Source transformations
Consider the two circuits below. In particular, look at the current and
voltage of RL in each circuit. Using any of the techniques we seen so
far, it is easy to find iRL and vRL for each case.
RS 2 k! iRL iRL
+ +
VS + RL vRL IS RP RL vRL
– 2.5 mA 2 k! 1 k!
5V 1 k! – –
RL 1
vRL = VS RL
RL + RS iRL = 1
I
1 S
RL + RP
1 kΩ 1
= (5 V) = 1.67 V 1 kΩ
1 kΩ + 2 kΩ = 1 1
(2.5 mA) = 1.67mA
1 kΩ + 2 kΩ
iRL = 1.67 mA, P = 2.78 mW vRL = 1.67 V, P = 2.78 mW
Interesting: From the point of view of the resistor RL, the series
combination of the voltage source and resistor RS gives the exact same
result as the parallel combination of current source and resistor RP.
EE 201 source transformations – 1
The series combination seems to behave identically to the parallel
combination. This suggests that we may, in the right circumstances,
replace one configuration for the other. Making this switch is known as
a source transformation.
RS
IS = VS/RS RP
VS IS
RP = RS
RS
VS = ISRP
RP
IS VS
RS = RP
EE 201 source transformations – 2
These are perfectly viable substitutions. From the point of view of
whatever circuitry is attached to the two terminals, the result will be
exactly the same for the two source configurations.
If you are trying calculate something about the two components (VS-RS
or IP-RP), you cannot transform them. In transforming them, you lose
the ability to calculate a specific property.
This is an example of bigger, more important idea known as the
Thevenin equivalent of circuit. We will introduce this later, and make
extensive use of it in discussing amplifiers, etc.
EE 201 source transformations – 3
Example 1 R1 25 Ω
Find iR4 in the VS + R2 R3 R4
circuit at right. – 50 Ω 200 Ω 100 Ω
50 V iR4
Use a source transformation
to put everything in parallel. IS R1 R2 R3 R4
25 Ω 50 Ω 200 Ω 100 Ω
2A iR4
IS = VS/R1 = 50 V/25 ! = 2A.
Then use a current divider:
1
R4
iR4 = 1 1 1 1 S
I
R1 + R2 + R3 + R4
1
100 Ω
= 1 1 1 1
(2 A) = 0.267 A Easy.
25 Ω + 50 Ω + 200 Ω + 100 Ω
EE 201 source transformations – 4
Example 2 R1 5 kΩ
Find iR2 in the VS + R2
– IS
circuit at right. 7.5 kΩ iR2
20 V 2 mA
Transform the voltage source /
IST R1 R2 IS
resistor combo.
4 mA 5 kΩ 7.5 kΩ iR2 2 mA
IST = VS/R1 = 20 V/5 Ω = 4 mA.
Combine the two current IP R1 R2
sources, IP = IST + IS = 6 mA… 5 kΩ 7.5 kΩ iR2
6 mA
1
R2
iR2 = 1 P
I
…and use the current 1
R1 + R2
divider then once again. 1
7.5 kΩ
= 1 1
(6 mA) = 2.4 mA
7.5 kΩ + 5 kΩ
EE 201 source transformations – 5
Example 3 (An incorrect application)
R1 1 kΩ
iR1 Find iR1 in the circuit at left.
VS +
–
R2 IS
1 kΩ 15 mA
40 V
The previous example worked nicely so use the same method. Transform
VS & R1, and use current divider with the total current.
R1 iR1 R = ( + )
IST 2 +
IS
1 kΩ 1 kΩ 15 mA = ( )= .
40 mA +
It seems nice, but it is wrong because you cannot transform the component
for which you are trying to find voltage or current. (To see that it is wrong,
insert iR1 = 27.5 mA in the original circuit and show that there are serious
inconsistencies with the currents and voltages.)
EE 201 source transformations – 6
Example 3 (Redo it correctly.)
R1 1 kΩ
iR1 Find iR1 in the circuit at left.
VS +
–
R2 IS
1 kΩ 15 mA
40 V
Transform IS & R2.
R1 1 kΩ R2 1 kΩ
Writing a KVL loop equation and
solving for iR1 gives
iR1
VS + + V
– – ST
40 V 15 V =
+
This is the correct answer. = = .
+
EE 201 source transformations – 7
Example 4
1.6 Ω
20 Ω – 60 V R4
R1 VS2 + +
Find vR5 in the
IS R3 R5 vR5 circuit at left.
8Ω
VS1 + 36 A 6Ω –
– R2
120 V 5Ω
Transform two voltage sources to current sources. (Pay attention to polarity.)
1.6 Ω
20 Ω 5Ω R4 +
IST1 R1 IST2 R2 IS R3 R5 vR5
8Ω
6A 12 A 36 A 6Ω –
EE 201 source transformations – 8
Example 4 (cont.)
Add the parallel current sources into one. Combine the parallel resistors into one.
1.6 Ω
R4 +
Ieq Req R5 vR5
8Ω
30 A 2.4 Ω –
Ieq = 6A – 12 A + 36 A = 30 A.
Req = 20 Ω || 5 Ω || 6 Ω = 2.4 Ω.
Transform Ieq & Req: Use voltage divider:
2.4 Ω 1.6 Ω =
+ +
Req R4 +
Veqt + R5 vR5 = ( )
– 8Ω . + . +
72 V –
=
EE 201 source transformations – 9
