AC Voltage Divider Calculator

AC Voltage Divider Formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \left( \frac{Z_2}{Z_1 + Z_2} \right) \]

Output Voltage (V_out): volts

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1. What is an AC Voltage Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage in an AC circuit with two impedances in series, based on the input voltage and impedance values.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers and technicians design and analyze AC circuits with voltage division.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \left( \frac{Z_2}{Z_1 + Z_2} \right) \]

Where:

\( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)
\( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
\( Z_1 \) — First impedance (ohms)
\( Z_2 \) — Second impedance (ohms)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of the second impedance to the total impedance in the circuit.

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Proper voltage division is crucial for circuit design, signal conditioning, and creating reference voltages in electronic systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both impedance values. All values must be positive numbers. The impedances can represent resistors, capacitors, inductors, or complex impedances.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use this for DC circuits?
A: Yes, but only with purely resistive components (replace Z with R for resistance).

Q2: What if my impedances are complex numbers?
A: This calculator uses magnitudes only. For complex impedances, you'll need to calculate the complex division separately.

Q3: What's the phase relationship between V_in and V_out?
A: The phase shift depends on the nature of the impedances. This calculator only gives the magnitude.

Q4: Can Z₁ or Z₂ be zero?
A: No, both impedances must be positive values to avoid division by zero.

Q5: How does frequency affect the result?
A: Frequency affects reactive components (capacitors/inductors) but not resistors. The calculator assumes you're using impedance values at your operating frequency.