Voltage Divider Calculator Digikey

Voltage Divider Equation:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Output Voltage (V_out):

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1. What is a Voltage Divider?

A voltage divider is a simple circuit that turns a large voltage into a smaller one. Using just two resistors in series, it outputs a fraction of the input voltage determined by the resistor values.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider equation:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Where:

\( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (V)
\( R1 \) — First resistor (Ω)
\( R2 \) — Second resistor (Ω)
\( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (V)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R2 to the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Division

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in electronics for creating reference voltages, level shifting, and sensor interfacing. They're simple but require careful design to avoid loading effects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, and both resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the divided output voltage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but real-world accuracy depends on resistor tolerance and load effects.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the divider?
A: I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Choose resistor values to limit current to safe levels.

Q4: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, with the same formula, but consider frequency effects on impedance for high frequencies.

Q5: What about power ratings?
A: Ensure resistors can handle the power: P = V²/R. Higher resistance values reduce power dissipation.