Resistor Voltage Divider Calculator
What is a Resistor Voltage Divider Calculator?
A Resistor Voltage Divider Calculator determines the output voltage (Vout ) in a simple resistor voltage divider circuit. This circuit consists of two resistors connected in series, which divide an input voltage (Vin ) into a lower output voltage.
The output voltage is given by the formula:
Where:
- Vout = Output voltage (V)
- Vin = Input voltage (V)
- R1 = First resistor (Ω) (connected to Vin )
- R2 = Second resistor (Ω) (connected to Vout )
Why Use a Resistor Voltage Divider Calculator?
- Voltage Level Adjustment: Reduces higher voltages to safe levels for microcontrollers, sensors, or ADCs.
- Reference Voltage Generation: Creates a stable reference voltage for circuits.
- Signal Conditioning: Adjusts analog signals for compatibility with circuits.
- Biasing Components: Used in transistor circuits for setting base voltage.
- Power Supply Applications: Provides a simple way to create lower voltage levels.
How to Use the Calculator?
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Provide Input Voltage (Vin ): The voltage you need to divide.
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Set Resistor Values (R1 and R2 ): Choose values based on the desired voltage output.
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Apply the formula to calculate Vout .
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Verify Resistor Power Ratings: Ensure resistors can handle the power dissipation:
to avoid overheating.
When is a Resistor Voltage Divider Used?
- Microcontroller Inputs: When sensors output higher voltages than the microcontroller can handle.
- Battery Monitoring: Scaling down voltage for ADC readings.
- Signal Processing: Adjusting voltage levels for amplifiers and other components.
- Low-Power Circuits: Simple and efficient for small voltage reductions.