Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro

Department of Telecommunication Engineering

Applied Physics (1st Semester, 1st Year)
______________________________________________________________________________
Name: ______________________________________________ Roll Number: _____________

Score: _____________ Signature: ________________________Date:____________________

LAB HANDOUT # 09
CURRENT DIVIDER RULE

OBJECTIVE: To Verify Current Divider Rule Experimentally for Combine Series & Parallel Circuit.

EQUIPMENT & CIRCUIT COMPONENTS REQUIRED:

 Multi-SIM Software
 Breadboard
 Digital Multi-Meter
 DC Power Supply
 Resistors with different ratings and connecting wires

THEORY:
In electronics, a current divider is a simple linear circuit that produces an output current (IX) that is a
fraction of its input current (IT). Current division refers to the splitting of current between the branches of
the divider. The currents in the various branches of such a circuit will always divide in such a way as to
minimize the total energy expended.

Figure 1: Parallel Circuit

The formula describing a current divider is similar in form to that for the voltage divider. However, the
ratio describing current division places the impedance of the unconsidered branches in the numerator,
unlike voltage division where the considered impedance is in the numerator. This is because in current
dividers, total energy expended is minimized, resulting in currents that go through paths of least
impedance, therefore the inverse relationship with impedance.
To be specific, if two or more impedances are in parallel, the current that enters the combination will be
split between them in inverse proportion to their impedances (according to Ohm's law). It also follows
that if the impedances have the same value the current is split equally.
The Current Divider Rule (CDR) states that the current through one of two parallel branches is equal to
the resistance of the other branch divided by the sum of the resistances of the two parallel branches and
multiplied by the total current entering the two parallel branches. That is,
 Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro
Department of Telecommunication Engineering
Applied Physics (1st Semester, 1st Year)
______________________________________________________________________________
For the Parallel circuit shown in figure 5.2, the Current across individual resistor can be calculated as

LAB TASKS:

1. Software Task

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

Figure 2
PROCEDURE:

Simulation
1. Build the circuit given in Figure 2 on Multisim.
2. Connect Multi-Meter at appropriate positions to measure currents shown in Table 1.
3. Disconnect the voltage source. Connect a Multi-Meter and measure the total resistance and record
the value in Table 1. (Remember resistance is always measured without any source connected to
the circuit)

EXERCISE TABLE:

Table # 01 (Vs=10V)

Unknown I1 I2 I3 Req

Simulated

Calculated
(Using CDR)

%Error
 Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro
Department of Telecommunication Engineering
Applied Physics (1st Semester, 1st Year)
______________________________________________________________________________

2. Hardware Task

Hardware Experiment:
1. Build the circuit of Figure 3 with the hardwired components. (Where, Vs = 9V and choose your
own resistance values.)
2. Take the current measurements and Req and record them in Table 2.
3. Measure all the unknown currents shown. Record their values in Table 2.
4. Measure Req using an Ohmmeter and record its values in Table 2.

Figure 3

Table # 02 (Vs=9V)

Unknown I1 I2 I3 Req Resistor Values

Calculated R1 R2 R3
(Using CDR)

Experimental

%Error

FINAL CHECK LIST

1. Return all equipment and material to their proper storage area
2. Submit your answers to questions, and results before the next laboratory