Resistor Divider Network Calculator

Voltage Division Formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \left( \frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2} \right) \]

Output Voltage (V_out): volts

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1. What is a Resistor Divider Network?

Definition: A resistor voltage divider is a simple circuit that converts a large voltage into a smaller one using two resistors in series.

Purpose: It's commonly used in electronics to create reference voltages, reduce signal levels, or measure high voltages.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \left( \frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2} \right) \]

Where:

\( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)
\( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
\( R_1 \) — First resistor (ohms)
\( R_2 \) — Second resistor (ohms)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R₂ to the total resistance (R₁ + R₂).

3. Importance of Voltage Dividers

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in circuit design for signal conditioning, biasing transistors, and creating reference voltages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will show the divided output voltage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 = 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 signals?
A: Yes, but only if the frequency is low enough that capacitive effects can be ignored.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the divider?
A: I = V_in/(R₁ + R₂). Choose resistor values to limit current appropriately.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's theoretically perfect for ideal resistors. Real-world accuracy depends on resistor tolerance and load effects.

Q5: What if I connect a load to V_out?
A: The calculation becomes more complex as the load resistor forms a parallel combination with R₂.