Network Theorems

Ch. 10 (Grob)
Topics Covered in Chapter 10
 10-6: Thevenin-Norton Conversions
 10-7: Conversion of Voltage and Current Sources
 10-8: Millman’s Theorem
 10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions
10-1: Superposition Theorem
 The superposition theorem extends the use of Ohm’s
Law to circuits with multiple sources.
 In order to apply the superposition theorem to a
network, certain conditions must be met:

1. All the components must be linear, meaning that the

current is proportional to the applied voltage.
10-1: Superposition Theorem
2. All the components must be bilateral, meaning that the
current is the same amount for opposite polarities of the
source voltage.
3. Passive components may be used. These are
components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors,
that do not amplify or rectify.
4. Active components may not be used. Active
components include transistors, semiconductor diodes,
and electron tubes. Such components are never bilateral
and seldom linear.
10-1: Superposition Theorem
 Ina linear, bilateral network that has more than one
source, the current or voltage in any part of the
network can be found by adding algebraically the
effect of each source separately.

 This analysis is done by:

 shortingeach voltage source in turn.
 opening each current source in turn.
 10-1: Superposition Theorem

Fig. 10-1: Superposition theorem applied to a voltage divider with two sources V1 and V2. (a) Actual circuit
with +13 V from point P to chassis ground. (b) V1 alone producing +16 V at P. (c) V2 alone producing −3 V
at P.
10-1: Superposition Theorem

R1 R2

15 V 100 W 20 W 13 V
V1 10 W R3 V2

R1 R2
15 V 100 W 20 W
V2 shorted
V1 10 W R3

REQ = 106.7 W, IT = 0.141 A and IR3 = 0.094 A

10-1: Superposition Theorem (Applied)
R1 R2

15 V 100 W 20 W 13 V
V1 10 W R3 V2

R1 R2

100 W 20 W 13 V
V1 shorted
10 W R3 V2

REQ = 29.09 W, IT = 0.447 A and IR3 = 0.406 A

10-1: Superposition Theorem (Applied)

R1 R2

15 V 100 W 20 W 13 V
V1 V2
0.094 A 0.406 A

With V2 shorted
REQ = 106.7 W, IT = 0.141 A and IR3 = 0.094 A

With V1 shorted
REQ = 29.09 W, IT = 0.447 A and IR3 = 0.406 A

Adding the currents gives IR3 = 0.5 A

10-1: Superposition Method (Check)
R1 R2

15 V 100 W 20 W 13 V
V1 10 W R3 V2
0.5 A

With 0.5 A flowing in R3, the voltage across R3 must

be 5 V (Ohm’s Law). The voltage across R1 must
therefore be 10 volts (KVL) and the voltage across R2
must be 8 volts (KVL). Solving for the currents in R1
and R2 will verify that the solution agrees with KCL.

IR1 = 0.1 A and IR2 = 0.4 A

IR3 = 0.1 A + 0.4 A = 0.5 A

10-2: Thevenin’s Theorem
Thevenin’s theorem simplifies the process of solving
for the unknown values of voltage and current in a
network by reducing the network to an equivalent
series circuit connected to any pair of network
terminals.
Any network with two open terminals can be replaced
by a single voltage source (VTH) and a series
resistance (RTH) connected to the open terminals.
A component can be removed to produce the open
terminals.
 10-2: Thevenin’s Theorem

Fig. 10-3: Application of Thevenin’s theorem. (a) Actual circuit with terminals A and B across RL. (b)
Disconnect RL to find that VAB is 24V. (c) Short-circuit V to find that RAB is 2Ω.
 10-2: Thevenin’s Theorem

Fig. 10-3 (d) Thevenin equivalent circuit. (e) Reconnect RL at terminals A and B to find that VL is 12V.
10-2: Thevenin’s Theorem
Determining Thevenin Resistance and Voltage
 RTH isdetermined by shorting the voltage source and
calculating the circuit’s total resistance as seen from
open terminals A and B.
 VTH is determined by calculating the voltage between
open terminals A and B.
 10-2: Thevenin’s Theorem

Note that R3 does not change the value of VAB

produced by the source V, but R3 does increase the
value of RTH.

Fig. 10-4: Thevenizing the circuit of Fig. 10-3 but with a 4-Ω R3 in series with the A terminal. (a) VAB is still
24V. (b) Now the RAB is 2 + 4 = 6 Ω. (c) Thevenin equivalent circuit.
10-3: Thevenizing a Circuit
with Two Voltage Sources

 The circuit in Figure 10-5 (next slide) can be

solved by Kirchhoff’s laws, but Thevenin’s
theorem can be used to find the current I3 through
the middle resistance R3.
 Mark the terminals A and B across R3.
 Disconnect R3.

 To calculate VTH, find VAB across the open terminals

 10-3: Thevenizing a Circuit
with Two Voltage Sources

Fig. 10-5: Thevenizing a circuit with two voltage sources V1 and V2. (a) Original circuit with terminals A and
B across the middle resistor R3. (b) Disconnect R3 to find that VAB is −33.6V. (c) Short-circuit V1 and V2 to find
that RAB is 2.4 Ω. (d) Thevenin equivalent with RL reconnected to terminals A and B.
10-4: Thevenizing a Bridge Circuit

 A Wheatstone Bridge Can Be

Thevenized.
 Problem: Find the voltage
drop across RL.
 The bridge is unbalanced and
Thevenin’s theorem is a good
choice.
 RL will be removed in this
procedure making A and B
the Thevenin terminals.

Fig. 10-6: Thevenizing a bridge circuit. (a) Original circuit with terminals A and B across middle resistor RL.
 10-4: Thevenizing a Bridge Circuit

RAB = RTA + RTB = 2 + 2.4 = 4.4 Ω

VAB = −20 −(−12) = −8V

Fig. 10-6(b) Disconnect RL to find VAB of −8 V. (c) With source V short-circuited, RAB is 2 + 2.4 = 4.4 Ω.
10-4: Thevenizing a Bridge Circuit

Fig. 10-6(d) Thevenin equivalent with RL reconnected to terminals A and B.

10-5: Norton’s Theorem
 Norton’s theorem is used to simplify a network in
terms of currents instead of voltages.
 It reduces a network to a simple parallel circuit with a
current source (comparable to a voltage source).
 Norton’s theorem states that any network with two
terminals can be replaced by a single current source
and parallel resistance connected across the terminals.
 The two terminals are usually labeled something such as A
and B.
 The Norton current is usually labeled IN.
 The Norton resistance is usually labeled RN.
10-5: Norton’s Theorem
 Example of a Current Source
 The symbol for a current source is a circle enclosing an
arrow that indicates the direction of current flow. The
direction must be the same as the current produced by
the polarity of the corresponding voltage source (which
produces electron flow from the negative terminal).
 10-5: Norton’s Theorem

Fig. 10-7: General forms for a voltage source or current source connected to a load RL across terminals A
and B. (a) Voltage source V with series R. (b) Current source I with parallel R. (c) Current source I with
parallel conductance G.
10-5: Norton’s Theorem
 Example of a Current Source
 In this example, the current I is provided constant with
its rating regardless of what may be connected across
output terminals A and B. As resistances are added, the
current divides according to the rules for parallel
branches (inversely to branch resistances but directly
with conductances).
 Note that unlike voltage sources, current sources are
killed by making them open.
10-5: Norton’s Theorem
Determining Norton Current and Voltage
IN is determined by calculating the current through a
short placed across terminals A and B.

RN is determined by shorting the voltage source and

calculating the circuit’s total resistance as seen from
open terminals A and B (same procedure as for RTH).

 A Wheatstone Bridge Can Be Nortonized.

 10-5: Norton’s Theorem

Fig. 10-9: Same circuit as in Fig. 10-3, but solved by Norton’s theorem. (a) Original circuit. (b) Short
circuit across terminals A and B.
10-5: Norton’s Theorem
 The Norton Equivalent Circuit
 Replace R2 with a short and determine IN.
 Apply the current divider.
 Apply KCL.
 RN = RTH.
 The current source provides 12 A total flow, regardless
of what is connected across it. With no load, all of the
current will flow in RN. When shorted, all of the
current will flow in the short.
 Connect R2.
 Apply the current divider.
 Use Ohm’s Law.
 10-5: Norton’s Theorem

Fig. 10-9(c) The short-circuit current IN is 36/3 = 12 A. (d) Open terminals A and B but short-circuit V to find
RAB is 2 Ω, the same as RTH.
 10-5: Norton’s Theorem

IL = IN x RN/RN + RL = 12 x 2/4 = 6 A

Fig. 10-9(e) Norton equivalent circuit. (f) RL reconnected to terminals A and B to find that IL is 6A.
10-6: Thevenin-Norton Conversions

 Thevenin’s theorem says that any network can be

represented by a voltage source and series
resistance.
 Norton’s theorem says that the same network can
be represented by a current source and shunt
resistance.
 Therefore, it is possible to convert directly from a
Thevenin form to a Norton form and vice versa.
 Thevenin-Norton conversions are often useful.
 10-6: Thevenin-Norton Conversions

Thevenin Norton

Fig. 10-11: Thevenin equivalent circuit in (a) corresponds to the Norton equivalent in (b).
 10-6: Thevenin-Norton Conversions

Fig. 10-12: Example of Thevenin-Norton conversions. (a) Original circuit, the same as in Figs. 10-3a and 10-
9a. (b) Thevenin equivalent. (c) Norton equivalent.
10-7: Conversion of Voltage
and Current Sources
 Norton conversion is a specific example of the general
principle that any voltage source with its series
resistance can be converted to an equivalent current
source with the same resistance in parallel.
 Conversion of voltage and current sources can often
simplify circuits, especially those with two or more
sources.
 Current sources are easier for parallel connections,
where currents can be added or divided.
 Voltage sources are easier for series connections,
where voltages can be added or divided.
10-7: Conversion of Voltage
and Current Sources

Fig. 10-14: Converting two voltage sources in V1 and V2 in

parallel branches to current sources I1 and I2 that can be
combined. (a) Original circuit. (b) V1 and V2 converted to
parallel current sources I1 and I2. (c) Equivalent circuit with one
combined current source IT.
 10-7: Conversion of Voltage
and Current Sources

Fig. 10-15: Converting two current sources I1 and I2 in series to voltage sources V1 and V2 that can be
combined. (a) Original circuit. (b) I1 and I2 converted to series voltage sources V1 and V2. (c) Equivalent
circuit with one combined voltage source VT.
10-8: Millman’s Theorem
 Millman’s theorem provides a shortcut for finding the
common voltage across any number of parallel
branches with different voltage sources.
 The theorem states that the common voltage across
parallel branches with different voltage sources can be
determined by:
V1 V2 V3
 
R1 R2 R3
VXY   etc
1 1 1
 
R1 R2 R3
 This formula converts the voltage sources to current
sources and combines the results.
 10-8: Millman’s Theorem

84/12  0/6  21/3 7  0   7

VXY = =
1/12  1/6  1/3 7/12
14 12
= =  14 
7/12 7
VXY =  24 V = V3

Fig. 10-17: The same circuit as in Fig. 9-4 for Kirchhoff’s laws, but shown with parallel branches to calculate
VXY by Millman’s theorem.
 10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 Circuits are sometimes called different names

according to their shapes.
 This circuit is the same circuit in both diagrams. The
one on the left is a T (tee) network; the one on the right
is a Y (wye) network.

Fig. 10-19: The form of a T or Y network.

 10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 Both of the following networks are the same; the one

on the left is called a pi (π), and the one on the right is
called a delta (Δ), because the forms resemble those
Greek characters.

Fig. 10-20: The form of a π or Δ network.

10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 The Y and Δ forms are different ways to connect three

resistors in a passive network.

 When analyzing such networks, it is often useful to

convert a Δ to a Y or vice-versa.
10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 Delta-to-Wye Conversion
 A delta(Δ) circuit can be converted to a wye (Y)
equivalent circuit by applying Kirchhoff’s laws:
R BR C
R1  RA
RA  RB  RC
R CR A
R2  R2 R3
RA  RB  RC
RC RB
R1
R AR B
R3 
RA  RB  RC
 This approach also converts a T to a π network.
10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 Wye-to-delta Conversion
 A wye (Y) circuit can be converted to a delta (Δ)
equivalent circuit by applying Kirchhoff’s laws:
R R  R 2R 3  R 1R 3 RA
RA  1 2
R1
R R  R 2R 3  R 1R 3 R2 R3
RB  1 2 RC RB
R2 R1

R 1R 2  R 2R 3  R 1R 3
RC 
R3
10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

Useful aid in using formulas:

 Place the Y inside the Δ.

 Note the Δ has three closed

sides and the Y has three open

arms.
 Note how resistors can be
considered opposite each
other in the two networks.
 Each resistor in an open arm

has two adjacent resistors in

the closed sides.
Fig. 10-21: Conversion between Y and Δ networks.
10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 In the formulas for the Y-to-Δ conversion, each side of

the delta is found by first taking all possible cross
products of the arms of the wye, using two arms at a
time. (There are three such cross products.)
 The sum of the three cross products is then divided by
the opposite arm to find the value of each side of the
delta.
 Note that the numerator remains the same, the sum of
the three cross products.
 Each side of the delta is calculated by dividing this sum
by the opposite arm.
10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

 For the Δ-to-Y conversion, each arm of the wye is

found by taking the product of the two adjacent
sides in the delta and dividing by the sum of the
three sides of the delta.
 The product of the two adjacent resistors excludes
the opposite resistor.
 The denominator for the sum of the three sides
remains the same in the three formulas.
 Each arm is calculated by dividing the sum into
each cross product.
 10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

A Wheatstone Bridge Can Be Simplified.

The total current IT from the battery is desired. Therefore, total resistance RT must
be found.
Fig. 10-22: Solving a bridge circuit by Δ-to-Y conversion. (a) Original circuit. (b) How the Y of R1R2R3
corresponds to the Δ of RARBRC.
 10-9: T or Y and π or Δ Conversions

RT = R + R1 = 2.5 + 2 = 4.5 Ω

Fig. 10-22 (c) The Y substituted for the Δ network. The result is a series-parallel circuit with the same RT
as the original bridge circuit. (d) RT is 4.5Ω between points P3 and P4.
Thanks