How Do You Simplify a Circuit Using Thevenin's Theorem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying a circuit using Thevenin's Theorem, specifically addressing a circuit with a 1/5Ω load resistor. The user utilized Microcap's Dynamic DC Analysis Tool to measure current flow and identified a 2/3V voltage source and a 4A current source in series. The correct approach to find the Thevenin equivalent involves suppressing all sources to determine Thevenin resistance and finding the open-circuit potential across the load to establish Thevenin voltage. This method is essential for converting complex circuits into simpler equivalent circuits for easier analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Thevenin's Theorem
  • Proficiency in using Microcap software for circuit analysis
  • Knowledge of Ohm's Law (V = I*R)
  • Familiarity with circuit components such as voltage and current sources
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn the process of finding Thevenin equivalents in complex circuits
  • Explore advanced features of Microcap for circuit simulation
  • Study the impact of load resistance on circuit behavior
  • Review analytical techniques for circuit analysis, including nodal and mesh analysis
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in circuit analysis or simplification using Thevenin's Theorem.

nobodyuknow
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Homework Statement


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Above given is the circuit I am supposed to simplify where the 1/5Ω resistor is the load. I'm unsure how to convert this circuit into an equivalent Thevenin Circuit.

Homework Equations



V = I*R (Ohm's Law)

The Attempt at a Solution



Using Microcap and it's Dynamic DC Analysis Tool, I measured the current flow at the load. I managed to break it down to this:

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/282/5x8t.png

Where V5 was a 2/3V voltage source. (2A current source in series with the 1/3Ω resistor).

If this is correct, I would then say that the 2/3V voltage source and the 4A current source were in series and that the V4 voltage source and the 1/6Ω resistor were in series. Is this the correct approach?
 
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Remember that a Thevenin equivalent is a single voltage source with a single series resistance (for DC circuits).

What's the usual algorithm for finding the Thevenin equivalent analytically?
 
Would the first step be setting all those current sources to 0? Thus left with the remaining voltage source and the two resistors?

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2318/q2z4.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
No. You must suppress ALL sources to find the Thevenin resistance: Remove all current sources and short all voltage sources.

To find the Thevenin voltage you must find the open-circuit potential across the load (remove the load and find the potential across the open terminals).

Your course notes or text should cover this!
 

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