A voltage divider is a simple electronic circuit that divides a higher voltage into a lower voltage. It consists of two resistors connected in series, with the voltage output taken from the junction between the two resistors.
A voltage divider works by utilizing the principle of Ohm's law, which states that the current flowing through a resistor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it. In a voltage divider, the voltage across each resistor is directly proportional to its resistance, resulting in a lower voltage at the output.
A voltage divider is commonly used in electronic circuits to provide a stable reference voltage for other components, such as sensors or microcontrollers. It can also be used to reduce the voltage in a circuit to a safe level for certain components.
The output voltage of a voltage divider can be calculated using the formula Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2)), where Vin is the input voltage, R1 is the value of the first resistor, and R2 is the value of the second resistor.
The accuracy of a voltage divider can be affected by several factors, including the tolerances of the resistors used, the temperature of the circuit, and the current flowing through the circuit. It is important to use high-quality and precise resistors to ensure the accuracy of the voltage divider.