voltage divider

[samtheboxer]

i found this link http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/voldiv.html and was wondering how this differs from a voltage regulator?

i blew up my NTE960 today and was thinking that if i go this route, i could bring and 11v source down to 5v to use with my PIC.....would that work?

 

[eng1]

The output voltage changes if the load current changes.

An active regulator keeps its output voltage constant regardless of the output current (ideally).

 

[ericgibbs]

i found this link http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/voldiv.html and was wondering how this differs from a voltage regulator?

i blew up my NTE960 today and was thinking that if i go this route, i could bring and 11v source down to 5v to use with my PIC.....would that work?

hi,
The voltage divider using resistors is normally only used to divide a voltage signal level. As eng1 says the voltage to the PIC supply rail will vary according to how much current the PIC requires at any instant.

A 7805 voltage regulator will do the job and its a pin for pin replacement for the NTE960.

Eric

 

[audioguru]

It is nearly impossible to blow up a 7805 regulator.
It limits the current if it gets too high.
It shuts down if it gets too hot.