Table of Contents
Norton Theorem
The Norton theorem reduces the networks equivalent to the circuit having one current source, parallel resistance, and load. Norton’s theorem is the converse of Thevenin’s Theorem. Its formation of the equivalent current source instead of an equivalent voltage source as in Thevenin’s theorem. The determination of internal resistance of the supply network is identical in each the theorems.
In the last stage that is in the equivalent circuit, the current is placed in parallel to the internal resistance in Norton’s Theorem whereas in Thevenin’s Theorem the equivalent voltage source is placed in series with the internal resistance.
Statement: Any two-terminal DC network can be replaced by an equivalent circuit consisting of a current source and a parallel resistance.
Explanation of Norton’s Theorem
To understand Norton’s Theorem thoroughly, allow us to contemplate a circuit diagram given below-
In order to find the current through the load resistance IL as shown in the circuit diagram above, the load resistance has to be short-circuited as shown in the diagram below
Now, the value of current I flowing in the circuit is found out by the equation
And the short-circuit current ISC is given by the equation shown below
Now the short circuit is transferred, and the independent source is deactivated as shown in the circuit diagram below and the value of the internal resistance is calculated by
As per the norton theorem, the equivalent source circuit would contain a current source in parallel to the internal resistance, the current source being the short-circuited current across the shorted terminals of the load resistor. The Norton’s Equivalent circuit is represented as.
Lastly, the load current IL calculated by the equation shown below-
Where,
- The IL is the load current
- The Isc is the short circuit current
- The Rint is the internal resistance of the circuit
- The RL is the load resistance of the circuit
Step For Solving a Circuit By Norton’s Theorem
Step 1 – The load resistance of the circuit is removed.
Step 2 – Determine the internal resistance Rint of the source network by deactivating the constant sources.
Step 3 – Now short the load terminals and find the short circuit current ISC flowing through the shorted load terminals using conventional network analysis methods.
Step 4 – Norton’s equivalent circuit is drawn by keeping the internal resistance Rint in parallel with the short circuit current ISC.
Step 5 – Again connect the load resistance RL of the circuit across the load terminals and find the current through it is known as load current IL.
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