1. What is Norton Equivalent Circuit?

The Norton equivalent circuit is a simplified representation of a linear electrical network, consisting of a current source (I_N) in parallel with a resistor (R_N). It's used to analyze complex circuits by reducing them to simpler equivalent circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Norton equivalent formulas:

Where:

• \( R_N \) — Norton equivalent resistance (Ω)
• \( I_N \) — Norton equivalent current (A)
• \( V_{th} \) — Thevenin equivalent voltage (V)
• \( R_{th} \) — Thevenin equivalent resistance (Ω)

Explanation: The Norton equivalent provides an alternative to Thevenin's theorem for circuit simplification, particularly useful when analyzing circuits with current sources.

3. Importance of Norton Equivalent

Details: Norton's theorem is fundamental in circuit analysis, allowing engineers to simplify complex networks, calculate load currents, and analyze circuit behavior under different conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Thevenin voltage in volts and Thevenin resistance in ohms. Both values must be valid (V_th ≥ 0, R_th > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the relationship between Norton and Thevenin equivalents?
A: They are duals of each other. Thevenin uses a voltage source with series resistance, while Norton uses a current source with parallel resistance.

Q2: When should I use Norton equivalent instead of Thevenin?
A: Norton is often preferred when dealing with current sources or when analyzing circuits where current division is more relevant than voltage division.

Q3: Can any linear circuit be converted to a Norton equivalent?
A: Yes, any linear bilateral network with independent sources can be represented by either a Norton or Thevenin equivalent circuit.

Q4: How do I find V_th and R_th for a real circuit?
A: V_th is the open-circuit voltage across the terminals, and R_th is the equivalent resistance when all independent sources are turned off.

Q5: What are the limitations of Norton's theorem?
A: It only applies to linear circuits and cannot be used for circuits with dependent sources unless proper modifications are made.