1. What is a Potentiometer Voltage Divider?

A potentiometer voltage divider is a simple circuit that uses a potentiometer (variable resistor) to divide an input voltage into a lower output voltage. The output voltage can be adjusted by changing the potentiometer's resistance value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider equation:

Where:

• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( R_{pot} \) — Potentiometer resistance (ohms)
• \( R_{fixed} \) — Fixed resistance (ohms)

Explanation: The equation calculates the output voltage based on the ratio of the potentiometer resistance to the total resistance in the circuit.

3. Applications of Voltage Dividers

Details: Voltage dividers are commonly used in electronic circuits for signal attenuation, volume controls, sensor interfaces, and as reference voltage sources.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, potentiometer resistance in ohms, and fixed resistance in ohms. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum current through the voltage divider?
A: The current can be calculated using Ohm's Law: I = V_in / (R_fixed + R_pot)

Q2: Can I use this with AC voltage?
A: Yes, the voltage divider works with both DC and AC signals, though for AC, impedance should be considered at higher frequencies.

Q3: What happens if R_pot is zero?
A: If R_pot is zero, V_out will be zero (short circuit). If R_pot approaches infinity, V_out approaches V_in.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is theoretically accurate for ideal resistors. Real-world factors like resistor tolerance, temperature effects, and load impedance may affect actual performance.

Q5: What is power dissipation in the resistors?
A: Power in each resistor can be calculated using P = I²R or P = V²/R, where I is the current through the divider.