How to Identify Thevenin vs Norton Equivalent Boxes Using Simple Circuit Tests

The discussion addresses the challenge of distinguishing between Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits enclosed in opaque boxes using simple circuit tests. Thevenin equivalents consist of a voltage source in series with a resistor, while Norton equivalents have a current source in parallel with a resistor. It is emphasized that, by definition, these equivalent circuits produce identical voltage-current characteristics at their terminals, making it impossible to determine the internal configuration solely through external measurements or simple load tests. One response notes that if the boxes represent physical, non-ideal sources, subtle differences might be observed by stressing the system beyond ideal conditions, but this approach is unreliable and not definitive. Overall, the consensus is that no straightforward circuit test can reveal whether a box contains a Thevenin or Norton equivalent, as their terminal behavior is indistinguishable.
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