A current divider circuit is an arrangement of resistive elements within an electrical circuit that divides an incoming current into multiple outgoing currents. This division of current is based on the relative values of the resistors in the circuit. Current dividers are commonly used in electronic circuits to distribute a single current source into different branches for various applications.
The ability of a current divider circuit to split current is determined by the ratios of the resistances (impedances) involved. According to Ohm's Law (V = I * R), the current flowing through a resistor is directly proportional to its resistance when the voltage across it remains constant. In a current divider circuit, the total current entering the circuit (I_in) is divided among the branches based on the relative resistance values.
The basic principle of a current divider is described by the following formula:
I_out = (R_total / R_individual) * I_in
Where:
I_out is the current flowing through a specific branch (output current).
R_total is the total resistance of the circuit, which is the sum of all the individual resistances in the current divider.
R_individual is the resistance of the specific branch resistor.
I_in is the total current entering the circuit.
In a simple two-resistor current divider, the current through each resistor is inversely proportional to its resistance. This means that a higher resistance will result in less current flowing through that branch and more current flowing through the lower resistance branch.
It's important to note that current division in a current divider circuit only holds true when the impedance of the branches is purely resistive and there are no other reactive components like capacitors or inductors in the circuit. Additionally, real-world factors such as wire resistance and other non-idealities can influence the actual division of current.