# Thevenin Potential

1. Nov 28, 2013

### sandy.bridge

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hey guys,

There is an example in the textbook regarding simplifying the frequency model of a BJT amplifier. It ends up determining the potential across the highlighted resistor I attached. The formula that the textbook is rather different than the one I determined to be the Thevenin, and hence I am looking for some sort of explanation. I plugged in some values to determine if they were equivalent, and they were close, but not exact. I believe there was approximatedly 0.0016 V difference for the particular values I had chosen. The textbook gives
$$V'_{sig}=V_{sig}\frac{R_3}{R_3+R_{1}}\frac{R_{4}}{R_{4}+R_2+(R_{1}//R_3)}$$

I do not understand how they ended up with $R_1//R_3$. I analyzed the circuit two different ways. I used potential dividers and I also determined the current passing through that leg. Each time my results were vastly different; however, they do give the same results upon evaluation.

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• ###### freq_response.jpg
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2. Nov 28, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

To get the textbook result, replace the source and R1 and R3 with the Thevenin equivalent, giving a source of Vsig.R3/(R1+R3) and having impedance R1 // R3

This Thevenin equivalent is then loaded by the series resistances R2 and R4.

If I nominate some values, e.g.,
R1=4
R2=2
R3=5
R4=3

That expression gives Vsig‘ = 0.2307 Vsig

I'll recheck.

Last edited: Nov 28, 2013
3. Nov 28, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

I checked using potential dividers with loading taken into account, the result with the above figures is also 0.2307

4. Nov 28, 2013

### sandy.bridge

Finally! I was staring at that for a good hour attempting to determine how they got that. Thanks a bunch!