Norton's Theorem Calculator

Norton's theorem states that any linear circuit with voltage sources, current sources, and resistors can be simplified to an equivalent circuit consisting of a single current source in parallel with a single resistor. This simplification makes complex circuit analysis much easier.

Norton current (In) is calculated by dividing the Thévenin voltage by the Thévenin resistance: In = Vth / Rth. It represents the short-circuit current that would flow if the load terminals were connected together.

Norton and Thévenin circuits are equivalent representations of the same circuit. The Norton resistance equals the Thévenin resistance, and the Norton current equals the Thévenin voltage divided by the Thévenin resistance.

The load current is calculated using current division: IL = In × (Rn / (Rn + RL)), where In is Norton current, Rn is Norton resistance, and RL is load resistance. This formula shows how the Norton current divides between the Norton resistance and load resistance.

Norton's theorem is particularly useful when analyzing circuits with current sources or when you need to find the current through different load resistances. It's also helpful when the circuit analysis involves parallel combinations of components.

Norton's theorem only applies to linear circuits containing linear components like resistors, voltage sources, and current sources. It cannot be used with non-linear elements such as diodes, transistors, or other semiconductor devices.

Norton resistance is found by turning off all independent sources (replacing voltage sources with short circuits and current sources with open circuits) and calculating the equivalent resistance seen from the load terminals. This value is identical to the Thévenin resistance.