Norton's Theorem:
Norton's Theorem states that any linear electrical network with multiple sources and resistors can be simplified into an equivalent circuit consisting of:
A single current source (called the Norton current, IN)
A parallel resistor (called the Norton resistance,RN)
The key idea here is that the current source represents the total current that would flow if the circuit were open (i.e., no load connected). The resistor represents the combined effect of all the resistances in the network, seen from the terminals where you want to simplify the circuit.
In this theorem, all the voltage sources and current sources in the original circuit are replaced by their equivalent current source and parallel resistor. This makes it easier to analyze complex circuits, especially when calculating the current through a load resistor.
How to find the equivalent Norton current and resistance:
Norton Current (IN): This is the current that would flow through a short circuit placed at the terminals where the network is being simplified.
Norton Resistance (RN): This is the resistance seen at the terminals when all independent sources are turned off (voltage sources replaced by short circuits and current sources by open circuits).
Other Theorems for Comparison:
Thevenin’s Theorem:
Thevenin's Theorem is similar to Norton's Theorem, but instead of using a current source, it replaces the network with an equivalent voltage source in series with a resistor.
So, Thevenin’s equivalent circuit has:
A single voltage source (Thevenin voltage, Vth)
A single series resistor (Thevenin resistance,Rth)
Difference: Thevenin’s Theorem uses a voltage source and series resistor to simplify the circuit, while Norton’s Theorem uses a current source and parallel resistor.
Superposition Theorem:
The Superposition Theorem is not about replacing sources with equivalent sources. It’s a method of solving a circuit with multiple independent sources by considering the effect of each source individually while temporarily turning off the other sources (voltage sources replaced by short circuits, and current sources replaced by open circuits). Then, the results are added to find the total response.
Difference: Superposition doesn't replace all sources with equivalent current sources, but rather, it solves the circuit by analyzing each source independently and then summing the effects.
Maximum Power Transfer Theorem:
The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem states that maximum power is transferred to a load when the load resistance equals the Thevenin resistance of the network supplying the power. This is a specific condition for efficient power transfer, not a method of simplifying a circuit.
Difference: This theorem is about maximizing power transfer, not about simplifying a circuit by replacing sources.
Summary:
Norton’s Theorem simplifies circuits by replacing all sources with an equivalent current source in parallel with a resistor, making it the correct answer to the question.
Thevenin’s Theorem simplifies the circuit with an equivalent voltage source in series with a resistor.
Superposition and Maximum Power Transfer Theorem don't simplify circuits by replacing all sources with current sources.
Thus, Norton’s Theorem is the one that replaces all sources with equivalent current sources, and this is why it’s the correct answer.