Introduction to

Thevenin's Theorem
Thevenin's theorem is a fundamental concept in circuit analysis, offering a
powerful tool for simplifying complex circuits. This theorem provides a
method to represent any linear electrical network as a simple equivalent
circuit, consisting of a single voltage source and a single series resistor. This
simplification significantly reduces the complexity of circuit analysis, making
it easier to understand and analyze the behavior of even the most intricate
circuits.
Thevenin's Theorem Definition
Thevenin's theorem states that any linear electrical network with two terminals can be replaced by an equivalent circuit
consisting of a single voltage source (Vth) in series with a single resistor (Rth). This equivalent circuit is known as the
Thevenin equivalent circuit. Vth represents the open-circuit voltage across the two terminals, while Rth is the equivalent
resistance seen looking back into the network with all independent sources turned off.

1 Vth 2 Rth
The open-circuit voltage across the two terminals. The equivalent resistance seen looking back into the
network with all independent sources turned off.
Thevenin's Theorem Assumptions
Thevenin's theorem applies to linear circuits, where the relationship between voltage and current is linear. This means that
the components in the circuit obey Ohm's law. Furthermore, the circuit should be in the steady-state condition, where all
transient effects have settled. This implies that the circuit has reached a stable state after any changes in input signals.

Linearity Steady-State
The components in the circuit obey Ohm's law, which The circuit has reached a stable state after any changes in
states that the voltage across a conductor is directly input signals, meaning all transient effects have settled.
proportional to the current flowing through it.
Thevenin's Theorem
Derivation
Deriving Thevenin's theorem involves replacing the original complex network
with an equivalent circuit. This is achieved by analyzing the network's behavior
under different conditions. First, the open-circuit voltage (Vth) across the
terminals is calculated. Then, the equivalent resistance (Rth) is determined by
replacing all independent sources with their internal resistances and
calculating the resistance seen looking back into the network. This process
essentially reduces the complexity of the original circuit, making it easier to
analyze.

1 Open-Circuit Voltage
The open-circuit voltage (Vth) across the terminals is
calculated.

2 Equivalent Resistance
The equivalent resistance (Rth) is determined by replacing all
independent sources with their internal resistances and
calculating the resistance seen looking back into the network.

3 Equivalent Circuit
The Thevenin equivalent circuit is formed with Vth in series
with Rth.
Thevenin's Equivalent Circuit
Thevenin's equivalent circuit consists of a single voltage source (Vth) in series
with a single resistor (Rth). Vth represents the open-circuit voltage across the
two terminals, while Rth is the equivalent resistance seen looking back into
the network with all independent sources turned off. This simple equivalent
circuit accurately models the behavior of the original complex network,
simplifying the analysis of the circuit.

Vth Open-circuit voltage across the

two terminals

Rth Equivalent resistance seen

looking back into the network with
all independent sources turned off
Advantages of Thevenin's
Theorem
Thevenin's theorem offers several advantages in circuit analysis. Firstly, it
simplifies complex circuits, making them easier to understand and analyze.
This simplification allows for quicker and more efficient solutions, especially
when dealing with large and intricate networks. Secondly, it provides a
standardized representation of a circuit, making it easier to compare and
analyze different circuits. This consistency is crucial for effective circuit
design and troubleshooting.

Simplification
Simplifies complex circuits, making them easier to understand and
analyze.

Standardization
Provides a standardized representation of a circuit, making it easier to
compare and analyze different circuits.
Applications of Thevenin's
Theorem
Thevenin's theorem finds numerous applications in circuit analysis and
design. It is widely used to simplify circuit analysis, particularly when dealing
with complex networks and loads. For example, Thevenin's theorem is used to
determine the voltage across a load resistor, calculate the current flowing
through a load, or analyze the power delivered to a load. In addition, it is
applied in circuit design to optimize power transfer and ensure maximum
efficiency. The theorem's versatility makes it an essential tool for engineers
working with electrical circuits.

Voltage Analysis
1 Determine the voltage across a load resistor.

Current Analysis
2 Calculate the current flowing through a load.

Power Analysis
3 Analyze the power delivered to a load.
Thevenin's Theorem in Circuit Analysis
Thevenin's theorem is a valuable tool for simplifying circuit analysis. It allows us to analyze a complex network by replacing
a part of the circuit with its Thevenin equivalent. This simplification makes it easier to determine the behavior of the circuit,
particularly when analyzing the impact of a specific component or load. By reducing the circuit to a simpler equivalent, we
can focus on the relevant aspects of the circuit and gain a deeper understanding of its behavior.

Complex Network Thevenin Equivalent

Original complex circuit with multiple components. Simplified equivalent circuit with a voltage source and a
resistor.
Limitations of Thevenin's
Theorem
While powerful, Thevenin's theorem has certain limitations. It only applies to
linear circuits, where the relationship between voltage and current is linear.
This means the theorem cannot be applied to circuits containing non-linear
components such as diodes or transistors. Additionally, the theorem cannot
be applied to circuits with dependent sources, where the output of a source
depends on another element in the circuit. Therefore, it's crucial to understand
these limitations before applying Thevenin's theorem to a circuit.

Non-linear Components
Cannot be applied to circuits containing non-linear components.

Dependent Sources
Cannot be applied to circuits with dependent sources.
Solved circuit numerical using
Thevenin's theorem
Consider a circuit consisting of a voltage source (10V), a resistor (5 ohms) in
series with a resistor (10 ohms), and a load resistor (15 ohms) connected
across the circuit. To determine the current flowing through the load resistor,
we can apply Thevenin's theorem. By calculating the open-circuit voltage
across the load terminals (Vth) and the equivalent resistance looking back
into the circuit (Rth), we can represent the circuit as a simple equivalent
circuit. This equivalent circuit makes it much easier to calculate the current
through the load resistor using Ohm's law.

1 Calculate Vth
The open-circuit voltage across the load terminals.

2 Calculate Rth
The equivalent resistance seen looking back into the network
with all independent sources turned off.

3 Apply Ohm's Law

Calculate the current through the load resistor using Ohm's
law with Vth and Rth.
EXAMPLE 1
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3