1. What is a 3-Resistor Voltage Divider?

A 3-resistor voltage divider is an electrical circuit that divides the input voltage proportionally across three resistors in series. The output voltage is taken across the third resistor (R3).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

Where:

• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (V)
• \( R1 \) — First resistor (Ω)
• \( R2 \) — Second resistor (Ω)
• \( R3 \) — Third resistor (Ω)
• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage across R3 (V)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R3 to the total resistance in the divider network.

3. Applications of Voltage Dividers

Details: Voltage dividers are commonly used in electronics for signal level adjustment, reference voltage generation, and sensor interfacing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts and resistor values in ohms. All values must be non-negative, and the sum of resistors must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use 3 resistors instead of 2?
A: A third resistor can provide finer voltage division control or be used to set specific voltage ratios not easily achievable with two resistors.

Q2: What happens if resistors have different power ratings?
A: Each resistor must be rated for the power it will dissipate (P = I²R). Mismatched ratings could lead to resistor failure.

Q3: Does resistor tolerance affect accuracy?
A: Yes, resistor tolerance (typically 1-5%) affects the precision of the output voltage. For critical applications, use precision resistors.

Q4: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: Yes, but only if the frequency is low enough that capacitive effects are negligible. For high frequencies, impedance must be considered.

Q5: What's the maximum current this circuit can handle?
A: Current is limited by the smallest resistor's power rating (I = √(P/R)). Exceeding ratings may cause overheating or failure.