1. What is a Three Resistor Voltage Divider?

Definition: A voltage divider circuit that uses three resistors to produce an output voltage (V_out) that is a fraction of the input voltage (V_in).

Purpose: Used in electronics to create reference voltages, reduce voltage levels for measurement, or provide specific bias voltages.

2. How Does the Voltage Divider Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (volts)
• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( R1, R2, R3 \) — Resistors in the divider network (ohms)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R3 to the total resistance in the divider network.

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Accurate voltage division is crucial for circuit design, sensor interfacing, and creating stable reference voltages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and all three resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use three resistors instead of two?
A: Three resistors allow for more precise voltage division and can create intermediate voltage points in a circuit.

Q2: What happens if one resistor is much larger than the others?
A: The output voltage will be determined primarily by the ratio of R3 to the largest resistor in the network.

Q3: Does resistor tolerance affect the calculation?
A: Yes, in real circuits, resistor tolerances will affect the actual output voltage. The calculator assumes ideal resistors.

Q4: Can I use this for AC voltages?
A: Yes, but only for the amplitude calculation. Phase relationships are not considered in this simple calculator.

Q5: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: Current can be calculated as \( I = V_{in} / (R1 + R2 + R3) \). Ensure resistors can handle this power dissipation.