Using MUTISIM software to reinforce use and application of Norton’s theory in electrical circuits

MULTISIM is a computer simulation software that among other things simulates the performance of electric circuits. This article demonstrates using MULTISIM as an educational tool to enhance student learning process. The specific example subject demonstrated in this article is Norton's circuit analysis theory. The traditional textbooks only demonstrate the final result of a circuit analysis using MULTISIM. The approach taken in this article is different. This article demonstrates using the software as an aid to check the intermediate steps of the hand calculation techniques that must be used if no computer software were being used. An example which was a part of a lecture is presented where every step of finding the Norton's equivalent circuit using a hand calculation technique was verified by simulating the step in MULTISIM. By using the mixed approach of using a hand calculation technique and MULTISIM, the students have the opportunity to verify the accuracy of every step of the process which will improve the students' learning and will allow the students to find and correct their own errors. The added self-reliance on the part of the students is especially useful in a Distance learning course. Due to Covid 19, the lectures and the labs had to be offered as Distance Learning Courses. The material presented in this course replaced the physical lab related to Norton's theorem in an introductory electronics course.