What is a voltage divider and its calculation for output voltage.
1 Answer
A voltage divider is a simple electronic circuit used to divide a voltage into smaller fractions. It consists of two resistive elements connected in series, and the output voltage is taken from the junction between these resistors. The purpose of a voltage divider is to obtain a specific voltage level from a higher voltage source.
The voltage divider formula for calculating the output voltage is as follows:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
Where:
Vout is the output voltage across the second resistor (R2).
Vin is the input voltage applied across the voltage divider.
R1 is the resistance of the first resistor.
R2 is the resistance of the second resistor.
To understand how the formula is derived, consider the following explanation:
When a voltage (Vin) is applied across the series combination of R1 and R2, a current (I) flows through both resistors. According to Ohm's law, the current through a resistor is given by:
I = Vin / (R1 + R2)
The voltage drop across R2 is then:
Vout = I * R2 = (Vin / (R1 + R2)) * R2
By rearranging the equation, we get the voltage divider formula as mentioned above:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
It's important to note that the resistors' values must be carefully chosen to ensure they can handle the current and power requirements of the circuit. Additionally, for the voltage divider to work accurately, the load connected to the output (Vout) should have a high impedance compared to the resistance of R2. This is to minimize the loading effect on the voltage divider and maintain a relatively stable output voltage.
The voltage divider formula for calculating the output voltage is as follows:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
Where:
Vout is the output voltage across the second resistor (R2).
Vin is the input voltage applied across the voltage divider.
R1 is the resistance of the first resistor.
R2 is the resistance of the second resistor.
To understand how the formula is derived, consider the following explanation:
When a voltage (Vin) is applied across the series combination of R1 and R2, a current (I) flows through both resistors. According to Ohm's law, the current through a resistor is given by:
I = Vin / (R1 + R2)
The voltage drop across R2 is then:
Vout = I * R2 = (Vin / (R1 + R2)) * R2
By rearranging the equation, we get the voltage divider formula as mentioned above:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
It's important to note that the resistors' values must be carefully chosen to ensure they can handle the current and power requirements of the circuit. Additionally, for the voltage divider to work accurately, the load connected to the output (Vout) should have a high impedance compared to the resistance of R2. This is to minimize the loading effect on the voltage divider and maintain a relatively stable output voltage.