Description
topDerivative = -supply*bottom/(top+bottom)²; bottomDerivative = supply*top/(top+bottom)².
An electrical sensitivity is a derivative at a stated operating point with the other parameters held fixed. Its units differ from the original voltage, current or resistance, and it approximates finite changes only within a suitable local range.
topDerivative = -supply*bottom/(top+bottom)²; bottomDerivative = supply*top/(top+bottom)².
When to use this tool
Use Voltage Divider Ratio Resistor Sensitivity when checking one supplied ideal-circuit derivative.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter top, bottom, supply. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read topDerivative, bottomDerivative. Use the output convention below.
Require nonnegative top and bottom resistances with positive sum. topDerivative = -supply*bottom/(top+bottom)²; bottomDerivative = supply*top/(top+bottom)².1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| top | Top | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| bottom | Bottom | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| supply | Supply | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| topDerivative | Top Derivative | Required. Finite number. |
| bottomDerivative | Bottom Derivative | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"top": 1,
"bottom": 1,
"supply": 4
},
"output": {
"topDerivative": -1,
"bottomDerivative": 1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Derivatives are output volts per resistance unit for an unloaded divider. Supply is fixed; finite changes, component tolerance, loading and heating require a broader model.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use a full tolerance, nonlinear or thermal analysis when changes are large or component conditions affect the operating point.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Resistor Voltage Sensitivity
voltage = current*resistance; derivativeWithRespectToResistance = current; derivativeWithRespectToCurrent = resistance.
- Resistor Thevenin Load Current Sensitivity
derivative = -voltage/(sourceResistance+loadResistance)², the load-current derivative with respect to load resistance.