I need to monitor my supply voltage ( usually around 13,8vDC ), so assume I need a voltage divider into an analog pin on my Mega 2560.
From what I read, I need 2 resistors ( R1 & R2 ) connected as Vin --- R1 --- pin A1 --- R2 --- Gnd.
Question : is it better to use higher valued resistors, or lower ( and why ) ?
For example :
R1 = 10,000 (10k)
R2 = 1,000 (1k)
10000 + 1000 = 11000 / 1000 = 11 : 1 ratio.
In software, I should multiply the analog read voltage by 11 to get the real value.
R1 = 10,000 (10k)
R2 = 4,700 (4k7)
10000 + 47000 = 14700 / 4700 = 3.127 : 1 ratio.
In software, I should multiply the analog read voltage by 3.127 to get the real value.
R1 = 1,000 (10k)
R2 = 220
1000 + 220 = 1220 / 220 = 5.55 : 1 ratio.
In software, I should multiply the analog read voltage by 5.55 to get the real value.
OK. So best option ( using components I have ) would be :
R1 = 10,000 (10k)
R2 = 3,300 (3k3)
10000 + 3300 = 13300 / 3300 = 4.03 : 1 ratio.
In software, I should multiply the analog read voltage by 4.03 to get the real value.
Am I correct then to assume that the MAX Vin would then be : 4.03 x 5v = 20.15vDC ?
Make the resistors as high as possible without taking the input impedance presented to the analog pin above 10k. So something like 27k and 15k would work and present the least load. They combine to produce an impedance of about 10k (compute the parallel equivalent).
In a noisy environment (high currents being switched, high voltages etc), reduce the values by a factor of ten or so might be a wise precaution, as would adding a 10nF capacitor from analog pin to ground.
If you make the resistors really low in value they will heat up significantly, worth avoiding.