DAR ES SALAAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (DIT)
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGNEERING
COURSE COMPUTER ENGNEERING
STREAM FOUR (04)
MODULE NAME: FUNDAMENTAL OF ANALOGUE ELECTRONICS
MODULE CODE: ETU 07122
GROUP NUMBER: 08
SUBMITING DATE: 17 /02/2026
LECTURER NAME: MADAM NZOWA NSATUSILE
No NAME REGISTRATION SIGNATURE
NUMBER
01 ANNA MANG’ERERE TIMBA 250242487312
02 EZRA ROJEL JOHANES 250242453421
03 VEILA SETH MOLLEL 250242498384
04 SAMWEL MARWA KITUKA 250141452191
05 SHABANI ALFANI RAMADHANI 250242445013
06 GODIAN BARAKA MAHENDEKA 250242401917
07 SULVATI JUMA MWIRU 250242417368
QUESTION: Maximum power Transfer theorem
MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM.
Maximum power transfer theorem state that maximum power is delivered from a source to a load
when the load resistance is equal to the internal resistance from a source.
in simple form
RL=RS
Where RL =Load resistance
RS=source (internal ) resistance.
if RL is very small, power delivered is small
if RL is very large, power delivered is large
if RL=RS, power delivered is maximum
consider the circuit below
from I=VS/(RL+RS)
POWER delivered to the load
P=I2RL
But I= VS/(RL+RS)
PL=(VS/(RL+RS))2RL
PL=VS2RL/(RL+RS)2
Differentiate to find the maximum power
dpL/dRL =((RL+RS)2VS2-2VS2RL(RL+RS))/(RL+RS)4
for maximum power
dpL/dRL =0
2RL(RL+RS) = (RL+RS)2
2RL= RL+RS
RL=RS
Therefore condition for maximum power delivered to the load is proved.
note: an alternative way to look at the maximum power transfer theorem is possible in terms of
the Thevenin equivalent resistance of a network.
the modified circuit is given below.
a network delivers maximum power to a load resistance RL when RL is equal to a Thevenin
equivalent resistance of the network i.e
RL=RS =RTh
Hence we have proven that according to the maximum power transfer theorem, when the load
resistance or Thevenin resistance is equal to the source resistance, maximum power is
delivered. hence the formular of maximum power is given as
From
PL=VS2RL/(RL+RS)2
But RL=RS =RTh
VS= VTh
p = (VTh2RTh)/(RTh+RTh)2
Pmax =(VTh2RTh)/(2RTh)2
Pmax=VTh2/4RTh
Therefore Pmax =VTh2/4RTh
EFFICIENCY OF MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER
The maximum power transfer theorem ensures efficient power transfer and minimize wastage
when applied correctly.
It is useful in scenarios where maximizing power usage and minimizing waste is essential, such
as audio amplifiers.
Efficiency calculation;
Efficiency max = PL max / Ps .
Where; Pl max = Maximum amount of power transferred to the load.
Ps = Power generated by the source.
PL max = Vth 2 / 4Rth.
Calculating Ps;
PS = I2 (RTH + RL).
But, RTH = RL = Rs
Ps = I2 (RTH + RL).
Ps = 2I2 RTH, but I = Vth / (Rs + RL)
Ps = ( Vth / 2RTH )2 × 2RTH.
Ps = VTH 2 / 2 RTH
Hence efficiency will be;
Efficiency = PL max / Ps
Eff max = (VTH2 / 4 RTH) ÷ (VTH 2 / 2 RTH) = ½
Eff max = ½ ×100% = 50%
Therefore, the efficiency of the maximum power transfer is fifty percent (50%).
MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM IN AC CIRCUIT.
In Ac circuits, the maximum power transfer theorem determines the condition for transferring the
maximum power from the source to the load, this theorem states that, “In an active Ac circuit, a
source with internal impedence (Zs ) is connected to a load ZL, the highest power transfer occurs
when the impedence of the load matches the complex conjugates of the source impedence”
Now let us derive the condition for maximum power transfer in AC circuits;
Consider an equivalent circuit analogous to Thevenin’s, when analysing this circuit across the
load terminals the current flowing is given by;-
I = VTH / (ZTH + ZL).
Where;
ZL = RL + j XL (Load impedence)
ZTH = RTH + j XTH (Thevenin’s impedence)
Therefore;
I = VTH / ((RL + RTH) + j(XL + XTH))
So;
Magnitude of the current is:
I = VTH / ((RTH + RL)2 + (XL + XTH)2 )1/2
The maximum power delivered to the load (PL) is given by.
PL = I2 RL.
PL = VTH 2 . RL / (RL + RTH)2 + (XL + XTH)2 ……………………….i).
To maximize power transfer, we will differentiate the equation I and
equate it to zero.
After simplification we will find that;
XL = - Xth ……………. Condition for maximum power transfer
Substituting the value of XL into the equation i, we obtain;-
PL = Vth 2 . RL / (RL + RTh)2
For maximum power transfer we will equate the above equation to zero
RL+Rth=2RL.
Rth=RL
Hence in an Ac circuit the highest power transfer occurs when the load resistor (RL) equal the
Thevenin resistance (Rth) and XL Equals the the negative of Xth. in other words, the load impedance
ZL must be equal to the complex conjugate of the corresponding circuit impedance.
If ZL = RL+JXL Then
ZTh = Rth-JXL
ADVANTAGE OF MAXIMUM POWER THEOREM
It ensures that the maximum available power from a source is efficiently delivered to the
load.
It helps in designing the circuits that minimize power wastage.
It prevents the overloading of components by matching load resistance with the source
resistance, which enhances circuit safety.
It is very easy to apply, which helps in quick estimation.
DISADVANTAGES
It is not applicable in non-linear and unilateral networks.
Matching resistances may not always be feasible in real-world applications due to
component limitations.
In cases where load resistance does not match, it can result in power loss, reducing circuit
efficiency.
The maximum efficiency up to which the Maximum Power Transfer Theorem can reach
is 50%, and it is not applicable for power systems.
APPLICATIONS OF MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM
Radio and TV Antenna Electronic Devices
Solar Panels
Sound Systems
Wireless Devices
The following are the steps to solve the Maximum Power Transfer Theorem:
Identify the load: Identify the variable load (RL) resistance for which maximum power is to be
determined.
Remove the load: Disconnect the load (RL) from the circuit to create an open circuit at the
terminals say A and B.
Calculate Thevenin Voltage (Vth).
Calculate Thevenin Resistance (Rth).
Calculate the total equivalent resistance (Rth) looking into the open terminals.
Determine the Maximum Power (Pmax):
The maximum power is transferred when RL = Rth.
Calculate the Maximum Power value:
Use the formula:
P = VTH2/4RTH