Download Voltage Divider

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
ECE 201
CIRCUIT THEORY I
VOLTAGE DIVIDER
BACKGROUND
A voltage divider can be used to create more than one fixed output from a single voltage source.
Many electronic systems require multiple voltages for components such as memory devices,
microprocessors, and displays. In this experiment, you will design and build a simple unloaded
voltage divider to provide three different voltages from a single DC Voltage source.
PRELIMINARY WORK/DESIGN
You are given a 30 Volt DC “floating” power supply (no ground terminal, just + and - , like a
battery). Your system requires the following voltages -- + 15V, - 15V, and + 5V as in the
configuration shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. An unloaded voltage divider used to produce three different DC voltages from a single
DC voltage source
Determine the values of the resistors R1, R2, and R3 in order to produce the required output
voltages. The total power supplied to the unloaded voltage divider should be less than ½ watt.
Be sure to calculate the power rating of the resistors!
Run a simulation of your circuit in MultiSim, and hand it in along with your design.
PROCEDURE/RESULTS
Construct the circuit that you designed, and make any necessary modifications to meet the
design specifications. Show your completed circuit to the instructor or TA for their approval.
Be sure to document the original and final designs along with any changes that were
necessary in your lab notebook.