Thévenin–Norton equivalence

Tags

• circuitos
• Dividers
• Electronics
• physics
• Electronics formula
• physics formula
• Resistive networks
• thevenin

Detail

Explore the idea

Variables

• $V_i,V_o$voltages (V)
• $R_1,R_2,R_L,R_{\mathrm{Th}}$resistances (Ω)
• $I_T,I_N$currents (A).

Conditions

• Linear resistive DC network; unloaded divider unless RL is stated.

Intuitive explanation

For “Thévenin–Norton equivalence”: the divider and Thévenin/Norton reduce the network to one port; a load across R2 lowers Vo.

Worked example

Common mistakes

• forgetting that RL sits in parallel with R2
• using the unloaded divider with a load present
• mixing kΩ with Ω

Frequently asked questions

What must be checked before using the Thévenin–Norton equivalence relation?

Check a resistive DC network, sign references and whether the divider is loaded.

Also known as

• voltage divider, current divider, Thévenin, Norton

Related topics

• Dividers and Thévenin

Conventions

• V, A or Ω according to the left-hand side

Related formulas

• Related

  Norton resistance

  $$R_N=R_{\mathrm{Th}}$$
  Open formulaOpen in section

• Related

  Maximum power transfer

  $$R_L=R_{\mathrm{Th}},\qquad P_{\max}=\frac{V_{\mathrm{Th}}^2}{4R_{\mathrm{Th}}}$$
  Open formulaOpen in section

• Related

  Ohm's law

  $$V=IR$$
  Open formulaOpen in section

• Related

  Resistors in series

  $$R_{\text{eq}}=\sum_iR_i$$
  Open formulaOpen in section