Help with thevenin - dependent sources

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the Thevenin equivalent of a circuit that includes dependent sources. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to handle dependent voltage sources in the context of Thevenin and Norton equivalents, particularly in relation to circuit analysis techniques like Kirchhoff's laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using Kirchhoff's laws to analyze the circuit and find the Thevenin voltage and resistance. Questions arise about the role of dependent sources and how to incorporate them into the analysis. The original poster seeks clarification on specific KVL equations and the impact of controlled sources on current flow.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on how to approach the problem, emphasizing the importance of including dependent sources in the analysis. There is an ongoing exploration of different interpretations regarding the calculation of Thevenin resistance and the treatment of independent sources.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to consider the behavior of dependent sources when independent sources are turned off, leading to discussions about circuit behavior under various conditions. The original poster's uncertainty about the setup and calculations reflects the complexity of the problem.

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Homework Statement



It is not so important for my question

Homework Equations



So first of all, sorry to just barge in and post this question, but I am not sure how to solve it. I have attached images of the circuits. The task is to find the equivalent thevenin or norton generator. My problem is that I do not know how to do this when there are dependent voltage sources in the circuit. On the other hand I do know how to solve with dependent current sources.

What to do with them, do I calculate its voltage and ad it to the resistors voltage or it determines the total voltage between its two nodes?

http://img69.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=img4308r.jpg

Thank You in advance for helping me with this

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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First consider the closed loop with nothing between A and B. Find the currents using Kirchhoffs law. To find the thevenin voltage, do as you normally would, taking the dependent source into consideration, ie count the voltage gain/loss across it.

To find the thevenin resistance, consider the current that would flow between A and B if a wire were placed there (again, kirchoff). The thevenin resistance is then simply V/I, where V is the calculated thevenin voltage.
 
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So basically it is the same when writing KVL equations?

ie first picture KVL

When going from the upper node of resistor R1 towards the upper node of resistor R3 it is
-Rmi1+(-)ixR2?

Only this part I do not understand. with the rest I'm ok.
 
Yes correct.
 
Last edited:
Thank you very much. Then how does the controlled voltage source affect the current in that branch?
 
It affects the current like any normal voltage battery would by supplying a constant voltage. Just include it in your KVL when you solve for the currents. Did I answer your question?
 
Yes, once again thank You.
 
novop said:
To find the thevenin resistance, consider the current that would flow between A and B if a wire were placed there (again, kirchoff). The thevenin resistance is then simply V/I, where V is the calculated thevenin voltage.

One more question regarding this. When calculating thevenin resistance I switch off the independent sources. In this case short circuit, the voltage source. That would mean i1=0. It makes the dependent source an open loop then because Rm times 0 is 0. Correct?
 
Don't switch off any sources just connect A and B with a wire and look for the current flow. No current flows through R3 because it is in parellel with a wire. So you have two loops to solve.
 

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