voltage divider

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?

The output voltage changes if the load current changes.

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

samtheboxer said:

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?

Click to expand...

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

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.