DC Circuit Analysis Notes
1. Current-Voltage (I-V) Relations
Every fundamental circuit element has a relationship between voltage (V) and current (I). For a resistor,
Ohm's Law dictates V = I·R, where R is resistance. Voltage sources maintain a fixed voltage across
terminals, and current sources maintain a fixed current through terminals. Dependent sources have
their values dependent on other circuit variables.
2. Thevenin’s Theorem
Any linear two-terminal network can be represented as an equivalent voltage source (Vth) in series with
a single resistance (Rth). Steps: 1. Remove the load across the terminals of interest. 2. Compute the
open-circuit voltage = Vth. 3. Deactivate independent sources (voltage sources → short, current
sources → open) and compute equivalent resistance = Rth. 4. Draw equivalent: Vth in series with Rth,
reconnect load and use Ohm's Law.
3. Norton’s Theorem
Any linear two-terminal network can be represented as an equivalent current source (In) in parallel with
a single resistance (Rn). Steps: 1. Remove load. 2. Compute short-circuit current = In. 3. Deactivate
sources as before, compute Rn (equal to Rth). 4. Draw equivalent: In in parallel with Rn, reconnect
load.
4. Superposition Theorem
In linear circuits with multiple independent sources, the response (voltage or current) equals the
algebraic sum of responses from each source acting alone. Deactivate all but one source at a time
(voltage sources → short, current sources → open), determine individual contributions, and sum. Note:
Do not use superposition directly for power calculations.
5. Maximum Power Transfer Theorem
Maximum power is delivered to a load when the load resistance equals the Thevenin resistance (Rth)
of the source network: RL = Rth. Maximum power: Pmax = Vth^2 / (4·Rth). Useful in impedance
matching applications.
6. Series and Parallel Simplifications
Series: Resistors in series: same current flows, total resistance = sum of resistances. Parallel:
Resistors in parallel: same voltage across each, total resistance = 1/(sum of reciprocals).
7. Star-Delta (Y-∆) Transformations
Convert three resistors in a star (Y) configuration to an equivalent delta (∆), or vice versa, to simplify
resistor networks that are not purely series/parallel. Y→∆: Rab = (Ra·Rb + Rb·Rc + Rc·Ra)/Rc, etc.
∆→Y: Ra = (Rab·Rca)/(Rab + Rbc + Rca), etc.
8. Solved Examples
Example 1: Thevenin Equivalent Given a network with sources and resistors, identify terminals A-B.
Remove load, compute open-circuit voltage Vth, deactivate sources to find Rth, draw equivalent and
compute load current.
Example 2: Norton Equivalent Find short-circuit current between terminals, compute Rn, draw Norton
equivalent, and compute load voltage/current.
9. Practice Problems
1. Given a circuit with two voltage sources and multiple resistors, use superposition to find current
through a resistor. 2. For a complex resistor network, perform star-delta transformations to simplify and
find equivalent resistance. 3. Given a network, find Thevenin and Norton equivalents and determine
load for maximum power.
10. Short Tricks and Memory Aids
- For Thevenin/Norton: always remove load first. - For superposition: label each source’s effect
separately. - For star-delta: carefully identify three nodes; check symmetry. - Sketch simplified
equivalents early to visualize.
End of Notes. Good luck with your exam!