1. What is a Voltage Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the required resistor (R1) in a voltage divider circuit based on R2, input voltage, and desired output voltage.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers and hobbyists design voltage divider circuits for various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( R1 \) — Resistor 1 (ohms)
• \( R2 \) — Resistor 2 (ohms)
• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)

Explanation: The formula calculates the resistor needed to achieve the desired voltage division ratio.

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Proper voltage division is crucial for powering components at correct voltages, creating reference voltages, and signal attenuation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter R2 value in ohms, input voltage (Vin), and desired output voltage (Vout). Vout must be less than Vin. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical application of voltage dividers?
A: Common uses include reducing voltage levels for sensors, creating reference voltages, and biasing transistor circuits.

Q2: How do I choose R2 value?
A: Select R2 based on desired current draw (higher values for low power, lower values for more current).

Q3: What if I need to calculate R2 instead?
A: Rearrange the formula: \( R2 = \frac{R1 \times V_{out}}{V_{in} - V_{out}} \)

Q4: What about power ratings?
A: Calculate power dissipation in each resistor using \( P = V^2/R \) to ensure resistors can handle the power.

Q5: Does this account for load resistance?
A: No, this assumes negligible load current. For significant loads, consider the parallel resistance of R2 and the load.