Why resistor will be used between two different grounds

Thread Starter

pinkyponky

Joined Nov 28, 2019
351
Hi,

This is theoretical question but it will be implemented practically in many circuits (I don't have circuit to show). The question is why the resistor will be used between two different grounds and how that value to be calculated?.
 

Lo_volt

Joined Apr 3, 2014
316
What will happen if the grounds are not connected? In answering that question think about real world influences such as EMI (electromagnetic interference) and leakage current etc. that may affect your circuits.

Once you understand why grounds should be referenced together then take a look at what will happen if they are connected with a resistor and compare that with connecting directly without a resistor.
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,157
There may be different reasons.
  1. You might choose a low value resistor so that the grounds will be separated in the layout but electrically, approximately equal. An example would be an analog ground and a digital ground on the same PCB, mechanically separate, but electrically equal.
  2. You might choose a high value resistor so that no current flows between the two grounds, effectively isolating them from each other.
It is easy to see the effects of these choices in a simulator.
 

Thread Starter

pinkyponky

Joined Nov 28, 2019
351
If possible, Can you show me with the example circuit using low value resistor and high value resistor?.
 
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