1. What is a Voltage Divider?

A voltage divider is a simple circuit that produces an output voltage (V_out) that is a fraction of its input voltage (V_in). It consists of two resistors connected in series, with the output voltage taken from the connection between them.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

Where:

• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( R1 \) — First resistor value (ohms)
• \( R2 \) — Second resistor value (ohms)
• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)

Explanation: The formula calculates the voltage drop across R2, which becomes the output voltage of the divider circuit.

3. Applications of Voltage Dividers

Details: Voltage dividers are commonly used in electronic circuits for level shifting, sensor interfacing, bias voltage generation, and as reference voltages for analog-to-digital converters.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, and resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 and R2 are equal?
A: If R1 = R2, the output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage (V_out = V_in/2).

Q2: Can I use this for AC voltages?
A: Yes, the voltage divider formula works for both DC and AC voltages, though for AC you need to consider the impedance rather than just resistance.

Q3: What is the maximum current through the divider?
A: The current is determined by I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Choose resistor values to limit current to appropriate levels for your application.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes ideal resistors. Real-world factors like resistor tolerance, temperature coefficients, and load effects may affect actual performance.

Q5: What if there's a load connected to the output?
A: The formula provided is for an unloaded voltage divider. If a load is connected, it will draw current and affect the output voltage, requiring a more complex calculation.