Spanningsområde

Spanningsområde, often translated as voltage range, is a term used in electronics to denote the interval of voltages within which a device, circuit, or measurement system is designed to operate safely and predictably. It specifies where performance and reliability are guaranteed by the manufacturer. The concept can apply to several contexts, including the supply voltage range for powering a device, the allowable input or output signal range for pins and interfaces, and the range over which a sensor or actuator provides valid outputs.

A typical supply voltage range is given as a minimum and maximum supply voltage (V_min to V_max). Inside this interval, the device is expected to function correctly; outside it, performance may degrade or permanent damage can occur. In practice there is often a recommended operating range within the broader survival or absolute maximum range.

For inputs, the spanningsområde defines the voltages the device can safely accept without distortion or damage, including the common‑mode range for operational amplifiers and the input range for analog-to-digital converters. For outputs, it indicates the voltages the device can reliably source or sink under specified load conditions. Specifications may also describe tolerances, temperature dependence, and loading effects on the range.

Designers use methods such as level shifting, voltage regulation, and protection circuitry to ensure signals remain within the valid spanningsområde. Exceeding the range can cause clipping, incorrect operation, or hardware damage. Example contexts include a microcontroller with a supply range of 2.7–3.6 V and an ADC input range of 0–3.0 V, which may require conditioning for signals outside those limits.