By David Sandoval | Updated Mar 24, 2022
Many electronic devices require multiple supply voltages. A common method to derive a lower voltage from a higher source is the voltage divider. In this example, we’ll show how to obtain a clean 6 V output from a 12 V battery using two 1 kΩ resistors.
Cut two lengths of insulated wire and strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from each end. Twist one end of the first wire with one lead of the first 1 kΩ resistor. Slide a ring terminal over the twisted pair and solder it securely.
Twist the free lead of the first resistor with the first lead of the second 1 kΩ resistor. Attach a second ring terminal over this junction and solder it.
Twist the free lead of the second resistor with one end of the second wire. Add a third ring terminal, solder, and leave the other end of the second wire free.
Attach the free end of the first wire to the positive (+) terminal of the 12 V battery and the free end of the second wire to the negative (−) terminal. The point between the two resistors (the junction of the ring terminals) will now provide a 6 V output.
The voltage between the first and second ring terminals is 6 V DC, while the voltage between the first and third ring terminals remains 12 V DC.
