BANKURA UNNAYANI INSTITUTE

OF ENGINEERING

NAME-RONI BAURI
SUBJECT –BASIC ELECTRIC
CLASS ROLL-24
UNIVERSITY ROLL-
SESSION -2025-2026
TOPIC — THEVENIN THEOREM AND
NORTON THEOREM
■Introduction :
■ Circuit analysis can be simplified using network theorems
■ Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems reduce complex circuits
■ Applicable to linear, bilateral DC circuits

Diagram :
What is Thevenin theorem

● Any linear electrical network can be replaced by:

○ A single voltage source

(Vth)

○ In series with a single

resistance (Rth)

● Seen from the load terminals

Steps to Find Thevenin
Equivalent
1. Remove the load resistor
2. Find open-circuit voltage → Vth
3. Deactivate all independent sources
○ Voltage source → short circuit
○ Current source → open circuit
4. Find equivalent resistance → Rth
5. Connect Rth and Vth with the load
Example

Find VTH, RTH, the load current IL flowing through the load resistor, and
the load voltage across it in Fig. 1 using Thevenin’s [Link]’s
Theorem. Easy Step by Step Procedure with Example (Pictorial Views)
Solution —
Step 1 : Open the 5ko load resistor (Fig 2).

Step 2 :Calculate / measure the open circuit voltage. This is the Thevenin
Voltage (VTH) as shown in Fig (3).
We have already removed the load resistor from Fig. 1, so the circuit
becomes an open circuit, as shown in Fig. 2. Now we need to calculate
the Thevenin voltage.
Since a current of 3mA of current flows through both the 12k2 and 4k
resistors (they are in series), no current flows through the 8ΚΩ resistor
because it is an open circuti.
The voltage drop across the 4k resistor based on V = I × R is:
3mA × 4k2 = 12V
We also know that the 8ΚΩ resistor is in parallel with the 4k resistor. In
parallel branches, the voltage is the same, so the 8ΚΩ resistor will also
have 12V across it. Therefore, 12V appears across terminals A and B, i.e.:
VTH = 12V

Step 3 : Open all current sources and short all voltage sources, as shown
in Fig. 4.
Step 4 : Calculate / measure the open circuit resistance. This is the
Thevenin Resistance (RTH).
We have removed the 48V DC source to zero by replacing it with a
short circuit in Step 3 (as shown in Fig. 3). We can see that the 8ΚΩ
resistor is in series with the parallel combination of the 4kΩ resistor
and the 12kΩ resistor, i.e.:
8k2 + (4k 2 || 12kΩ) ..... (|| = in parallel with) RTH = 8ΚΩ + [(4k2 ×
12kΩ) / (4ΚΩ
+ 12ΚΩ)]
RTH = 8ΚΩ + 3ΚΩ
RTH = 11ΚΩ
= 8ΚΩ + (4k 2 || 12kΩ) → = 8ΚΩ + 3ΚΩ
RTH = 11ΚΩ= 8ΚΩ + (4k 2 || 12kΩ) →
= 8ΚΩ + 3ΚΩRTH = 11ΚΩ
Step 5 : Connect the RTH in series with voltage source VTH and re-
connect the load resistor. This is shown in fig (6) i.e. Thevenin circuit with
load resistor. This is the Thevenin’s equivalent circuit.

Step 6 : Now, apply the last step i.e. Ohm’s law Calculate the total load
current and load voltage as shown in fig 6.
IL = VTH/ (RTH + RL)
IL = 12V / (11ΚΩ + 5ΚΩ) 12/16ΚΩ ← =
IL = 0.75mA
And
VL = IL × RL
VL = 0.75mA × 5ΚΩ
VL= 3.75V
IL = = Vth/(RTH + RL) =12 /(11ΚΩ + 5ΚΩ)
IL = 0.75mA
VL = IL X RL
VL = 0.75mA x 5ΚΩ
VL = 3.75V
Now compare this simple circuit with the original circuit shown in Figure
1. Do you see how much easier it becomes to measure and calculate the
load current in a complex circuit or network for different load resistors
using Thevenin’s Theorem? Yes! And only yes.
Good to know: Both Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems can be applied to
both AC and DC circuits containing various components such as resistors,
inductors, and capacitors. Keep in mind that the Thevenin voltage (VTH)
in an AC circuit is expressed in complex form (polar notation), whereas
the Thevenin resistance (RTH) is given in rectangular form
NORTON’S THEOREM

■ Introduction :
■ Complex circuits are often simplified for easier analysis. Norton’s
Theorem converts part of a network into a simple
■ current source and resistor.
1. Useful in load analysis and electronic design
■ Definition:
■ Any linear, bilateral two-terminal network can be replaced by an
equivalent current source (In) in parallel with a resistance (Rn)
connected to a load.
■ STEPS TO APPLY NORTON’S THEOREM :
■ Remove the load resistor (RL).
■ Find Norton Current (In):
■ Short the output terminals.
■ Calculate the short-circuit current.
■ Find Norton Resistance (Rn):
■ Deactivate all independent sources.
■ Find the equivalent resistance across open terminals.
1. Reattach the load and solve using the simplified Norton model
■ Circuit Diagram:
Procedure
1. Identify the load resistance (RL)
Locate the load connected between two terminals of the network.
Remove the load resistance RL from the circuit.
2. Short the load terminals
Replace the removed load by a short circuit between the two terminals.
3. Find Norton current (IN)
Calculate the current flowing through the short-circuited terminals.
This current is called the Norton current (IN).
4. Remove independent sources to find RN
Deactivate all independent sources:
Replace voltage sources by short circuits.
Replace current sources by open circuit.
5. Find Norton resistance (RN)
Calculate the equivalent resistance seen from the open load terminals.
This resistance is called the Norton resistance (RN).
6. Draw Norton equivalent circuit
Represent the network by:
A current source IN in parallel with resistance RN.
7. Reconnect the load resistance (RL)
Connect the load resistance across the Norton equivalent circuit.
8. Calculate load current (if required)
Use current division to find current through the load:
Relation between Thevnin and
norton theorem
● Concept Overview

Thevenin’s and Nonon’s theorems are vital circul simplification methods, reducing complex linear circuis for
easier analysis

● Equivalence Principle
Both theorems simplify circuits to an equivalent form. They are interchangeable, allowing direct conversion
between Thevenin and Norton circuits.
● Conversion Formulas
V Th =I N * R N
I N =V Th /R Th
R Th =R N
I_{n}
● Application & Selection
Thevenin: Simplifies to a voltage source and series resistor, ideal for finding voltage acress a load
Norten: Simplifies to a current source and paralel resistor, ideal for finding current through a load..
Conclusion

■ Thevenin’s theorem and Norton’s theorem are equivalent and

interchangeable network theorems. Both simplify a complex linear
circuit into an equivalent simple circuit that gives the same voltage,
current, and power to the load. Thevenin’s form uses a voltage source
in series with resistance, while Norton’s form uses a current source in
parallel with the same resistance.
Thank you