Basic DC Theory
BASIC DC CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS
The total resistance in a parallel circuit can also be found by using the equation (2-10).
(2-10)
1
RT
1
R1
1
R2
1
R3
....
1
RN
Example 1:
Find the total resistance of a 4W, an 8W, and a 16W resistor in parallel (Figure 27).
Figure 27 Total Resistance in a Parallel Circuit
Solution:
1
RT
1
R1
1
R2
1
R3
1
RT
1
4
1
8
1
16
1
RT
4
16
2
16
1
16
7
16
RT
16
7
2.29W
Note: Whenever resistors are in parallel, the total resistance is always smaller than any single
branch.
Rev. 0
Page 33
ES-02
