Thevinin vs Norton: What's the Difference?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ali Inam
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The Thevenin equivalent simplifies a complex circuit into a voltage source (Vth) in series with a resistance (Rth) across two points, while the Norton equivalent transforms it into a current source (In) in parallel with a resistance. Both methods represent the same circuit behavior but use different parameters. It is important to note that the short-circuit current (Ith) from Thevenin is not equal to the Norton current (In). The discussion humorously highlights the relationship between the two methods, suggesting that Norton derived his approach from Thevenin's theorem. Understanding these equivalents is crucial for circuit analysis and simplification.
Ali Inam
Messages
99
Reaction score
0
What is the basic difference between a thevinin equivalent and a norton equivalent ? !

Can we assume that Ith (from the thevinin) and In (from the Norton) are same ? !
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The basic difference is, for the given complex circuit with many elements, in Thevenin terms, we find equivalent voltage Vth and resistance Rth across a point AB ie., the circuit is simplified into a voltage source in series with a resistance connected to AB.
While in Norton terms, we find equivalent current source and parallel resistance across AB. They are just two ways of representing the same thing.
Also note Ith \neq In
 
We always joked in school that Norton stole Thevenin's therem by doing a source transformation. :)
 

Thread 'How might electronics be different if AC voltage was 72V at 45 Hz?'

Hey guys. I have a question related to electricity and alternating current. Say an alien fictional society developed electricity, and settled on a standard like 73V AC current at 46 Hz. How would appliances be designed, and what impact would the lower frequency and voltage have on transformers, wiring, TVs, computers, LEDs, motors, and heating, assuming the laws of physics and technology are the same as on Earth?
View full post »

Thread 'What happens if shielded cable has a short to the shield?'

While I was rolling out a shielded cable, a though came to my mind - what happens to the current flow in the cable if there came a short between the wire and the shield in both ends of the cable? For simplicity, lets assume a 1-wire copper wire wrapped in an aluminum shield. The wire and the shield has the same cross section area. There are insulating material between them, and in both ends there is a short between them. My first thought, the total resistance of the cable would be reduced...
View full post »

Thread 'Why does the amperage go real high if there is a low voltage short?'

I used to be an HVAC technician. One time I had a service call in which there was no power to the thermostat. The thermostat did not have power because the fuse in the air handler was blown. The fuse in the air handler was blown because there was a low voltage short. The rubber coating on one of the thermostat wires was chewed off by a rodent. The exposed metal in the thermostat wire was touching the metal cabinet of the air handler. This was a low voltage short. This low voltage...
View full post »

Similar threads

How does a current source work in Norton's Therom
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is a Small Output Impedance Desirable for Passing on Voltage in an Amplifier?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Weak in Circuit Analysis what to do?
Replies
5
Views
5K
Maximum power from a transformer
Replies
8
Views
3K
KCL got declined in Norton circuit of an ideal amplifier circuit
Replies
12
Views
2K
Two networks described by v-i graph: Find voltages when interconnected
Replies
1
Views
1K
Norton's Theorem with Dependent Sources?
Replies
2
Views
3K
Engineering Norton/Thevenin Equivalent circuits with a dependent voltage source
Replies
9
Views
6K
Circuit Transformations: Norton's Theorem
Replies
5
Views
1K
Norton and Thevenin equivalents disagreement?
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top