What is the primary application of a voltage divider?

The primary application of a voltage divider is to produce a lower voltage from a higher voltage source. This is achieved using two resistors in series, where the output voltage is taken from the junction between the resistors. By choosing the resistor values appropriately, the desired output voltage can be obtained. This technique is essential in many electronic circuits where a specific lower voltage is needed for components that cannot operate at higher voltages, effectively allowing for voltage scaling while maintaining the integrity of the circuit.

Voltage dividers are commonly used in applications such as sensor interfaces, reference voltages in analog circuits, and in adjusting signal levels. The simplicity of the voltage divider circuit, along with its ability to provide precise control over output voltage, makes it a fundamental tool in electronics.