C. K. Alexander & M. N. O. Sadiku, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, 7th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2021.
Primary circuit-theory reference for source transformations, network theorems, nodal analysis and worked problems.
CT-01
Course overview
Thévenin and Norton: from terminal behavior to real electronic design
A multi-page course that starts from the physical meaning of a two-terminal network, derives the equivalent models carefully, then uses them on resistor networks, real loaded sources and measurement/design problems. The objective is not to memorize two formulas; it is to learn how to replace complexity by a trustworthy port model.
8 chaptersLinked practice: E-001, E-002
Prerequisites
- Ohm’s law and electrical power
- KCL/KVL
- Series/parallel resistors and voltage dividers
By the end of the course
- Interpret a linear network from its terminal behaviour.
- Extract and verify a Thévenin or Norton equivalent.
- Predict and design around loading in real source–load interfaces.
- Recognize when the linear model must be extended or replaced.
Syllabus
Eight readings that build one source–load model.
Begin with the physical meaning of a port, then learn to extract the equivalent and use it on real resistor networks, instruments and source–load design problems before reaching Norton and power transfer. Active devices are introduced later in Volume II.
- 01→
What a load really sees
Thévenin is a statement about terminal behavior, not a trick for simplifying resistor drawings.
25–35 min · Foundational → rigorous - 02→
Extracting a Thévenin equivalent without fragile shortcuts
Separate open-circuit voltage, driving resistance and the test-source method instead of memorizing disconnected rules.
55–75 min · Foundational → intermediate - 03→
Worked resistor networks
From the familiar divider to a multi-node network where Thévenin is genuinely useful.
45–60 min · Intermediate - 04→
The theorem on the laboratory bench
Why a generator can appear to double its amplitude, and why a voltmeter becomes part of the circuit the moment you connect it.
75–105 min · Intermediate · instrumentation - 05→
Designing a source for a real load
Turn an allowed loading error into a source-resistance requirement without introducing device models too early.
45–60 min · Foundational → intermediate - 06→
Norton equivalence and maximum power transfer
The dual current-source view, and why maximum power is not the same as maximum efficiency.
75–100 min · Intermediate - 07→
Problems that test understanding rather than recall
Calculation, design, diagnosis and model-limit problems with solution paths.
60–120 min · Mixed - 08→
References, next measurements & later extensions
Close the one-port theory, then move deliberately into measurement, signals, AC and later RF.
25–35 min · All levels
Reference backbone
References used
AoN uses circuit texts for the theorem itself and practical-electronics sources for loading and measurement judgement. Microelectronics references are listed only as a forward pointer to later Volume II applications; no transistor model is required in this course.
P. Horowitz & W. Hill, The Art of Electronics, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2015.
Practical interpretation: loading, source resistance, bias networks and the difference between ideal calculations and useful circuits.
A. S. Sedra et al., Microelectronic Circuits, 8th ed., Oxford University Press, 2019.
Future Volume II application reference: Thévenin reductions reappear after BJT/JFET/MOSFET models have been introduced.
B. Razavi, Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2017.
Future analog-design reference; not a prerequisite for the present circuit-theory course.