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A linear two-terminal network can be represented by a current source in parallel with its internal resistance.
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Formula
IN in A; UTh in V; R in Ω
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Norton short-circuit source current | A | |
| Thevenin open-circuit voltage | V | |
| RN, RTh | Equal equivalent internal resistance | Ω |
I_N=\frac{U_{Th}}{R_{Th}},\quad R_N=R_{Th}Thevenin and Norton models have the same linear terminal behavior when IN=UTh/RTh and RN=RTh. Source conversion is an equivalent circuit representation, not a physical conversion of internal components. Dependent sources and nonlinear networks require careful analysis.
Thevenin and Norton models have the same linear terminal behavior when IN=UTh/RTh and RN=RTh. Source conversion is an equivalent circuit representation, not a physical conversion of internal components. Dependent sources and nonlinear networks require careful analysis.
A linear two-terminal network can be represented by a current source in parallel with its internal resistance.
Base equation for the target quantity
Preserve signs, boundary conditions and units when rearranging.
Work through the numerical example for “Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion” and check its unit and magnitude.
A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω.
Substituting a related quantity that shares the same symbol.
Use variable definitions and check: IN in A; UTh in V; R in Ω.
Formula cluster
A linear two-terminal network can be represented by a current source in parallel with its internal resistance.
A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω.
Switch between voltage-source and current-source models to simplify network analysis.
Here is how to work through a typical Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion (IN = UTh/RTh; RN = RTh) task step by step:
Task
Work through the numerical example for “Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion” and check its unit and magnitude.
Solution path
A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω.
Divide the Thevenin open-circuit voltage by its series resistance. The result is output short-circuit current when polarity and reference direction are consistent. Check that volts divided by ohms gives amperes. The source conversion preserves external terminal behavior for a linear two-terminal model, not internal structure. Application: Switch between voltage-source and current-source models to simplify network analysis. The numerical example A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω anchors the idea in a concrete measurement case.
No. Equivalent internal resistance stays numerically the same; it is parallel to the Norton source and in series with Thevenin. Source placement differs, but both yield the same external terminal characteristic. The source conversion preserves external terminal behavior for a linear two-terminal model, not internal structure. The corresponding units are IN in A; UTh in V; R in Ω. A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω. This checks that the reference quantities are compatible.
Only approximately over a range where the battery behaves like a linear source with nearly constant internal resistance. State of charge, temperature and current can change voltage and resistance. Useful for circuit calculations, it does not model chemistry or dynamics. The source conversion preserves external terminal behavior for a linear two-terminal model, not internal structure. Scope: Thevenin and Norton models have the same linear terminal behavior when IN=UTh/RTh and RN=RTh. Source conversion is an equivalent circuit representation, not a physical conversion of internal components. Dependent sources and nonlinear networks require careful analysis. A practical application is Switch between voltage-source and current-source models to simplify network analysis.
Write the quantity and unit from the variable list next to every value: IN in A; UTh in V; R in Ω. Substitute only after converting to a consistent unit system, and state sign or reference direction explicitly. The example A 12 V Thevenin source with 6 Ω becomes a 2 A Norton source in parallel with 6 Ω. is a calculation check: result, unit and order of magnitude must fit the described situation. Round after intermediate calculations so small contributions are not lost prematurely. The source conversion preserves external terminal behavior for a linear two-terminal model, not internal structure.
The background states this starting condition: Thevenin and Norton models have the same linear terminal behavior when IN=UTh/RTh and RN=RTh. Source conversion is an. That limits when the result is a valid model prediction. Compare the problem’s boundary conditions with this assumption before substituting values; real components, material properties or loads can introduce additional effects. The cited reference supports the relation used here but does not remove the need to check whether the specific case fits the model. The source conversion preserves external terminal behavior for a linear two-terminal model, not internal structure.
Quanta exam set
Curated exam set for "Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion":
Question (front)
Which formula describes Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion?
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How do you rearrange Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion for Base equation for the target quantity?
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Which common mistake happens with Norton equivalent and Thevenin conversion?
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