Detailed explanation of the difference between voltage divider resistor and shunt resistor

In electronic circuit design,resistanceThe device is a very common and important component. Among the many resistor applications, voltage divider resistors and shunt resistors are two common types of resistors, and their functions and working principles in the circuit are different. Understanding the difference between voltage divider resistors and shunt resistors is particularly important for electronic engineers and electronics enthusiasts. This article will analyze the differences between voltage divider resistors and shunt resistors in detail from many aspects to help readers better understand the applications of these two resistors.

A voltage dividing resistor usually refers to a resistor used in a voltage dividing circuit. Two or more resistors are connected in series to divide the voltage according to the ratio of the resistance value and output the required voltage. The shunt resistor is a resistance used to measure current. It is usually connected to the circuit to produce a small voltage drop proportional to the current, thereby achieving current detection.

The working principle of voltage divider resistors is based on Ohm's law and the voltage distribution characteristics of series resistors. In a series circuit, the voltage is distributed according to the size of the resistor, and the voltage divider resistor uses this characteristic to adjust the voltage. The working principle of the shunt resistor is to use the resistor's blocking effect on the current to produce a tiny voltage drop in the circuit. This voltage drop is proportional to the current flowing through the resistor, thereby achieving current measurement.

Voltage dividing resistors are generally multiple resistors connected in series to form a voltage divider. The output voltage is taken from the node between the series resistors. The shunt resistor is usually a singleLow value resistor, connected in series in the current path of the circuit, directly carries the current, and its voltage drop is used for measurement.

The resistance of the voltage divider resistor is usually larger to reduce current consumption and ensure the stability of the voltage divider circuit. The resistance of the shunt resistor is very small, usually only a few milliohms to a few ohms. The purpose is to reduce the impact of the resistance on the normal operation of the circuit and at the same time generate enough voltage drop for measurement.

Voltage dividing resistors are widely used in situations where voltage needs to be adjusted, such as voltage sampling, signal conditioning, reference voltage generation, etc. Shunt resistors are mainly used in current detection, power management, protection circuits and other fields to monitor the current by measuring the voltage drop across the resistor.

The voltage dividing resistor will affect the voltage distribution of the circuit. If it is not designed properly, it may cause voltage instability or excessive power consumption. Since the resistance of the shunt resistor is extremely small, it has little impact on the overall current of the circuit, but power loss and heating issues still need to be considered.

The voltage dividing resistor is usually installed at the voltage sampling point between the power supply and the load, while the shunt resistor is connected in series in the load circuit, commonly found in power lines or load lines, for real-time current monitoring.

Although voltage divider resistors and shunt resistors are both resistors, their functions, working principles, structures and application scenarios are significantly different. The voltage dividing resistor is mainly used for voltage division, and the required voltage output is achieved through series resistors; while the shunt resistor uses a low resistance resistor to generate a voltage drop to help measure the current. Understanding the difference between the two can help to rationally select and design circuits and improve the performance and stability of electronic products. I hope that the detailed analysis in this article can help readers better grasp the relevant knowledge of voltage divider resistors and shunt resistors.