Circuit Theorems (Part 1)

Superposition Theorem, Source Transformation,

Thevenin’s Theorem
 Linearity Property

𝑓 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + ⋯ + 𝑥𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑥1 + 𝑓 𝑥2 + ⋯ + 𝑓 𝑥𝑛
Superposition Theorem
Two things have to be keep in mind:
1. When we say turn off all other independent sources:
➢ Independent voltage sources are replaced by 0 V (short circuit)
➢ Independent current sources are replaced by 0 A (open circuit).
2. Dependent sources are left intact because they are controlled by
circuit variables.

Example
Use the superposition theorem to find v in the circuit shown below.
Solution

v1 v2

𝑣 = 𝑣1 + 𝑣2

4
𝑣= ×6+ 4∥ 8 ×3
4+8
1 4×8
𝑣= ×6+ ×3
3 4+8

𝑣 = 10 V
Source Transformation
Example
Use source transformation to find Vo in the circuit below
Solution

𝑣𝑜 = 2 × 2 ∥ 8
𝑣𝑜 = 2 × 1,6
𝑣𝑜 = 3,2 V
Thevenin’s Theorem
Finding VTh and RTh.

Finding RTh when circuit has dependent sources.

Example
Using Thevenin’s theorem, find the equivalent circuit to the left of the
terminals in the circuit shown below.

Solution
𝑅Th = 4 ∥ 12 + 1
4 × 12
𝑅Th = +1
16
𝑅Th = 4 Ω
Using Superposition theorem,
12
𝑉Th = 4 ∥ 12 × 2 + × 32
4 + 12
3
𝑉Th = 3 × 2 + × 32 = 6 + 24
4

𝑉Th = 30 V
 Problems
Use superposition principle to find i

For the circuit in figure below, find the terminal voltage Vab using
superposition.
Apply source transformation to find Vx in the circuit

Determine RTh and VTh at terminals 1-2 of the circuit

Determine the Thevenin equivalent at terminals a-b for the circuit

Obtain the Thevenin equivalent seen at terminals a-b of the circuit

Obtain the Thevenin equivalent circuits at the terminals a-b for the
circuit