inngangsvoltage

Inngangsvoltage, or input voltage, is the electrical potential difference delivered to the input terminals of a device or circuit. It can be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) and is usually defined relative to a common reference such as ground.

The input voltage establishes the operating conditions of the device. Most equipment specifies an acceptable input voltage range and, in the case of regulated supplies or amplifiers, a nominal input voltage. Exceeding the specified range can damage components or cause incorrect operation; too little voltage can lead to malfunction or loss of performance.

In different contexts, the term has specific meanings. For power supplies, the input voltage is the voltage fed to the converter from the mains or another source; many adapters accept a wide AC input range (for example 100–240 V AC) to accommodate different electricity standards. For signal-processing circuits, the input voltage often refers to the analog signal that the circuit processes; for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or comparators, the input voltage range defines the maximum amplitude that can be represented without clipping.

Tolerances and regulation are important. Nominal input voltage is the target value; real systems may vary within specified tolerances, and regulators aim to keep the input stable under varying load. The actual voltage at the input depends on source impedance and loading.

Measurement and safety: The input voltage can be measured with instruments such as a multimeter or oscilloscope. Proper grounding, isolation, and protection (fuses, surge protection) are important to ensure safe operation.