EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

DC Circuits:

Circuit Theorems
Hasan Demirel

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Circuit Theorems

Introduction
Linearity Property
Superposition
Source Transformations
Thevenins Theorem
Nortons Theorem
Maximum Power Transfer

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Introduction
A large
complex circuits

Simplify
circuit analysis

Circuit Theorems
Thevenins theorem
Circuit linearity
Source transformation

Norton theorem
Superposition
Max. power transfer

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Homogeneity property (Scaling)
i v iR
ki kv kiR
Additivity property
i1 v1 i1 R
i2 v2 i2 R
i1 i2 (i1 i2 ) R i1 R i2 R v1 v2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
A linear circuit is one whose output is linearly
related (directly proportional) to its input.
i

v
I0

V0

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
A linear circuit consist of :

linear elements (i.e. R=5 W)

linear dependent sources (i.e. vs=6Io V)

independent sources (i.e. vs=12 V)

vs 10V i 2A
vs 1V i 0.2A
vs 5mV i 1mA
2

v
p i R
: nonlinear
R
2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Example 4.1: For the circuit in below find Io when vs=12V
and vs =24V.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Example 4.1: For the circuit in below find Io when vs=12V
and vs =24V.
KVL

12i1 4i2 vs 0
4i1 16i2 3vx vs 0
vx 2i1

(1)
(2)

Eq(2) becomes

10i1 16i2 vs 0
Using Eqs(1) and (3) we get

2i1 12i2 0 i1 6i2

(3)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Example 4.1: For the circuit in below find Io when vs=12V
and vs =24V.

vs
From Eq(1) we get: 76i2 vs 0 i2
76
when vs 12V
12
I 0 i2 A
76
when vs 24V
24
I 0 i2 A
76

Showing that when the source value is doubled, Io doubles.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Example 4.2: Assume Io = 1A and use linearity to find the
actual value of Io in the following circuit.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Linearity Property
Example 4.2: Assume Io = 1A and use linearity to find the
actual value of Io in the following circuit.
If I 0 1A, then v1 (3 5) I 0 8V
I1 v1 / 4 2A, I 2 I1 I 0 3A

V2
V2 V1 2 I 2 8 6 14V, I 3 2A
7
I 4 I 3 I 2 5A I S 5A
I 0 1A I S 5A
I 0 3A I S 15A

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
The superposition principle states that the voltage
across (or current through) an element in a linear circuit
is the algebraic sum of the voltages across (or currents
through) that element due to each independent source
acting alone.

Turn off, kill, inactive source(s):

independent voltage source: 0 V (short circuit)
independent current source: 0 A (open circuit)
Dependent sources are left intact.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Steps to apply superposition principle:
1. Turn off all independent sources except one source.
Find the output (voltage or current) due to that
active source using nodal or mesh analysis.

2. Repeat step 1 for each of the other independent

sources.
3. Find the total contribution by adding algebraically
all the contributions due to the independent
sources.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
How to turn off independent sources:
Turn off voltages sources = short voltage sources;
make it equal to zero voltage
Turn off current sources = open current sources;
make it equal to zero current

Superposition involves more work but simpler circuits.

Superposition is not applicable to the effect on power.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Example 4.3: Use the superposition theorem to find v
in the circuit below.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Example 4.3: Use the superposition theorem to find v
in the circuit below.
Since there are two sources,
Let

v v1 v2

Voltage division to get

4
v1
(6) 2V
48

Current division, to get

8
i3
(3) 2A
48
Hence v2 4i3 8V
And we find v v1 v2 2 8 10V

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Example 4.4: Find Io in the circuit below using
superposition.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Example 4.4: Find Io in the circuit below using
superposition.
Turn off 20V voltage source:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Superposition
Example 4.4: Find Io in the circuit below using
superposition.
Turn off 4A current source:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
A source transformation is the process of replacing a
voltage source vs in series with a resistor R by a
current source is in parallel with a resistor R, or vice
versa

vs
vs is R or is
R

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Equivalent Circuits:
i

i
+

+
v iR vs

v vs

R R

-is

vs

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Source transformation: Important points
1. Arrow of the current source is directed toward the positive
terminal of the voltage source.
2. Transformation is not possible when:
ideal voltage source (R = 0)
ideal current source (R=)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.6: Use source transformation to find vo in the
circuit below.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.6: Use source transformation to find vo in the
circuit below.

Fig.4.18

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.6: Use source transformation to find vo in the
circuit below.
we use current division in Fig.4.18(c) to get

2
i
(2) 0.4A
28
and

vo 8i 8(0.4) 3.2V

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.7: Find vx in the circuit below using source
transformation.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.7: Find vx in the circuit below using source
transformation.

KVL around the loop in Fig (b)

3 5i vx 18 0

(1)

Appling KVL to the loop containing only the 3V voltage

source, the 1W resistor, and vx yields:

3 1i vx 0 vx 3 i

(2)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Source Transformation
Example 4.7: Find vx in the circuit below using source
transformation.
Substituting Eq.(2) into Eq.(1), we obtain

15 5i 3 0 i 4.5A
Alternatively

vx 4i vx 18 0 i 4.5A
thus

vx 3 i 7.5V

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Thevenins theorem states that a linear two-terminal
circuit can be replaced by an equivalent circuit
consisting of a voltage source VTh in series with a
resistor RTh where VTh is the open circuit voltage at the
terminals and RTh is the input or equivalent resistance
at the terminals when the independent sources are
turned off.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Property of Linear Circuits
i

i
Any two-terminal
Linear Circuits

+
v

Slope=1/RTh

v
Vth
Isc

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Replacing a linear two-terminal circuit (a) by its Thevenin equivalent
circuit (b).

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
How to find Thevenin Voltage?
Equivalent circuit: same voltage-current relation at the
terminals.
VTh voc : open circuit voltage at a b

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
How to find Thevenin Resistance?
RTh Rin : input resistance of the dead circuit at a b.
a b open circuited
Turn off all independent sources

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
How to find Thevenin Resistance?
There are two cases in finding Thevenin Resistance RTh.

CASE 1
If the network has no dependent sources:
Turn off all independent sources.
RTh: can be obtained via simplification of either parallel or
series connection seen from a-b

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
How to find Thevenin Resistance?
There are two cases in finding Thevenin Resistance RTh.

CASE 2
If the network has dependent sources:
Turn off all independent sources.
Apply a voltage source vo at a-b
v
RTh o
io
Alternatively, apply a current source io
vo
at a-b
RTh
io

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
How to find Thevenin Resistance?
The Thevenin resistance, RTh , may be negative,
indicating that the circuit has ability providing
(supplying) power.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
After the Thevenin Equivalent is obtained, the simplified
circuit can be used to calculate IL and VL easily.
Simplified circuit

VTh
IL
RTh RL
RL
VL RL I L
VTh
RTh RL
Voltage divider

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.8: Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit
shown below, to the left of the terminals a-b. Then find the current
through RL = 6,16, and 36 W.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.8: Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit
shown below, to the left of the terminals a-b. Then find the current
through RL = 6,16, and 36 W.

Find RTh:
RTh : 32V voltage source short
2A current source open
4 12
RTh 4 || 12 1
1 4W
16

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.8: Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit
shown below, to the left of the terminals a-b. Then find the current
through RL = 6,16, and 36 W.

Find VTh:

VTh :
(1) Mesh analysis

32 4i1 12(i1 i2 ) 0 , i2 2A
i1 0.5A
VTh 12(i1 i2 ) 12(0.5 2.0) 30V

(2) Alternatively, Nodal Analysis

(32 VTh ) / 4 2 VTh / 12
VTh 30V

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.8: Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit
shown below, to the left of the terminals a-b. Then find the current
through RL = 6,16, and 36 W.

Find VTh: (3) Alternatively, source transform

32 VTH
VTH
2
4
12
96 3VTH 24 VTH VTH 30V

Thevenin Equivalent circuit:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.8: Find the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit
shown below, to the left of the terminals a-b. Then find the current
through RL = 6,16, and 36 W.

Calculate IL:
iL

VTh
30

RTh RL 4 RL

RL 6 I L 30 / 10 3A
RL 16 I L 30 / 20 1.5A

RL 36 I L 30 / 40 0.75A

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.9: Find the Thevenin equivalent of the circuit below at
terminals a-b.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.9: Find the Thevenin equivalent of the circuit below at
terminals a-b.

(independent + dependent sources case)

Find RTh:

Use Fig (a):

independen t source 0
dependent source intact

vo 1
vo 1V, RTh
io io

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.9: Find the Thevenin equivalent of the circuit below at
terminals a-b.

Find RTh:

For Loop 1:

2vx 2(i1 i2 ) 0 or vx i1 i2

But v x 4i2 i1 i2

i1 3i2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.9: Find the Thevenin equivalent of the circuit below at
terminals a-b.

Find RTh:

For Loops 2 and 3:

4i2 2(i2 i1 ) 6(i2 i3 ) 0

6(i3 i2 ) 2i3 1 0
Solving these equations gives

i3 1/ 6A.

1
But io i3 A
6
1V
RTh
6W
io

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.9: Find the Thevenin equivalent of the circuit below at
terminals a-b.

Find VTh: Use Fig (b) : Mesh analysis

Loop 1:

i1 5 A

Loop 2: 4(i2 i1 ) 2(i2 i3 ) 6i2 0

12i2 2i3 20

Loop 3: 2v x 2(i3 i2 ) 0
2(4(i1 i2 )) 2(i3 i2 ) 0
6i2 2i3 40
i 60 / 18
2

VTh voc 6i2 20V

Thevenin Equivalent circuit:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.10: Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit in Fig (a).

Find VTh:

VTh 0

Find RTh:

Use Fig (b):

(dependent source only case)

Apply a current source io at a-b

vo
RTh
io
Nodal anaysis :
io ix 2ix vo / 4

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.10: Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit in Fig (a).

Find RTh:
But

Use Fig (b):

0 vo
vo
ix

2
2

vo
vo vo
vo
io ix
4
2 4
4

or vo 4io

vo
Thus RTh 4W (Supplying power)
io

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.10: Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit in Fig (a).

Input circuit:

Thevenin Equivalent circuit:

When RTh is negative, you must evaluate (check) if the two circuits are equivalent
or not!

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.10: Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit in Fig (a).

Input circuit:

Check with RL (9W) and voltage source (10V)

Thevenin Equivalent circuit:

Check with RL (9W) and voltage source (10V)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Thevenins Theorem
Example 4.10: Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit in Fig (a).
Input circuit:
8ix 4i1 2(i1 i2 ) 0
2i1 6i2 0

, ix i2 i1

, i1 3i2 (1)

2(i2 i1 ) 9i2 10 0
5i2 10 i2 2A

Check with RL (9W) and voltage source (10V)

Thevenin Equivalent circuit:
4i 9i 10 0
5i 10 i 2A

Load current in both circuits are equal.

So the Thevenin Equivalent circuit is OK.

Check with RL (9W) and voltage source (10V)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Nortons theorem states that a linear two-terminal
circuit can be replaced by an equivalent circuit
consisting of a current source IN in parallel with a
resistor RN .

IN is the short-circuit current through the terminals and

RN is the input or equivalent resistance at the terminals
when the independent source are turn off.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Property of Linear Circuits
i

Slope=1/RN
v
Vth
-IN

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
How to find Norton Current
Thevenin and Norton resistances are equal:

RN RTh
Short circuit current from a to b
gives the Norton current:

VTh
I N isc
RTh

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Thevenin or Norton equivalent circuit
The open circuit voltage voc across terminals a and b
The short circuit current isc at terminals a and b
The equivalent or input resistance Rin at terminals a and b when
V
all independent source are turn
off.

VTh voc
I N isc
RTh

VTh

RN
IN

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.11: Find the Norton equivalent circuit of the circuit in Fig 4.39.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.11: Find the Norton equivalent circuit of the circuit in Fig 4.39.

Find RN:

Use Fig (a):

RN 5 || (8 4 8)
20 5
5 || 20
4W
25

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.11: Find the Norton equivalent circuit of the circuit in Fig 4.39.

Find IN:

Use Fig (b):

(short circuit terminals a and b)

Mesh : i1 2 A,

20i2 4i1 12 0

i2 1A isc IN

(ignore 5W. Because it is short circuit)

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.11: Find the Norton equivalent circuit of the circuit in Fig 4.39.

Find IN:

VTh
Use Fig (c): Alternative Method IN
RTh

VTh : (open circuit voltage accross terminals a and b)

Mesh analysis :
i 3 2 A, 25i 4 4i 3 12 0

i 4 0.8A
voc VTh 5i 4 4V
Hence,
VTh
IN
4 / 4 1A
RTh

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.11: Find the Norton equivalent circuit of the circuit in Fig 4.39.

Input circuit:

Nortons Equivalent circuit:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.12: Using Nortons theorem, find RN and IN of the circuit in Fig
4.43 at terminals a-b.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.12: Using Nortons theorem, find RN and IN of the circuit in Fig
4.43 at terminals a-b.

Find RN:

Use Fig (a):

4W resistor shorted
5W || vo || 2ix : Parallel
Hence,

ix 0A,

i0

v0
1V

0.2A
5W 5W

vo
1
RN
5W
io
0.2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.12: Using Nortons theorem, find RN and IN of the circuit in Fig
4.43 at terminals a-b.

Find IN:

4W ||10v || 5W || 2ix : Parallel

10 0
ix
2.5A,
4
10
isc ix 2 ix 2(2.5) 7 A
5

I N 7A

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Nortons Theorem
Example 4.12: Using Nortons theorem, find RN and IN of the circuit in Fig
4.43 at terminals a-b.

Input circuit:

Nortons Equivalent circuit:

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

The Thevenin equivalent is useful in finding the
maximum power a linear circuit can deliver to a load.

VTH
p i RL
RL
RTH RL
2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

Maximum power is transferred to the load when the
load resistance equals the Thevenin resistance as seen
from the load (RL = RTH).

VTH
p i RL
RL
RTH RL
2

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

dp
0
dRL

Pmax can be obtained when:

dp
(
R

R
)
2 RL ( RTH RL )
2
TH
L
VTH
0
2 2
dRL
(( RTH RL ) )

(
R

R
)
2 RL ( RTH RL )
2
2 ( RTH RL 2 RL )
TH
L
VTH
VTH
0
4
3
( RTH RL )

( RTH RL )

( RTH RL 2 RL ) 0
( RTH RL ) 0

RL RTH

pmax

2
TH

4 RTH

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

Example 4.13: Find the value of RL for maximum power transfer in the
circuit of Fig. 4.50. Find the maximum power.

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

Example 4.13: Find the value of RL for maximum power transfer in the
circuit of Fig. 4.50. Find the maximum power.

Find RTh:

RTH

6 12
2 3 6 12 5
9W
18

EENG223: CIRCUIT THEORY I

Maximum Power Transfer

Example 4.13: Find the value of RL for maximum power transfer in the
circuit of Fig. 4.50. Find the maximum power.

Find VTh:
KVL around the outer loop:

2
A
3
0 VTH 22V

12 18i1 12i2 , i2 2 A, i2
12 6i1 3i2 2(0) VTH

RL RTH 9W pmax

VTH2
22 2

13.44 W
4 RL 4 9