A current divider circuit is an electronic circuit configuration that allows a single input current to be divided into multiple output currents. This circuit is commonly used in electronics to distribute current among various branches of a circuit or to supply different components with specific current values. It is based on the principles of Ohm's Law and the properties of resistors.
The operation of a current divider circuit can be explained as follows:
Circuit Configuration: A typical current divider circuit consists of a single current source (input) and multiple parallel branches, each containing a resistor (load). The current divider is designed in such a way that the total current entering the parallel branches is split proportionally based on the resistance values of the individual resistors.
Ohm's Law: Ohm's Law states that the current (I) flowing through a resistor is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the resistor and inversely proportional to its resistance (R). The formula for Ohm's Law is expressed as follows: I = V / R.
Current Division: In a current divider circuit, the current splits among the parallel branches based on the relative resistance values of the resistors. The branch with the lowest resistance will have the highest current, while the branch with the highest resistance will have the lowest current.
Current Division Formula: The current (I_i) in each branch (i) of the current divider circuit can be calculated using the current division formula:
I_i = (I_total * R_total) / R_i
Where:
I_i is the current in branch i.
I_total is the total input current from the current source.
R_total is the sum of the resistances in all parallel branches.
R_i is the resistance of the individual resistor in branch i.
Example: Let's consider a simple current divider circuit with two parallel branches, each containing a resistor (R1 and R2), and a single current source (I_total). The currents in each branch (I1 and I2) can be calculated as follows:
I1 = (I_total * R_total) / R1
I2 = (I_total * R_total) / R2
Where:
R_total = R1 + R2 (the total resistance of the parallel branches).
By designing the current divider circuit with appropriate resistor values, you can distribute the input current in a way that meets the specific requirements of your electronic system or application. This allows for precise control and utilization of the current across different parts of the circuit.