Peak Detector



Applications of Operational Amplifiers in Tamil


Peak Detector

  • A Peak detector circuit is a circuit that is able to measure the peak amplitude that occurs in a waveform.
  • This gives us the highest value of a waveform reaches and it can measure the maximum amplitude value of a signal.
  • Peak detector detects and holds the most positive value of attained by the input signal prior to the time when the switch is closed.
Peak Detector

Peak Detector

Working of Peak Detector

  • During the positive half cycle of Vin:
    • The o/p of the op-amp drives D1 on. (Forward biased)
    • Charging capacitor C to the positive peak value Vp of the input volt Vin.
  • During the negative half cycle of Vin:
    • D1 is reverse biased and voltage across C is retained.
    • The only discharge path for C is through RL since the input bias IB is negligible.
  • For proper operation of the circuit, the charging time constant (CRd ) and discharging time constant (CRL) must satisfy the following condition.
Working of Peak Detector

Working of Peak Detector

  • CRd <= T/10 --------> (1)
    • Where Rd = Resistance of the forward-biased diode.
    • T = time period of the input waveform.
  • CRL >= 10T ---------> (2)
    • Where RL = load resistor.
  • If RL is very small so that eqn. (2) cannot be satisfied.
    • Use a (buffer) voltage follower circuit between capacitor C and RL load resistor.
    • R is used to protect the op-amp against the excessive discharge currents.
    • Rcomp = minimizes the offset problems caused by input current
    • D2 conducts during the –ve half cycle of Vin and prevents the op-amp from going into negative saturation.


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