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Maximum Power Transfer Theorem Explained

The document discusses the maximum power transfer theorem. It states that to maximize the power transferred to a load represented by a resistor RL, the resistance of RL should match the Thevenin equivalent resistance of the driving circuit. Calculating the derivative of the power equation and setting it to zero shows that the maximum power occurs when the load and source resistances are equal. This maximum power can also be found using Norton's theorem by again matching the load resistance to the Thevenin equivalent resistance.

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Mat Morash
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7 views7 pages

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem Explained

The document discusses the maximum power transfer theorem. It states that to maximize the power transferred to a load represented by a resistor RL, the resistance of RL should match the Thevenin equivalent resistance of the driving circuit. Calculating the derivative of the power equation and setting it to zero shows that the maximum power occurs when the load and source resistances are equal. This maximum power can also be found using Norton's theorem by again matching the load resistance to the Thevenin equivalent resistance.

Uploaded by

Mat Morash
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 4 (Cont.

Circuit Theorems
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

Often times, electrical engineers are asked to design circuits to drive certain
loads. For example, a circuit might be designed to power up a speaker which acts
load.
One problem, which usually requires special attention is, how to tune the
load such that it receives the maximum power from the circuit.

Driven Load

Driving Circuit
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

To simplify this problem, the load is usually represented by a simple resistor,


RL, and the goal now becomes how to find this value of RL that will receive
the maximum power from the circuit.
This problem can be solved using Thevenins theorem!!!

Driven Load

Driving Circuit
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

According to Thevenins theorem,


theorem an arbitrary circuit consisting of
independent/dependent current/voltage sources and resistors can be
replaced a single independent source and a resistor.

Driven Load

Driving Circuit
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

The question now is, What is RL that maximizes the power consumed.

We know that power in RL is

From Ohms law, we also know that

And therefore,

But,

Hence,

To find that RL maximizes p, we have to set


Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

This derivative is zero when

or

Solving for RL

Therefore, p becomes maximum when the load resistance is equal to the


Thevenins equivalent resistance. The value of this maximum power is:
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
We can also use Nortons theorem,
theorem to find the value of the load resistor
that maximizes power transfer.

Using calculus as before, p becomes maximum when the load resistance is


equal to the Nortons (Thevenin) equivalent resistance.
The value of this maximum power is:

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