1. What is a 3-Resistor Voltage Divider?

Definition: A voltage divider circuit that uses three resistors to produce an output voltage (V_out) that is a fraction of the input voltage (V_in).

Purpose: Used in electronics to create reference voltages, reduce signal levels, or interface between different voltage circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)
• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( R1, R2, R3 \) — Resistor values (ohms)

Explanation: The output voltage is determined by the ratio of R3 to the total resistance in the divider network.

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Accurate voltage division is crucial for circuit design, sensor interfacing, and creating stable reference voltages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all resistor values in ohms and input voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use three resistors instead of two?
A: Three resistors allow for more precise voltage division and can create intermediate voltage points in a circuit.

Q2: What happens if one resistor is much larger than the others?
A: The output voltage will be very small if R3 is small compared to R1+R2, or close to V_in if R3 is much larger.

Q3: Does resistor tolerance affect the calculation?
A: Yes, real-world resistors have tolerances (typically 1-5%) that affect the actual output voltage.

Q4: What about power ratings of the resistors?
A: Ensure resistors can handle the power dissipation: \( P = V^2/R \). Higher voltages may require higher wattage resistors.

Q5: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, but only for frequencies where the resistors' parasitic capacitance and inductance are negligible.