resistance associated with the
source must remain in the network.
 Setting a current source to zero amperes is like replacing it with an open circuit.

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 Therefore, when removing a current source from a network schematic, replace it by an
open circuit of infinite ohms. Any internal resistance associated with the source must
remain in the network.

Fig. 1.1 Superposition theorem equivalent circuit

Thevenin’s theorem:
The next theorem, Thévenin’s theorem, is probably one of the most interesting in that it
permits the reduction of complex networks to a simpler form for analysis and design.
Thévenin’s theorem states the following: “Any two-terminal dc network can be
replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting solely of a voltage source and a series
resistor” as shown in Fig.

Fig. 1.2 Thevenin’s theorem equivalent circuit

Norton’s theorem:
The current source equivalent can be determined by Norton’s theorem.
The theorem states the following: “Any two-terminal linear bilateral dc network can
be replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting of a current source and a parallel
resistor”, as shown in Fig.

Fig. 1.3 Norton’s theorem equivalent circuit

Maximum power transfer theorem:

 The process of finding the load that will receive maximum power from a particular
system is quite straightforward due to the maximum power transfer theorem, which states
the following: “A load will receive maximum power from a network when its
resistance is exactly equal to the Thévenin resistance of the network applied to the
load”. That is,

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  In other words, for the Thévenin equivalent circuit in Fig., when the load is set equal to
the Thévenin resistance, the load will receive maximum power from the network.

Figure1.4 Maximum power transfer theorem equivalent circuit

Outcome / Application:
 To analyze basic components of electrical or electronics parameters such as voltages,
currents, resistance, and so on.
Video Content / Details of website for further learning (if any):
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE_UhLwIXc
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnjiLg4xfh8
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzP9E4cGMjU
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw2_AWWjAn0
Important Books/Journals for further learning including the page nos.:
 J. Millman & Halkins & Satyebranta Jit, “Electronic Devices & Circuits”, Tata
McGraw Hill, 2nd Edition, 2010
 David A. Bell, “Electronic Devices and Circuits”, Oxford University Press, 5 th Edition,
2008.
 Robefi T. Paynter, ‘”Introducing Electronics Devices and Circuits”, Pearson
Education, 7th Edition , 2006.
 Adel .S. Sedra, Kenneth C. Smith, “Micro Electronic Circuits”, 6 th Edition, Oxford
University Press, 2010
 Salivahanan, “Electronic Devices and Circuits” 2nd edition Tata McGraw-Hill
Education, 2011

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