Hello readers welcome to the new post. In this post, we will have a look potentiometer as a Voltage Divider. Potentiometers, one of the most widely used electrical parts, are recognized for their versatility and simplicity. For control of voltage and current in circuits potentiometer used. It basically does the same task as a variable resistor. Its common application is as a voltage divider. We will go through the specifics of how potentiometers split voltage, how they are used, and how to figure out the voltage division ratio. So let get started Potentiometer as Voltage Divider
Introduction
- An electrical device that works as a variable resistor is called a potentiometer also known as a pot. To regulate the flow of voltage or current in electronic circuits, potentiometers are frequently utilized.
- They have three terminals: two fixed terminals and one changeable terminal. A potentiometer’s resistance may be altered by altering the variable terminal.
What is a Potentiometer?
- A sliding or revolving contact on a potentiometer, a kind of resistor, creates a variable voltage divider. Potentiometers exist in a variety of forms and dimensions and have a wide range of uses,for example, tone, controlling motor speed, and loudness. Power supply, lighting systems, and audio equipment frequently employ potentiometers.
- How Does a Potentiometer Work?
- By changing the resistance between two fixed terminals, a potentiometer adjusts voltage. A voltage drop across the resistor happens when a voltage is applied between the two fixed terminals.
Potentiometer as a Voltage Divider
- By connecting a potentiometer in series with another resistor, a voltage divider may be created. A variable output voltage may be produced by using the voltage drop across the potentiometer.
- For this a voltage divider circuit is created with the connection of potentiometer output with third resistors
- The potentiometer’s resistance and the voltage drop across the resistor may both be altered by modifying the variable terminal. Read also DL2032 Vs CR2032 Battery
- Voltage Division Ratio
- The ratio of the potentiometer’s resistance with the net resistance of potentiometers and the third resistor is called the voltage division ratio. The following formula may be used to get the voltage divider circuit’s output voltage:
- Vout = Vin * (Rp / (Rp + R3))
- Here Vout is output voltages, Vin is input volts Rp is resistance and R3 is the third resistance of the resistor.
Applications of Potentiometers as Voltage Dividers
In many situations where a variable voltage is needed, potentiometers can be employed. Examples of typical uses include:
- Controlling the volume and tone in audio systems
- regulation of brightness in lighting systems
- Robotic motor speed control
- HVAC systems’ management of temperature
Choosing the Right Potentiometer for Voltage Division
There are a number of things to take into account when selecting a potentiometer for voltage division, including:
- resistance spectrum
- rating of power
- Tolerance
- Thermodynamic coefficient
- Dimensions and mounting design
Advantages and Disadvantages of Potentiometers as Voltage Dividers
- As voltage dividers, potentiometers provide a number of benefits, including simplicity of use, affordability, and great precision. They have a variable output voltage and are also simple to modify. However, using potentiometers as voltage dividers has some drawbacks as well. They can only handle a certain amount of power, and with time, they are prone to noise and drift. 2 weeks ago we wrote detailed guide on thermistor vs thermocouple: How Are These Words Connected?
Common Circuit Configurations of Potentiometers as Voltage Dividers
- Its voltage divder configuration can be used in different projects like a potentiometer linked to a voltage source, the ground, or a load. The particular application determines the circuit configuration to be used.
How to Calculate the Total Resistance of a Voltage Divider Circuit
- With the linking of the 3rd resistor and potentiometer total resistance of the voltage divder circuit can be solved. The voltage division ratio and output voltage may then be calculated using this number.
Tips for Working with Potentiometers as Voltage Dividers
It’s vital to bear in mind a few guidelines while using potentiometers as voltage dividers, including:
- Pick a potentiometer with an application-appropriate resistance range.
- Use a potentiometer whose power rating is sufficient to withstand the anticipated load.
- To get the necessary voltage division ratio, add a third resistor with the appropriate value.
- To reduce the likelihood of noise and drift, keep the potentiometer away from sources of noise.
Conclusion
Potentiometers are adaptable electrical parts that have a wide range of uses, including those of voltage dividers. You can choose the best potentiometer for your unique circuit demands by having a fundamental grasp of how potentiometers function as voltage dividers, their uses, and how to determine the voltage division ratio.
FAQS
- is potentiometer be used as a current divider?
The answer is no, a potentiometer cannot split current. It is created to operate as a voltage divider with Vout is less the input volts
How can we reduce noise in my potentiometer voltage divider circuit?
The use of a low noise potentiometer is helpful to reduce the noise of circuits with a potentiometer voltage divider. Utilizing a filter circuit is an additional choice for noise reduction.
Write the difference between linear vs logarithmic potentiometer.
The connection between the resistance value and the potentiometer’s rotational angle is linear in a linear potentiometer. While a logarithmic potentiometer comes with the logarithmic connection between the resistance value and the rotation angle.
Is a potentiometer to regulate the voltage of a battery?
Yes, we can vary the voltage of the battery through the connection of the potentiometer in series combination and power supply. By adjusting the potentiometer, the output voltage may be changed.
How to choose the right third resistor for my voltage divider circuit?
R3 = (Vout / Vin – Vout) * R2 may be used to get the third resistor’s value. The potentiometer’s resistance is represented by the value of R2. The resultant value for R3 ought to be the closest accessible value for a typical resistor. follow for more updates https://populationjournal.com/
