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 = R₁ R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)      (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 R₁ R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)   (2)

where

U = electrical potential (volts, V)

I = total current through the circuit (amps, A)

Split current I₁ can be calculated

I₁ = U / R₁

= (I R₁ R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) ) / R₁

=   I R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)     (3)

Split current I₂ can be calculated

I₂ = U / R₂

= (I R₁ R₂ / (R₁ + R₂) ) / R₂

=   I R₁ / (R₁ + R₂)     (4)

Example - Current Divider

The total resistance in a current divider with supply voltage 3.3 V and resistor  R₁ = 220 ohm and resistor R₂ =  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 R₁ can be calculated

I₁ = (3.3 V) / (220 ohm)

    = 0.015 amps

    = 15 mA

The current through resistor R₂ can be calculated

I₂ = (3.3 V) / (47 ohm)

            = 0.070 amps

            = 70 mA

Current Divider - Online Calculator

R₁ - resistance (ohms)

R₂ - resistance (ohms)

U - electrical potential (volts)

R - total resistance (ohms)

I₁ - split current (amps)

I₂ - split current (amps)

I - total current (amps)

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