Explaining Thevenin Equivalent?

In summary, the Thevenin Equivalent breaks down any circuit into one voltage source and one resistor. To go from Figure 4 to Figure 5, the equivalent resistance was calculated by removing the current source and acting like the voltage source is a straight wire. This gave two 2ohm resistors in parallel, resulting in 1ohm. The Thevenin voltage (VTh) can be calculated using nodal analysis at node a and node b. By setting up equations at these nodes, VTh can be solved for and in this case, it was found to be 1V.
  • #1
Chandasouk
165
0
http://img69.imageshack.us/i/circuitf.jpg/

Can someone explain what was done to go from Figure 4 to Fig 5? I tried source transformations but I cannot simplify it to that.
 
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  • #2
Thevenin Equivalent breaks any circuit into one voltage source and one resistor.

You get the 2ohm resistance on the right because you calculated the equivalent resistance in Figure 4 by removing the current source and acting like the voltage source is just a straight wire.

This will give you the two 2ohm resistors in parallel which gives you 1ohm, then that is now in series with the other 1ohm resistor giving you 2 ohms.

VTh is the Thevenin voltage and can be calculated by doing nodal analysis at node a and node b to calculated the voltage through each node.

at a 2A=Va/1ohm and at b (Vb/2)=((6-Vb)/2) giving you Va=2V and Vb=3V and since you want the Thevenin voltage across a and b, VTh = Vb-Va which gives you VTh = 3-1 or VTh = 1V
 
  • #3
Thanks. I was over complicating the method to getting the voltage source. Forgot all about node method.
 

FAQ: Explaining Thevenin Equivalent?

What is Thevenin equivalent?

Thevenin equivalent is a concept in electrical circuit analysis that simplifies a complex circuit into a single voltage source and series resistance. It is used to analyze and predict the behavior of a circuit without needing to understand its internal workings.

Why is Thevenin equivalent important?

Thevenin equivalent allows for easier analysis of complex circuits and simplifies the design process. It also helps in troubleshooting and predicting the behavior of a circuit without needing to physically test it.

How is Thevenin equivalent calculated?

Thevenin equivalent is calculated by finding the open circuit voltage across two terminals of a circuit and the equivalent resistance between those terminals. The open circuit voltage is the voltage when no current is flowing, and the equivalent resistance is the total resistance between the two terminals.

What is the difference between Thevenin equivalent and Norton equivalent?

Thevenin equivalent is a simplified circuit that represents a complex circuit as a single voltage source and series resistance, while Norton equivalent represents it as a single current source and parallel resistance. The two are mathematically equivalent and can be converted into each other.

How is Thevenin equivalent used in real-world applications?

Thevenin equivalent is commonly used in electronic circuit design, power systems analysis, and telecommunications. It is also used in troubleshooting and testing of circuits and in predicting the behavior of complex systems.

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