1. What is a Thevenin Replacement Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the Thevenin equivalent resistance of a linear electrical network based on open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current measurements.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers and students simplify complex circuits into equivalent Thevenin circuits for analysis and design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( R_{th} \) — Thevenin equivalent resistance (Ω)
• \( V_{oc} \) — Open-circuit voltage (V)
• \( I_{sc} \) — Short-circuit current (A)

Explanation: The open-circuit voltage is divided by the short-circuit current to determine the equivalent resistance of the network.

3. Importance of Thevenin Resistance Calculation

Details: Thevenin's theorem allows complex circuits to be simplified to a single voltage source and series resistance, making circuit analysis much easier.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the open-circuit voltage (V_oc) and short-circuit current (I_sc) of your circuit and enter the values. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Thevenin's theorem?
A: It states that any linear electrical network can be replaced by an equivalent circuit with a single voltage source (V_th) and series resistance (R_th).

Q2: How do I measure V_oc and I_sc?
A: V_oc is measured across the output terminals with no load. I_sc is measured with the output terminals shorted (use caution).

Q3: Does this work for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits, you'll need to consider impedance (Z_th) instead of just resistance.

Q4: What if my circuit isn't linear?
A: Thevenin's theorem only applies to linear circuits. For non-linear circuits, other methods must be used.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The accuracy depends on the precision of your V_oc and I_sc measurements and how well the circuit meets the linearity requirement.