Norton’s

Theorem
P R E S E N T E D B Y:
FRITZ HENRICH R. NAQUILA

A RT H U R K R I S T O F F E R S A G R A D O
Nortons
Theorem

Nortons theorem is an
analytical method used to
change a complex circuit
into a simple equivalent
circuit consisting of a single
resistance in parallel with a
current source
Norton’s Theorem states that “Any linear circuit containing
several energy sources and resistances can be replaced by
a single Constant Current generator in parallel with a
Single Resistor“.

Norton’s Theorem states that it is possible to simplify any complex linear circuit
to an equivalent circuit with just a single current source and parallel resistance
connected to a load.
Just as with Thevenin’s Theorem, the qualification of “linear” is identical to that
found in the Superposition Theorem: all underlying equations must be linear (no
exponents or roots).
Inorton
the short-circuit current through the terminals

Rnorton
input/equivalent resistance at the terminals when the independent sources are turned off.
Norton’s Application
It is used to reduce a complex circuit into a simple circuit.

Norton’s theorem is useful to solve problems on parallel generators with unequal emf’s
and unequal impedances.
Norton’s theorem can be interchangeably used with thevenin’s theorem through
proper source transformations.
Norton and Thevenin Theorem
Norton’s theorem uses a current source, whereas  Thevenin’s theorem uses a voltage
source.

 Thevenin’s theorem uses a resistor in series, while Norton’s theorem uses a resister set
in parallel with the source.
 Simplifying Linear Circuits

A normal circuit:
 the short-circuit current through the terminals

 input/equivalent resistance at the terminals when the independent sources are

turned off.

Norton Equivalent Circuit:

Remember that a current source is a component whose job is
to provide a constant amount of current, outputting as much
or as little voltage necessary to maintain that constant
current.
Identifying the load resistance
With zero voltage dropped between the load resistor connection
points, the current through R1 is strictly a function of Battery 1‘s
voltage and R1‘s resistance: 7 amps (I=E/R). Likewise, the current
through R3 is now strictly a function of Battery 2‘s voltage and R3‘s
resistance: 7 amps (I=E/R). The total current through the short
between the load connection points is the sum of these two currents:
7 amps + 7 amps = 14 amps