This problem is really rattling my brain quite a bit. My current setup uses a wall wart power adapter sending 6VDC to my circuit. From that I'm trying to lower the voltage to 5V using two resistors. I have a 220 ohm and 1kohm resistor in series. '
So far so good right?
My expected output should be 4.92V, this however is not the case i'm getting the full 6V with my meter on one end and -.1V on the other. I've switched the leads around to see if did something backwards but same result. Am I missing something? I'll do up a schematic on request. This is a bit of an easy issue so don't see the need of one just yet.
Further unnecessary explanation:
This is just a test circuit. My final circuit will be using sensors instead of the wall wart power adapter but I have to make sure I am correct before proceeding. That is why I am not using any "load". Is this the issue? the fact that their is no load?
Best Answer
1) Wall warts are very inaccurate and there is a high chance it is not supplying exactly 6 volts.
2) Don't forget that resistors have tolerance. I can almost guarantee your resistors are not exactly 220 ohm and 1k ohm.
3) Voltage dividers really shouldn't be used for power supplies because the "regulation" will depend on the load. If you attach a load, it will combine with the resistor divider network, changing its output voltage.
It would have been more helpful if you had attached a diagram to your post showing exactly how you have things connected.