Finding the thevenin equivalent using Vo and Io

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Thevenin equivalent of a specific circuit to calculate the current across an inductor. Participants share their attempts, methods, and challenges related to the calculations, focusing on the Thevenin equivalent current (i0) and voltage (Vth).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in obtaining consistent results for i0, noting that their closest answer is -5A while the expected value is 3A.
  • Another participant questions the direction of the current control for the current controlled voltage source and its relation to finding Rth.
  • There is a calculation presented regarding the voltage across a 4-ohm resistor and the current through a 2-ohm resistor, leading to a discussion about the values involved.
  • A participant suggests using nodal analysis instead of mesh analysis to find i0, citing personal preference for understanding sign conventions.
  • One participant proposes an equation for Io based on circuit parameters, arriving at the result of Io = 3A.
  • Another participant shares a similar approach to calculating Io using a different set of equations.
  • There is a debate about the applicability of superposition in circuits with dependent sources, with differing opinions on its feasibility.
  • A later reply acknowledges the assistance received from other participants, indicating that the discussion has been helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods to solve the problem, particularly regarding the use of superposition with dependent sources. There is no consensus on the best approach to take, and multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions are presented without full context, such as the specific circuit configuration and the definitions of variables. The discussion includes references to potential errors in the circuit diagram and varying interpretations of the problem.

Evales
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Hey,

I'm trying to find the thevenin equivalent of a particular circuit so that I can calculate the current across an inductor.

I've attached a pdf with the circuit and the working out I've done so far.

When I'm talking about i0 I'm talking about the Thevenin equivalent current and voltage at the nodes near the 1V power source.

I have done this question over and over (and admittedly I do keep getting different answers).
I know that the correct i0 is 3A however the closest I've gotten is -5A (the rest have been divisible by 7 or something).

I have a feeling it has something to do with my signs around the circuit, but it'd be a huge help if someone could look over it and let me know where I'm going wrong/ how to get it right lol.

The yellow part is attempt 1 with the orange part being attempt 2.
Anything that is yellow but is circled in orange I've used in attempt 2.

Also the matrix at the bottom is cut off a bit.
It should be: R2-2*R1
 

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I have a question, which current control this current control voltage source ?
And which direction this control current must flow to make CCVS voltage positivity.
Also I assume that you need Io to find Rth ?
Rth = Vth/Io
 
Last edited:
Maybe I'm not getting what the problem is, but isn't

Voltage across 4 ohm resistor 4 ohm X 3 amp = 12 volt
Current through 2 ohm resistor 1 volt/2 ohm = 0.5 amp
 
Apologies, the current controlled voltage source is defined by i which is in the location of i0, in the opposite direction i = -i0.
Carl I'm trying to find i0, would you suggest nodal analysis? I use mesh analysis normally just because I find it easier to understand the sign conventions.
 
Last edited:
Is this correct?
i3=3i=-3io
 
I wouldn't think so, 3i is the value given to a dependent voltage source.
That is the current i3 is the current passing through the dependent voltage source which = 3i Volts.

I wouldn't be surprised it my lecturer had put in a voltage source instead of a current source though. If nobody else has any ideas I might just put this down to image error.

It was an example in a lecture and I'm pretty bad at circuit calculation so I wanted to be able to do it and get the same answer.
 
Evales said:
Apologies, the current controlled voltage source is defined by i which is in the location of i0, in the opposite direction i = -i0.
If so, we can write one equation

Io = 1V/2Ω + (1V - (-3*Io)/4Ω

Solving this for Io I get this result

Io = 3A
 
Jony130, I came up with the same results using

Io+I3=0.5
3Io+4*I3+1=0
 
Using superpostion (open current sources and short voltage sources) You can find currents, voltages and thevinin equivalents...by quick inspection.

Superposition and thevenin are you friend. Embrace them.
 
  • #10
But it is impossible to use superposition when we have dependent source in the circuit.
 
  • #11
Jony130 said:
But it is impossible to use superposition when we have dependent source in the circuit.

I don't see why not. Nodal analysis will work too I think. KCL...

But super position usually requires no math equations, just simple V=IR stuff.
 
  • #12
Thanks guys, I thought there was a way for me to thank you, but I'm not able to see it.

This has helped a lot.
 

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