Norton's Theorem Calculator

Formula

To calculate the Load Current (\(I_L\)) using Norton's Theorem:

\[ I_L = \frac{I_{SC}}{1 + \frac{R_{TH}}{R_L}} \]

Where:

\(I_L\) 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)

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.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Short Circuit Current (\(I_{SC}\)) = 10 Amps
Thévenin Equivalent Resistance (\(R_{TH}\)) = 5 Ohms
Load Resistance (\(R_L\)) = 10 Ohms

Using the formula:

\[ I_L = \frac{10}{1 + \frac{5}{10}} = \frac{10}{1 + 0.5} = \frac{10}{1.5} \approx 6.67 \text{ Amps} \]

The Load Current is approximately 6.67 Amps.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Short Circuit Current (\(I_{SC}\)) = 8 Amps
Thévenin Equivalent Resistance (\(R_{TH}\)) = 4 Ohms
Load Resistance (\(R_L\)) = 8 Ohms

Using the formula:

\[ I_L = \frac{8}{1 + \frac{4}{8}} = \frac{8}{1 + 0.5} = \frac{8}{1.5} \approx 5.33 \text{ Amps} \]

The Load Current is approximately 5.33 Amps.