ENGINEERING-43
Parallel Circuits – Current Dividers
Lab-04
Lab Data Sheet – ENGR-43 Lab-04
Lab Logistics
Experimenter:
Recorder:
Date:
Equipment Used (maker, model, and serial no. if available)
Part-1 Directions – Current Dividers
1. Check out a DMM
2. Go to the side counter collect resistors, “bread board”, and leads required to construct the
circuit shown in Figure 1.
3. Make the DMM-Measurements1 and Calculations needed to complete Table I and Table II
 Calculate the currents and resistances using the ACTUAL measured values for V, I, and
R.
 Calculate the Δ% for the measured value as compared to the calculated from theory for
an arbitrary quantity, Q, as
% Q 
Qcalc  Qmeas 100%

Qmeas
1
NOTE
1
CAREFULLY Select the DMM range such that meter displays at least FOUR (4) digits. All DMM measurements
should be reported to 4 significant figures
© Bruce Mayer, PE • Chabot College • 291219207 • Page 1
The Ammeter MUST be connected in series with NO potential across it; i.e.,
do NOT connect the ammeter ACROSS Vs or any R.
Figure 1 • Current Divider. Vs = 9.00 Vdc. R1 = 1.4-2.5 kΩ. R2 = 3.0-4.8 kΩ.
Table I – Current Divider V/I Measurements and Calculations

Actual Values
Vs =
R1 =
R2 =
Value Determination
IT
I1
I2
R1
R2
Calculated
Measured
%

% = 100x(Icalc – Imeas)/Imeas
Table II – Current Divider Resistance Calculations
Value Determination
RT
Calc by V/Imeas
DMM Measured
%
© Bruce Mayer, PE • Chabot College • 291219207 • Page 2

% = 100x(Rcalc – Rmeas)/Rmeas
Part-2 Directions
4. Modify the previous circuit to the configuration shown in Figure 2
5. Make the Measurement and Calculations needed to complete Table III
6. Return all lab hardware to the “as-found” condition
Figure 2 • Current “Trivider”. Vs = 9.00 Vdc. R1 = 0.6-1.6 kΩ. R2 = 1.7-2.8 kΩ. R3 = 2.94.8kΩ.
Table III – Voltage “Trivider” V/I Measurements and Calculations

Actual Values
Vs =
R1 =
R2 =
R3 =
Value Determination
IT
I1
I2
Calculated
Measured
%

% = 100x(Icalc – Imeas)/Imeas
© Bruce Mayer, PE • Chabot College • 291219207 • Page 3
I3
Table IV – Current “Trivider” Resistance Calculations
Value Determination
RT
R1
R2
Calc by V/Imeas
DMM Measured
%

% = 100x(Rcalc – Rmeas)/Rmeas
Run Notes/Comments
© Bruce Mayer, PE • Chabot College • 291219207 • Page 4
R3