1. What is a Wheatstone Bridge Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the output voltage (Vout) of an unbalanced Wheatstone bridge circuit based on the supply voltage and four resistor values.

Purpose: It helps engineers, students, and electronics enthusiasts analyze bridge circuits commonly used in measurements and sensors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (Volts)
• \( V_s \) — Supply voltage (Volts)
• \( R1, R2, R3, R4 \) — Bridge resistances (Ohms)

Explanation: The formula calculates the voltage difference between two voltage dividers in the bridge configuration.

3. Importance of Wheatstone Bridge Calculation

Details: Accurate bridge calculations are essential for sensor designs, strain measurements, and precision resistance measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the supply voltage and all four resistor values. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will show the output voltage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a balanced Wheatstone bridge?
A: When \( \frac{R1}{R3} = \frac{R2}{R4} \), Vout becomes 0V, and the bridge is balanced.

Q2: What's the typical supply voltage range?
A: Common values range from 1V to 10V, but can be higher depending on application.

Q3: How sensitive is the bridge to resistance changes?
A: Sensitivity depends on the resistor values and supply voltage. Higher Vs and matched resistors increase sensitivity.

Q4: What if one resistor is a sensor?
A: This calculator helps determine how sensor resistance changes affect Vout. Enter the sensor's resistance as one of R1-R4.

Q5: Can I use this for AC signals?
A: This calculates DC output. For AC, consider impedance and phase relationships.