Enter the short circuit current, Thévenin resistance, and load resistance into the calculator to determine the load current using Norton’s Theorem. This calculator helps in analyzing complex linear circuits by simplifying them to a single current source and parallel resistance.
Norton’s Theorem Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the load current according to Norton’s Theorem.
I_L = frac{I_{SC}}{1 + frac{R_{TH}}{R_L}}Variables:
- I_L is the load current (Amps)
- I_{SC} is the short circuit current (Amps)
- R_{TH} is the Thévenin equivalent resistance (Ohms)
- R_L is the load resistance (Ohms)
To calculate the load current using Norton’s Theorem, divide the short circuit current by the sum of 1 and the ratio of Thévenin resistance to load resistance.
What is Norton’s Theorem?
Norton’s Theorem is a simplification technique used in circuit analysis. According to the theorem, any linear electrical network with voltage and current sources and only resistances can be replaced at terminals A-B by an equivalent current source (I_{SC}) in parallel with an equivalent resistance (R_{TH}). This theorem is used to simplify the analysis of circuits by reducing them to a basic equivalent circuit, making calculations easier to manage.
How to Calculate Load Current using Norton’s Theorem?
The following steps outline how to calculate the load current using Norton’s Theorem.
- First, determine the short circuit current (I_{SC}) in Amps.
- Next, determine the Thévenin equivalent resistance (R_{TH}) in Ohms.
- Next, determine the load resistance (R_L) in Ohms.
- Next, gather the formula from above = I_L = frac{I_{SC}}{1 + frac{R_{TH}}{R_L}}.
- Finally, calculate the load current (I_L) in Amps.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Short circuit current (I_{SC}) = 5 Amps
Thévenin equivalent resistance (R_{TH}) = 10 Ohms
Load resistance (R_L) = 20 Ohms
