Current Divider - Online Calculator
A current divider is a linear circuit that produces an output current that is a fraction of the input current.
Current is split between the branches of the divider. The total resistance in the electrical circuit can calculated
R T = R 1 R 2 / (R 1 + R 2 ) (1)
where
R T = total resistance (ohms, Ω)
R n = resistance in branch n (ohms, Ω )
The voltage difference across the circuit
U = I R T
= I R 1 R 2 / (R 1 + R 2 ) (2)
where
U = electrical potential (volts, V)
I = total current through the circuit (amps, A)
Split current I 1 can be calculated
I 1 = U / R 1
= (I R 1 R 2 / (R 1 + R 2 ) ) / R 1
= I R 2 / (R 1 + R 2 ) (3)
Split current I 2 can be calculated
I 2 = U / R 2
= (I R 1 R 2 / (R 1 + R 2 ) ) / R 2
= I R 1 / (R 1 + R 2 ) (4)
Example - Current Divider
The total resistance in a current divider with supply voltage 3.3 V and resistor R 1 = 220 ohm and resistor R 2 = 47 ohm can be calculated as
R T = ( 220 ohm ) ( 47 ohm ) / (( 220 ohm ) + ( 47 ohm ))
= 38.7 ohm
The total current through the current divider can be calculated
I = (3.3 V) / (38.7 ohm)
= 0.085 amps
= 85 mA
The current through resistor R 1 can be calculated
I 1 = (3.3 V) / (220 ohm)
= 0.015 amps
= 15 mA
The current through resistor R 2 can be calculated
I 2 = (3.3 V) / (47 ohm)
= 0.070 amps
= 70 mA
Current Divider - Online Calculator
R - total resistance (ohms)
I 1 - split current (amps)
I 2 - split current (amps)
I - total current (amps)
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