Learn Voltage Divider Circuit

Works with Rule and Calculating

We used to use voltage dividers very often. Why do we use them in

circuits? And How to use it?

Let me explain to you understand the voltage divider rule. And can
calculate in a simple way.

Even, this is suitable for a beginner. Are you the pro? Sometimes, may
forget some point that can help your project work well.

Are you ready?

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Why use a voltage divider?

You try to imagine You need a voltage of 1V. But you have a 10V power
supply. We have many options. But for the most part, we will choose the
voltage divider.

It will provide a low voltage out of a higher supply voltage.

I am quite reliable. The most commonly used example is the Zener

voltage regulator. Or the reference voltage generator for the amp circuit
etc.

Some call the voltage divider circuit that the potential dividers. The name
comes from the difference of the electric potential

What is a voltage divider?

First, see in the simple circuit diagram below. The basic voltage divider
circuit consisting of two resistors (R1 and R2) is connected to the power
supply (Vs).
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It looks like a series circuit.

Then, the voltage from the power supply is divided between both
resistors. It gives the output voltage (Vo). Which, is the voltage drop
across the R2.

This voltage is dependent on the size of R2 and R1:

● If R2 is much smaller than R1

Vo will be small (very low, near 0V). Because of most of the
voltage drop across R1.

● If R2 is equal to R1.
Vo is equal to half of Vs. Because the voltage is divided equally
between R1 and R2.

● If R2 is greater than R1.

Vo is very high, near to Vs. Because most of the voltage is across
R2

Voltage divider formula

If we want to know the output voltage (Vo) in detail. We can use Ohm’s law
and mathematical knowledge.

Use the formula below. To calculate Vo.

Vo = (Vs x R2) / (R1+R2) ……..(#1)

From the above principles. Let’s test the truth with this formula.
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First, we use Vs = 10V. To easy to calculate. Then, test in 3 cases.

● R2 > R1.
Assigned to R2 = 1.5K (1,500 ohms), R1 = 120 ohms.
Vo = (10V x 1,500) / (1,500 + 120)
= 15,000 / 1,620
= 9.259V

● R2 = R1
Assigned to R2 = 2.2K (2,200 ohms), R1 = 2.2K.
Vo = (10V x 2,200) / (2,200 + 2,200)
= 22,000 / 4,400
= 5V

● R2 < R1
Assigned to R2 = 330 ohms, R1 = 4.7K(4,700 ohms)
Vo = (10V x 330) / (330 + 4,700)
= 3,300 / 5,030
= 0.656V

Do you see imagine? Look at circuit diagram below.

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The limiting of voltage divider rule

We can use these formulas and approximation rules well. Only when
….The current flows through the output very little and the Vo value is
true.
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If connected to a device with high resistance, such as a voltmeter or input

IC.

For more detailed information, please see the Impedance page. (coming
soon)

Wasteful with power

The voltage dividers draw the current through the 2 resistors. Even no
load at the Vo terminal. It will be like this because the current flows
through both resistors.

It is a circuit that wasteful with power.

Transistor connection

If the output is connected directly to the base of the transistor, The Vo

cannot be higher than 0.7V.
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Because of the base-emitter of transistor connection, it behaves like a

diode.

But we can use it well. When looking at examples of other transistor

circuits. You will understand more.

Voltage Divider 3 Resistors

Let’s say we add a resistor at the Vo terminal. Is it change Vo? Yes, the
Vo change. But how many?

Let’s find out!

Look at the circuit diagram below.

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The Vo will drop and the current rises. Here is step by step to calculate.

● First, calculate the equivalent resistance of R2 and R3 in the

parallel combine. Note: R1= 3.9K (3900 ohms) , R2=220 ohms,
R3=560 ohms.
R = (R2xR3) / (R2+R2)
= (220×560) / (220+560)
= 157.948 ohms
Note: we will compare R = R2 in the formula for Vo (# 1). So, R2
is 157.948 ohms. I hope you understand my idea.
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● Find Vo = ?
Vo = (Vs x R2) / (R1+R2)
Note: Vs = 12V, R1 = 3.9K, R2 = 157.948 ohms.
Vo = (12 x 157.948) / (3900 + 157.948
= 1,895.376 / 4,057.948
= 0.467V

The key principle is to collapse any resistors to 2 resistors, according to

formula # 1.

Using transducer inputs (sensors)

In normal, an input transducer (sensor) often changes itself resistance.

For an example of transducer inputs (Sensor) is LDR, Photodiodes,

Phototransistors, Microphone, etc. I will explain them later.

We often use it in the voltage divider circuit. Then, when it changes. So,
the output voltage changes, too.

Next, we can feed this signal voltage to other parts of the circuit. For
example, the input of an IC or transistor.

The sensor is one of the resistance in the voltage divider circuit. We can
connect either top (R1) or bottom (R2). When we want the voltage (Vo) to
be high. We can choose in 2 cases:
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● Connect the sensor at the top (R1). The sensor has low
resistance.
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● Connect the sensor at the bottom (R1). The sensor has high
resistance.

Choosing a resistor

The value of the resistor R will determine the range of the output voltage
Vo. For best results. We need the voltage Vo that has a wide swing.

Note:

● Rmin is lowest resistance of the sensor.

● Rmax is highest resistance of the sensor.

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And it will succeed. if R is greater than Rmin. But it should be less than
Rmax.

We can use a multimeter to find the minimum and maximum resistance

(Rmin and Rmax) of the sensor. The rough value doesn’t have to be very
fine.

Then choose the resistor value: R = square root of (Rmin × Rmax)

or R = √(RminxRmax)

For example, you measure the LDR, Rmin is 100 ohms, and Rmax is 1M.

R = √(Rmin x Rmax)

= √(100 × 1,000,000)

= 10K (10,000 ohms)

Using a variable resistor

Often we use variable resistors (VR) instead of R which are constant. We

can adjust Vo more easily.
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Using variable resistor with LDR in the voltage divider circuit

We can switch between the Variable resistor and the Sensor as our
design.

For example, we can adjust the resistor. To set the brightness level more
or less that will cause the changing conditions.

We should choose the potentiometer to be greater than the fixed resistor.

And to be able to good adjusting. We should connect the series fixed
resistor with a Variable resistor.
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For example, if the suitable constant resistor value is 10K. We then

replaced it with the R-4.7K series with the VR-10K. This allows the
resistance to be adjusted from 4.7K to 14.7K.

How are you? I hope you understand the principles of the voltage divider
better.