1. What is a Voltage Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage from a voltage divider circuit based on input voltage and two resistor values.

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

2. How Does the Voltage Divider Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The output voltage is a fraction of the input voltage, determined by the ratio of R2 to the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in electronics for creating reference voltages, biasing transistors, and scaling sensor outputs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be positive numbers. The output voltage will always be less than the input voltage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 equals R2?
A: 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, but only for instantaneous voltage calculations. For AC analysis, you need to consider impedance and phase relationships.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Choose resistor wattages that can handle this current.

Q4: Why does the output change when I connect a load?
A: The load acts as a parallel resistance with R2, effectively changing the voltage divider ratio.

Q5: How can I make the output more stable?
A: Use smaller resistor values (which draw more current) or buffer the output with an op-amp.