Voltage Divider Calculator by Texas Instruments

Voltage Divider Formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Output Voltage (V_out):

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1. What is a Voltage Divider Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, technicians, and electronics enthusiasts design and analyze voltage divider circuits commonly used in electronic systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

\[ V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R2}{R1 + R2} \]

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Voltage Divider Calculation

Details: Accurate voltage division is crucial for creating reference voltages, biasing transistors, and interfacing different voltage level circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the input voltage and both resistor values. All values must be positive numbers greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the maximum current through the resistors?
A: Current = V_in/(R1 + R2). Ensure resistors can handle this power (P = I²R).

Q2: How does load resistance affect the output?
A: Any load in parallel with R2 will lower the effective resistance and thus V_out.

Q3: What are typical applications?
A: Sensor interfacing, reference voltages, level shifting, and biasing circuits.

Q4: How to choose R1 and R2 values?
A: Consider current draw (lower values draw more current) and desired output impedance.

Q5: What about resistor tolerance?
A: Resistor tolerance affects accuracy - 1% or better resistors are recommended for precision applications.