A voltage divider circuit is a simple electronic circuit used to divide a voltage into smaller fractions. It consists of two or more resistors connected in series, and it's commonly used in electronics and electrical engineering for various purposes, such as creating reference voltages, biasing circuits, or scaling down voltage levels.
The basic principle behind a voltage divider circuit is that the voltage across each resistor is directly proportional to its resistance value. By carefully choosing the resistor values, you can create a specific output voltage that is a fraction of the input voltage.
The formula for calculating the output voltage in a two-resistor voltage divider is:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
Where:
Vout is the output voltage.
Vin is the input voltage.
R1 and R2 are the resistances of the two resistors.
To construct a voltage divider circuit, follow these steps:
Identify the required output voltage (Vout) and the input voltage source (Vin).
Choose the values of the resistors (R1 and R2) based on the output voltage you want to achieve and the desired current flow through the circuit. Note that R1 and R2 must be carefully selected to ensure the current through the resistors does not overload the circuit or dissipate excessive power.
Connect the two resistors in series. The positive terminal of the input voltage source (Vin) connects to one end of R1, and the negative terminal connects to one end of R2.
Connect the other end of R1 to the junction point of R1 and R2. This junction point is the output voltage (Vout).
Connect the other end of R2 to the ground or reference point.
It's essential to choose the resistor values with care. The larger the ratio of R2 to R1, the smaller the output voltage (Vout) will be in relation to the input voltage (Vin). Also, keep in mind that the resistors should have appropriate power ratings to avoid damage due to excessive power dissipation.
A common application of a voltage divider is using it with a potentiometer, a variable resistor, to create a voltage that can be adjusted as needed, such as in volume control circuits or brightness control in electronic devices.