1. What is a Resistor Divider Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage of a simple resistor voltage divider circuit.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, technicians, and hobbyists design and analyze voltage divider circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider 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 circuits used for signal level adjustment, sensor interfacing, and creating reference voltages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All resistance values must be > 0 ohms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 = R2?
A: When R1 equals R2, the output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage.

Q2: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, but only for low frequencies where capacitive effects can be ignored.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: Current = V_in / (R1 + R2). Ensure resistors are rated for this power (P = I²R).

Q4: How does load resistance affect the output?
A: Any load in parallel with R2 will lower the effective resistance and thus the output voltage.

Q5: What are typical applications?
A: Reference voltages, level shifting, potentiometers, and sensor interfacing.