UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST CALOOCAN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Laboratory Work No. 3

Voltage Divider

Engr. Antonio C. Rebong

NEE 220-1CMF 7:30-12:30

Passed by: Solis, Dave Vic DG. SN:20141108045

Date Preformed: Jan. 15, 2016 Date Submitted: Feb. 9, 2016

 MATERIALS & EQUIPMENTS:
Unitrain-I intrerface SN: S04203-2A
The UniTrain-I Interface is the central unit of the UniTrain-I system. It incorporates all inputs and
outputs, switches, power and signal sources and measurement circuitry needed to perform
experiments.

Equipment:

 32-bit processor with storage memory for measurements

 USB interfaces, transfer rate 12 Mbits/s
 Simultaneous connection of any number of Experimenters via serial bus system
 Analog output, +/- 10 V, 0,2 A, DC – 1 MHz, via BNC and 2-mm sockets
 2 Analog differential amplifier inputs with 4 MHz bandwidth, safe for voltages up to 100 V,
sampling rate 40 megasamples, 9 measuring ranges, memory depth 2 x 16 k x 10 bit, inputs via
BNC or 2-mm socket
 16-bit digital signal output, of which 8 bits are accessed via 2-mm sockets, TTL / CMOS, clock
frequency 0 – 100 kHz, electric strength +/- 15 V
 16-bit digital signal input, of which 8 bits are accessed via 2-mm sockets, memory depth 16 bit x
2 k, TTL / CMOS, sampling rate 0 – 100 kHz, electric strength +/- 15 V,
 8 Relays 24V DC / 1 A, of which 4 are accessed via 2-mm sockets
 Dimensions: 28 x 19 x 9 cm
 Weight: 1.7 kg
 External power supply with wide range input 100-250 V, 50-60 Hz, outputs 2 x +/- 15 V/0.4 A; 2 x
5 V/1 A
Virtual instruments (meters and sources):

 2 x Voltmeter VI, 2 x Ammeter VI: AC, DC, 9 ranges 100mV to 50V, true RMS, AV
 1 x VI with 8 relays, 1 x Multimeter VI: multimeter display (optional LM2330, LM2331 or
LM2322) in LabSoft
 1 Dual-channel oscilloscope: band width 4MHz, 22 time ranges, 9 ranges 20 mV/div to 10 V/div,
trigger and pre-trigger, XY and XT modes
 1 x Adjustable DC voltage VI 0 - 10 V
 1 x Function generator VI: 0.5 Hz - 1MHz, 0 - 10 V, sine, square, triangular,
 1 x Arbitrary generator VI, 1 x Pulse generator VI
 1 x VI with 16 digital outputs, 1 x VI with 16 x digital inputs, 1 x VI with 16 digital input/outputs.
Display modes: binary, hex, decimal and octal numerals
 1 x Three-phase power supply VI 0 - 150 Hz, 0 - 14 Vrms, 2 A (requires SO4203-2B and SO4203-
2D)
 1 x Adjustable DC power supply VI 3 x (-20 V - +20 V), 2 A (requires SO4203-2B and SO4203-2D)
 1 x Three-phase power supply VI with additional phase-shift and clock rate adjustment (requires
SO4203-2B/-2D)
Unitrain-I Experimenter SN: S04203-2B
UniTrain-I Experimenter for coupling to the UniTrain-I Interface or to other Experimenter modules.

Equipment:

 Connects to the UniTrain-I Interface and additional Experimenters via UniTrain-I bus
 UniTrain-I bus connection for experiment cards
 Direct connection to the standard UniTrain-I power supply for use without an UniTrain-I
Interface
 Fixed and variable voltages available via 8 2-mm sockets
 Accommodates UniTrain-I experiment cards
 Accommodates a breadboard for experimenting with discrete components and integrated
circuits
 Accommodates a multimeter using IrDa interface
 Dimensions: 28 x 19 x 9 cm
 Weight: 0.5 kg

Experiment Card DCCL No. 2 SN: S04203-2F

The same with other circuit cards, this card contains circuits and electronic parts that are needed for the
“Voltage Divider” Experiment. It is the platform connected by conductive deposits which make up a
complete circuit. It is inserted in UniTrain-I experimenters.

Metrahit Multimeter (by Gossen Metrawatt)

The METRAHIT provides users with all the measuring functions of a highly diverse multimeter:
convincing technology with all voltage, resistance, current and temperature measuring ranges, and
additional measuring functions and automatic functions.
 Resolution: 6000 digits (3 6/7 place) and analog bar graph
 TRMS measuremnts VAC and IAC
 Basic accuracy: 0.5% VDC
 Patented automatic blocking sockets (ABS)
 Voltage: VDC 100μ to 600 V and VAC 100μ to 600 V
 Current: IDC 10μ to 10 A (16 A 30 sec.) and IAC 10μ to 10 A (16 A 30 sec.)
 Resistance: 100 mOhm to 40 MOhm
 Temperature: -200.0 to +400.0° C, type K thermocouple
 Frequency measurement: 0.1 Hz to 1 kHz
 Continuity and diode testing
 Min-Max measured value storage and DATA hold

Leads and Connection Plugs

An extension cord, power extender, or extension lead is a length of flexible power cable with a plug on
one end and one or more sockets on the other end usually at the same type as the plug.
Extension cord, power extender, drop cord or extension lead
A length of flexible electrical power cable (flex) with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the
other end (usually of the same type as the plug). The term usually refers to mains (household
AC)extensions but is also used to refer to extensions for other types of cabling. If the plug and power
outlet are of different types, the term "adapter cord" may be used.
 DATA
Run 1(A)

VOLTAGE UNLOADED CONDITIONS

DIVIDER OUTPUT V(Volts) A(mAmps)
HIGH-VOLTAGE OUTPUT 7.9 2
LOW-VOLTAGE OUTPUT 4 1.991

Run 2(B)

VOLTAGE DIVIDER HIGH-RESISTANCE LOAD LOW-RESISTANCE LOAD

OUTPUT V(Volts) A(mAmps) V(Volts) A(mAmps)
HIGH-VOLTAGE 3.4 3.088 3.3 3.3
LOW-VOLTAGE 3.2 2.248 3.0 2.298

Run 2(A)

POTENTIOMETER SETTING MINIMUM (CCW MOST) MAXIMUM (CW MOST)

VOLTAGE OUTPUT 9.9 0.5
TOTAL CURRENT 0.366 0.845

Run2(B)

LOADING HIGH-RESISTANCE LOAD LOW-RESISTANCE LOAD

CONDITION INITIAL AFTER INITIAL AFTER
VOLTMETER READING 5.7 8 7.7 8
AMMETER READING 1.778 2.379 2.708 2.806
 EXCERCISES
Exercise #1:

In the voltage divider circuit from page 3-10(Figure 2.1-A), compute for the output voltage if the values
for the circuit parameters are as follows:

Vin=24V, R1=50Ω, R2=100 Ω Vin=24V, R1=100 Ω, R2=50 Ω Vin=24V, R1=100 Ω, R2=100 Ω

Vout=Vt/(R1+R2)×R2 Vout=Vt/(R1+R2)×R2 Vout=Vt/(R1+R2)×R2

Vout=24V/(50+100) ×100 Vout =24V/(100+50) ×50 Vout =24V/(100+100) ×100

Vout= 16V Vout= 8V Vout= 12

Exercise #2:

In the voltage divider circuit from page 3-10(Figure 2.1-B), compute for the output voltage if the values
for the circuit parameters are as follows:

a.) Vin=24V, R1=20Ω, R2=100 Ω, b.) Vin=24V, R1=20Ω, R2=100 c.) Vin=24V, R1=20Ω, R2=100 Ω,
RL=50 Ω Ω, RL=100 Ω RL=200 Ω

V𝑜𝑢𝑡 = V𝑜𝑢𝑡 = V𝑜𝑢𝑡 =

(𝑉𝑡/𝑅1+(𝑅2 × 𝑅𝐿) (𝑉𝑡/𝑅1+(𝑅2 × 𝑅𝐿) (𝑉𝑡/𝑅1+(𝑅2 × 𝑅𝐿)
(𝑅2+𝑅𝐿))×((𝑅2 ×𝑅𝐿)/(𝑅2+𝑅𝐿)) (𝑅2+𝑅𝐿))×((𝑅2 ×𝑅𝐿)/(𝑅2+𝑅𝐿)) (𝑅2+𝑅𝐿))×((𝑅2 ×𝑅𝐿)/(𝑅2+𝑅𝐿))

= = =
(24/20+(100×100) (24/20+(100×200)
(24/20+(100×50)
((100+200))( (100×200)/(100+200))
((100+50))( (100×50)/(100+50)) ((100+100))((100×100)/(100+100))

V𝑜𝑢𝑡= 17.14 V V𝑜𝑢𝑡= 18.46 V

V𝑜𝑢𝑡= 14.99V
 Questions & Problems

1.) What are the factors that affect the output voltage of a voltage divider circuit?

There are numerous factors when it comes to the variance of the resulting voltage in a voltage
divider. One practical consideration is that a larger value of R2 compared to R1 will give you a larger
output voltage. But if your load resistance RL is smaller than R2, you will diminish the output voltage and
require a larger current and total power from the power supply. The other factor is that what type of
resistors you are using, what electrical component, what temperature you are having and many more
factors.

2.) In the Voltage divider circuit, is it possible to obtain an output voltage that is greater than the input
voltage? Explain.

No, it’s not possible that the output voltage will be greater than the input voltage. It is well known that
the voltage divider is a unidirectional device . if we apply the input voltage throughout the circuit and
measure the voltage of one of the resistors, the result will be the ratio of it’s current to the resistance.
Therefore, the voltage output will always be lesser that the input voltage.

3. Cite some applications of a voltage divider circuit.

POTENTIOMETER: A potentiometer is a variable resistor which can be used to create an

adjustable voltage divider. Internal to the pot is a single resistor and a wiper, which cuts the resistor in
two and moves to adjust the ratio between both halves. Externally there are usually three pins: two pins
connect to each end of the resistor, while the third connects to the pot’s wiper.

READING RESISTIVE SENSORS: Many sensors in the real world are simple resistive devices. A
photocell is a variable resistor, which produces a resistance proportional to the amount of light it
senses. Other devices like flex sensors, force-sensitive resistors, and thermostats, are also variable
resistors.

READING RESISTIVE SENSORS: Many sensors in the real world are simple resistive devices. A
photocell is a variable resistor, which produces a resistance proportional to the amount of light it
senses. Other devices like flex sensors, force-sensitive resistors, and thermostats, are also variable
resistors.
 DISCUSSION
Voltage Divider

In electronics, a voltage divider (also known as a potential divider) is a passive linear circuit that
produces an output voltage (Vout) that is a fraction of its input voltage (Vin). Voltage division is the
result of distributing the input voltage among the components of the divider. A simple example of a
voltage divider is two resistors connected in series, with the input voltage applied across the resistor
pair and the output voltage emerging from the connection between them.

Resistor voltage dividers are commonly used to create reference voltages, or to reduce the magnitude of
a voltage so it can be measured, and may also be used as signal attenuators at low frequencies. For
direct current and relatively low frequencies, a voltage divider may be sufficiently accurate if made only
of resistors; where frequency response over a wide range is required (such as in an oscilloscope probe),
a voltage divider may have capacitive elements added to compensate load capacitance. In electric
power transmission, a capacitive voltage divider is used for measurement of high voltage.

A voltage divider referenced to ground is created by connecting two electrical impedances in series, as
shown in Figure 1. The input voltage is applied across the series impedances Z1 and Z2 and the output is
the voltage across Z2. Z1 and Z2 may be composed of any combination of elements such
as resistors, inductors and capacitors.

If the current in the output
wire is zero then the
relationship between the
input voltage, Vin, and the
output voltage, Vout, is:
Proof (using Ohm's Law): The transfer function (also
known as the
divider's voltage ratio) of this
circuit is:

In general this transfer function is a complex, rational function of frequency.

Applications

Voltage dividers are used for adjusting the level of a signal, for bias of active devices in amplifiers, and
for measurement of voltages. A Wheatstone bridge and a multimeter both include voltage dividers. A
potentiometer is used as a variable voltage divider in the volume control of many radios.

Sensor measurement

Voltage dividers can be used to allow a microcontroller to measure the resistance of a sensor.[1] The
sensor is wired in series with a known resistance to form a voltage divider and a known voltage is
applied across the divider. The microcontroller's analog-to-digital converter is connected to the center
tap of the divider so that it can measure the tap voltage and, by using the measured voltage and the
known resistance and voltage, compute the sensor resistance.

High voltage measurement

High voltage resistor divider probe.

A voltage divider can be used to scale down a very high voltage so that it can be measured by a volt
meter. The high voltage is applied across the divider and the divider output—which has a lower voltage
that is within the meter's input range—is measured by the meter. High voltage resistor divider probes
designed specifically for this purpose can be used to measure voltages up to 100 kV. Special high-voltage
resistors are used in such probes as they must be able to tolerate high input voltages and, to produce
accurate results, must have matched temperature coefficients and very low voltage coefficients.
Capacitive divider probes are typically used for voltages above 100 kV, as the heat caused by power
losses in resistor divider probes at such high voltages could be excessive.

Level shifting

A voltage divider can be used as a level shifter to safely interface different circuits which use different
reference voltages. For example, an Arduino microcontroller works at 5 V logic, while many sensors
require 3.3 V logic. Directly interfacing the Arduino with a 3.3 V sensor may cause permanent damage to
the sensor. By using a level shifter with a ratio of 3.3/5 resistor values on each pin connected to the
sensor, an Arduino board can safely communicate with the sensor.
 Conclusion
I therefore conclude that by connecting varying values of resistors in a circuit, you can produce

specific voltages needed by specific parts of the circuit. This also implies that the larger the resistor, the

lower the voltage it will output, and vice versa. On the other hand, the current remains constant though

out the circuit in a series configuration. For the parallel on the other hand, we just need to apply the

rules of parallel and series circuits to obtain the current and then proceed to the calculations for the

voltage divider.

I also conclude that each individual resistors have their own individual voltages. Hence, there is

a ratio between the resistance value of the resistors to the voltage in the whole circuit, or the input

voltage.

Refferences:

https://www.gossenmetrawatt.com/english/ugruppe/multimeters.htm

http://www.lucas-

nuelle.ae/index.php/fuseaction/download/lrn_file/bedienungsanleitung_unitrain_i_en.pdf

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/voldiv.html

https://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/mastascu/eLessonsHTML/Resist/Resist3.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_divider