It is of critical importance for any electrical or electronic engineer to get their calculations right through every stage of a project – and it is certainly vital for those who aspire to design accurate circuits.
When accurate circuit design is achieved, the engineer in question can be sure of the components operating within safe voltage ranges, in addition to the project’s performance requirements being met.
This brings us onto the subject of a voltage divider – and consequently, the role of a voltage divider calculator. Below, then, we will set out the essentials for you to know.
What Is a Voltage Divider?
A voltage divider can be defined as a simple circuit with the purpose of turning a larger voltage into a smaller one.
In the words of BBC Bitesize, “a voltage divider does exactly as its name suggests – it divides a supply voltage across two resistors which are connected in series.”
To put it another way: the output voltage from a voltage divider will be a fraction of the input voltage, with this being determined by the resistor values.
What Formula Can Be Used for A Voltage Divider?
Let’s express the output voltage as V_out, the input voltage as V_in, and the values of the two resistors connected in series as R1 and R2.
Presuming all this is the case, if you wish to work out the output voltage of a resistor divider circuit, you may use the basic formula V_out = V_in ~ x (R2/R1+R2).
In What Circumstances, Then, May A Voltage Divider Calculator Be Used?
Here are some of the situations and processes for which you may decide to turn to using a voltage divider calculator like the many that can be found online:
- The Design and Simulation Phases of a Project
During the early-stage design process, you are likely to appreciate how a voltage divider calculator can help you swiftly figure out the resistor values that will be required in order to obtain a certain desired voltage.
As long as you know three relevant parameters – typically two resistances and one voltage – you will be able to simply enter these into the calculator, which will then present you with the unknown value.
- Troubleshooting And Adjustment Processes
Bearing in mind the need to take into account component tolerances and environmental factors, it may become apparent with your project that resistor values will need to be tweaked.
If so, a voltage divider calculator can enable you to rapidly recalculate the relevant figures as you continue to refine the design.
How Do You Use a Voltage Divider Calculator?
As we cited above, there are various tools of this type available online. It is certainly easy to calculate output voltage in resistive circuits with this voltage divider calculator on the RS Online website – so, let’s use it as an example.
The process of using a calculator like this is fairly straightforward. Firstly, you identify the known parameters – such as the input voltage, the resistor values, and the desired output voltage – and enter them into the tool. Then, click the “Calculate” button to bring up the output voltage or the missing resistor value.
You will then be able to compare the output gained from the calculator with your design specifications. This can be followed by your ongoing refinement of the design, and recalculation, if this continued iterative process turns out to be necessary.
Don’t Overlook the Benefits A Voltage Divider Calculator Can Bring
In summary, then, the right voltage divider tool won’t merely be a nice “optional extra” tool for performing these calculations quicker – it will play an integral role in your efforts to achieve the highest possible levels of performance, safety, and reliability from your project.
