A voltage divider circuit is a basic electronic circuit used to divide a voltage into smaller parts. It consists of two resistors connected in series, and the output voltage is taken from the junction between the two resistors. The voltage across each resistor is proportional to its resistance value relative to the total resistance of the circuit.
The formula for calculating the output voltage in a voltage divider circuit is:
Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
Where:
Vout is the output voltage.
Vin is the input voltage.
R1 is the resistance of the first resistor.
R2 is the resistance of the second resistor.
To construct a voltage divider circuit, follow these steps:
Choose the values of the resistors: Determine the desired output voltage (Vout) and the input voltage (Vin). Select the resistance values for R1 and R2 based on the desired division ratio. The division ratio is given by R2 / (R1 + R2), and it will determine how much the input voltage is divided.
Calculate the resistor values: Use the voltage divider formula to calculate the resistor values needed to achieve the desired output voltage.
Connect the resistors: Place the two resistors in series. Connect one end of R1 to the positive terminal of the input voltage (Vin) and the other end to one end of R2. Connect the other end of R2 to the ground (or negative terminal) of the input voltage.
Measure the output voltage: To measure the output voltage (Vout), connect a voltmeter across the junction between the two resistors (the connection point between R1 and R2).
Verify the voltage division: Apply the input voltage (Vin) to the circuit and use the voltmeter to measure the output voltage (Vout). It should match the calculated value based on the resistor values you selected.
Voltage divider circuits are widely used in various applications, including level shifting, sensor interfacing, and biasing circuits for transistors and operational amplifiers. Keep in mind that voltage dividers have limitations, and the output voltage can be affected by the load connected to the output and changes in the input voltage or temperature. Therefore, in some cases, additional buffering or filtering may be necessary.