Current Divider Calculator
Enter the values of total source current, Is(A), resistance, R(Ω) and total resistance, Rt(Ω) to determine the value of Current through the resistor, IR(A).
Current Divider Formula:
A current divider is a configuration in electrical circuits that divides the input current into two or more paths with different impedances.
This principle is essential for circuit analysis and design, particularly when dealing with parallel circuits.
The current in each branch of a parallel circuit depends on the resistance or impedance of that branch relative to the total resistance or impedance of the circuit.
In a circuit where two or more elements are connected in parallel, the total current supplied by the source is divided among the parallel branches. The amount of current flowing through each branch depends on the impedance of each branch.
The current divider formula for two resistors in parallel is derived from Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL).
The formula helps determine the current flowing through any one resistor when resistors are connected in parallel across a common voltage source.
For inductors and capacitors, the same principle applies, but the impedance of each component must be considered, as these components react differently with frequency.
Current through the resistor, IR(A) in amperes is calculated by dividing the total source current, Is(A) in amperes and resistance, R(Ω) in ohms by total resistance, Rt(Ω) in ohms.
Current through the resistor, IR(A) = Is(A) * R(Ω) / Rt(Ω)
IR(A) = current through the resistor in amperes, A.
Is(A) = total source current in amperes, A.
R(Ω) = resistance in ohms, Ω.
Rt(Ω) = total resistance in ohms, Ω.
Current Divider Calculation:
- Suppose a parallel circuit has a total source current of 10 amperes. The resistor in question has a resistance of 5 ohms, and the total resistance of the parallel circuit is 10 ohms.
Given: Is(A) = 10A, R(Ω) = 5 Ω, Rt(Ω) = 10 Ω.
Current through the resistor, IR(A) = Is(A) * R(Ω) / Rt(Ω)
IR(A) = 10 * 5 / 10
IR(A) = 5A.
- Suppose the desired current through a resistor is 2 amperes, the total source current is 8 amperes, and the resistor has a resistance of 4 ohms.
Given: Is(A) = 8A, R(Ω) = 4Ω, IR(A) = 2A.
Current through the resistor, IR(A) = Is(A) * R(Ω) / Rt(Ω)
Rt(Ω) = Is(A) * R(Ω) / IR(A)
Rt(Ω) = 8 * 4 / 2
Rt(Ω) = 32 / 2
Rt(Ω) = 16 Ω.