Can I divide two currents?

[eilute]

Let's say I have two arbitrary currents, I1 and I2. Is there a circuit that will divide them so that I get I1/I2=I3?

 

[Woodchuck2000]

It depends on the application. A circuit to divide currents is meaningless without a context.

It's entirely possible to create a resistor network with a number of resistors such that in a part of the circuit, two currents are the product of a third. That would satisfy the definition you've given.

 

[Mark R]

Will this do?

 

[Woodchuck2000]

Originally posted by: Mark R
Will this do?

Genius! Multiplier in a feedback loop does it nicely! Although I belive that'll divide voltages, not currents - the input resistance of those op-amps is near-infinite hence very little current will pass.

 

[MrDudeMan]

dude just make a current divider. its a very elementary circuit.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th
dude just make a current divider. its a very elementary circuit.

A current divider won't give you an I3 such that I3 = I1/I2

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Woodchuck2000

Originally posted by: Mark R
Will this do?

Genius! Multiplier in a feedback loop does it nicely! Although I belive that'll divide voltages, not currents - the input resistance of those op-amps is near-infinite hence very little current will pass.

What about using resistors to convert the currents to voltages, divide the voltages, and then use a voltage to current curcuit at the output like this one:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electronic/opampvar2.html

I didn't read the data sheet for that part, I was just going by your description.

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th
dude just make a current divider. its a very elementary circuit.

A current divider won't give you an I3 such that I3 = I1/I2

it can if you do it right.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th
dude just make a current divider. its a very elementary circuit.

A current divider won't give you an I3 such that I3 = I1/I2

it can if you do it right.

it can if you set it up for specific currents, not if they are variables

 

[TuxDave]

Now are we talking about small signal or DC currents?

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: iwantanewcomputer

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th
dude just make a current divider. its a very elementary circuit.

A current divider won't give you an I3 such that I3 = I1/I2

it can if you do it right.

it can if you set it up for specific currents, not if they are variables

yeah i know lol

 

[Woodchuck2000]

This question really needs more information - it's easily possible to set up a current divider using a small network of resistors which fulfils the criteria I1/I2=I3 for constant currents and voltages.

What's the application of this thing meant to be?