EXPRIMENT – 2
Objective:
To find the Thevenin voltage and Thevenin resistance of the given circuit, and to create the Thevenin
equivalent circuit for both AC and DC circuits using NI Multisim.
Apparatus Required:
• NI Multisim Software
• AC power source
• DC power source (for DC circuits)
• Resistors
• Diode (for AC circuit)
• Oscilloscope (optional, for observing waveforms)
• Voltmeter and Ammeter (for measurements)
Theory:
Thevenin’s Theorem states that any linear electrical network with resistors and sources (either AC
or DC) can be reduced to a single voltage source and a series resistance when viewed from two
terminals.
• Thevenin Voltage (Vth): This is the open-circuit voltage measured across the output terminals of
the network.
• Thevenin Resistance (Rth): This is the equivalent resistance seen by the load when the voltage
sources are replaced by their internal resistances (short-circuits for ideal voltage sources, open-
circuits for ideal current sources).
For AC circuits, the concept of impedance (combining resistance and reactance) is used, but in the
case of simple resistive circuits, Thevenin’s theorem applies similarly as in DC circuits.
Procedure:
For Finding Thevenin Equivalent of a DC Circuit:
1. Open NI Multisim: Start a new project.
2. Insert Components:
• Add a DC voltage source.
• Add a combination of resistors in the circuit.
• If needed, add other components like diodes, transistors, etc.
3. Find Thevenin Voltage (Vth):
• Disconnect the load resistor (if present) to measure the open-circuit voltage across the
terminals where the load was connected. Use a voltmeter to measure the open-circuit
voltage. This value is your Vth.
4. Find Thevenin Resistance (Rth):
• Remove the voltage source by shorting it (replace it with a wire).
• Measure the equivalent resistance across the same terminals where the load was connected
using an ohmmeter. This value is your Rth.
5. Build the Thevenin Equivalent Circuit:
• In a new simulation, create a series circuit with the Thevenin voltage source (Vth) and
Thevenin resistance (Rth).
• Reconnect the load resistor and simulate the behavior of the Thevenin equivalent circuit.
For Finding Thevenin Equivalent of an AC Circuit:
1. Open NI Multisim: Start a new project.
2. Insert Components:
• Add an AC power source.
• Add resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other components (e.g., diodes) as needed.
3. Find Thevenin Voltage (Vth):
• Disconnect the load resistor and use an oscilloscope or AC voltmeter to measure the open-
circuit voltage at the load terminals. This is your Vth.
4. Find Thevenin Resistance (Rth):
• Replace the AC source with its internal resistance (usually a short-circuit for ideal AC
sources).
• Measure the equivalent impedance (resistance and reactance, if applicable) using an AC
ohmmeter across the load terminals. This is your Rth.
5. Build the Thevenin Equivalent Circuit:
• In a new simulation, create a series circuit with the AC Thevenin voltage source (Vth) and
Thevenin impedance/resistance (Rth).
• Reconnect the load resistor and simulate the behavior of the Thevenin equivalent circuit.
Observation:
• Thevenin Voltage (Vth): This is the open-circuit voltage observed across the output terminals.
• Thevenin Resistance (Rth): This is the resistance (or impedance for AC circuits) seen across the
terminals with the voltage source replaced by its internal resistance.
• The equivalent circuit can then be simulated to see if the behavior matches the original network.
