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How to Create a Voltage Divider

A voltage divider is used to reduce a voltage source by a fixed or variable ratio, depending upon the application. To ensure accuracy, the divider output voltage should be connected to a point of high resistance in order to avoid loading the divider circuit. Fixed voltage dividers are usually not apparent in their operation. However, variable voltage dividers are apparent in everyday use in the form of volume controls and heater controls.

Things You'll Need

2 resistors (0.5 watt 1,000 to 5,000 ohm)
Variable resistor (1,000 to 5,000 ohm)
Battery (6 to 9 volt)
Multimeter
Connection leads with clips (available in packs)

Instructions

Fixed Voltage Divider
- 1
  Connect the two resistors in series with the connection leads.
- 2
  Connect the battery terminals to each end of the resistor pair.
- 3
  Measure the battery voltage with the multimeter and note the value.
- 4
  Measure the voltage across one resistor and confirm that it is equal to the battery voltage divided by two.
Variable Voltage Divider
- 5
  Connect the battery across the outer set of terminals of the variable resistor.
- 6
  Connect the multimeter between the wiper terminal and one outer terminal of the variable resistor.
- 7
  Rotate the variable resistor spindle and note that the voltage is directly proportional to the position of the spindle.

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