Peak Detector

Definition: Peak detector circuits are used to determine the peak

(maximum) value of an input signal. It stores the peak value of input
voltages for infinite time duration until it comes to reset condition. The peak
detector circuit utilizes its property of following the highest value of an
input signal and storing it.

Rectifier circuits usually provide an output in proportion to the average value

of the input. However, some application requires measurement of the peak
value of the signal. Thus, peak detectors are used.

Usually, the peak of non-sinusoidal waveforms is measured using a peak

detector. As traditional ac voltmeter cannot measure the peak of such signals.

Circuit Working of Peak detector

The figure below shows the circuit of a basic positive peak detector-

It consists of a diode and capacitor along with an op-amp as shown above.

The circuit does not require any complex component in order to determine the
peak of the input waveform.

Working Principle

The working principle of the circuit is such that, the peak of the input waveform
is followed and stored in terms of voltage in the capacitor.
By the time on moving further, if the circuit detects a higher peak, the new
peak value is stored in the capacitor until it is discharged.

The capacitor employed in the circuit is charged through the diode by the
applied input signal. The small voltage drop across the diode is ignored and
the capacitor is charged up to the highest peak of the applied input signal.

Let us consider initially the capacitor is charged to voltage Vc. The diode
employed in the circuit gets forward biased when the applied input voltage
Vin exceeds the capacitor voltage Vc. Thereby allowing the circuit to behave as
a voltage follower. The output voltage follows the applied input voltage until
Vin is more than Vc.

As the input voltage Vin reduces below the value of capacitive voltage Vc, it
causes the diode to get reverse biased. In such condition, the capacitor
retains the value until the input again exceeds the value stored in the
capacitor.

The figure below shows the output voltage waveform for an applied input
signal.

As we can see in the waveform shown above, at time t1, the circuit misses the
peak of the input signal as it is less than the previous peak of the input signal.
Thereby allowing the capacitor to hold the value of the previously occurred
peak.
As it is a positive peak detector, one can also construct a negative peak
detector circuit, that will hold the lowest or most negative signal voltage. This
is basically done by reversing the polarities of the diode in the circuit.

Improvement in peak detector circuit

The figure below shows the circuit of an improved peak detector. It is used to
buffer the source of the signal from that of the capacitor.

As we can see the circuit is comprised of 2 Op-amps. However, the basic

circuit of the peak detector contains only one Op-amp. A high impedance load
is offered by the op-amp A1 to the source. While op-amp A2 performs
buffering action in between the load and capacitor.

The same basic principle is applied in this circuit also. The voltage at the
output side is the similar as the peak of the input signal stored in the capacitor.

Its working is such that, as the input voltage becomes higher than the charge
stored on the capacitor, it charges itself with the new higher value of input
signal.

However, for a smaller value of the input, the capacitor sticks to the previous
higher value. The diode D2 employed here restricts the output of op-amp
A1 from reaching negative saturation.

This basically provides an improvement in the recovery time of op-amp A1 at

the condition of attaining a higher peak than the previous. The two resistances
serve as the path for the bias current of input to A1.
To prevent the effect of the offset voltage, the value of the two resistances
R1 and R2 are kept equal.

The necessary frequency compensation must be given to op-amp A1 in

order to have stability against oscillations.

Applications of Peak detector

1. It is used in the analysis of spectral and mass spectrometer.

2. Peak detector finds its application in destructive testing.
3. It is used for instrumentation measurement, mostly in amplitude
modulated wave communication.
4. It widely finds applications in sound measuring instruments.
From the above discussion, we can conclude that peak detectors are used to
overcome the disadvantage of ac voltmeter. As the peak of a square,
sawtooth or any random waveform is not measured using ac voltmeter.
 What is a Peak Detector?
If you look into the peak detector definition, a Peak detector is a circuit which is used to
determine the maximum peak or the maximum peak of a signal. In this article, we'll look into
what a peak detector is, how it works, and its key components, and explore its applications,
with a particular focus on peak detectors using operational amplifiers (op-amps). This circuit
is essential in scenarios where you need to measure the maximum value of a signal over a
certain period.

How does a Peak Detector Circuit Work?

A typical peak detector circuit consists of key components such as diodes, resistors,
and capacitors. Let's break down its operation step by step:
Input Signal: The peak detector starts by receiving an input signal, which could be any time-
varying waveform.
Charging Phase: During the charging phase, the input signal passes through a diode,
allowing it to charge a capacitor through a resistor. The capacitor gradually charges up to the
peak voltage of the input signal.
Holding Phase: Once the capacitor reaches the peak voltage, it holds this voltage level,
effectively "memorizing" the peak value.
Output: The voltage across the capacitor is the peak detector output. It retains the highest
voltage level reached by the input signal during the charging phase.

Types of Peak Detectors

Depending on the polarity of the detected peak, there are different types of peak detectors:

 Positive Peak Detector: Captures the positive peak of the input signal.
 Negative Peak Detector: Captures the negative peak of the input signal.
 Peak-to-Peak Detector: Captures both the positive and negative peaks of the input signal.

Peak Detectors Modes of Operation

A peak detector can be operated in two modes, real-time peak detection mode and sampled
peak detection mode. In real-time peak detection mode, the peak detector processes the
input signal in real time and reacts instantly to changes, making it suitable for applications
where a timely response is critical. In samples peak detection mode, the peak detector takes
samples of input signal in a set interval and then processes it and detects the peak value,
reducing the complexity and power consumption at the expense of a slightly delayed
response.

Peak Detector Circuit

A basic peak detection circuit comprises components like diodes, resistors, and capacitors.
Here is the simplest ever peak detector circuit using just a diode, capacitor and resistor.
An operational amplifier (op-amp) can be incorporated into a peak detector circuit to enhance
its performance. The op-amp-based peak detector offers higher precision and faster response
times. The op-amp acts as a buffer and improves the stability of the circuit. Here's a
simplified diagram of a Peak detector using an op-amp, you can also check out this article
on peak detector using op-amp to know more.

When an input signal is applied to the circuit, the capacitor gets charged through the diode,
until it reaches the peak voltage. The new peak value is stored in the capacitor until it is
discharged. If we consider the capacitor is initially charged to voltage Vout, we will use the
term Vout since the capacitor voltage and the output voltage are the same. The diode in the
circuit gets forward-biased when the applied input voltage Vin exceeds the capacitor voltage
Vout. Thereby allowing the circuit to behave as a voltage follower. The output voltage
follows the applied input voltage until Vin is more than Vout. As the input voltage Vin
reduces below the value of capacitive voltage Vout, it causes the diode to get reverse biased.
In such a condition, the capacitor retains the value until the input again exceeds the value
stored in the capacitor. Whenever the input voltage Vin exceeds the current peak voltage
Vout, the diode will again get forward biased and the capacitor gets charged to the new peak
voltage. Effectively setting the output voltage to the Peak. Here is a simulation showcasing
the same. In the simulation, you can see that when the peak voltage of the input signal
increases the output also changes. In the simulation, you can also see an additional opamp at
the output. It acts as a buffer between the peak detector and the output, and it will improve
the recovery time for the peak detection.

Resetting Peak Detector

As we know a peak detector will hold the peak value until it is reset or powered down. The
easiest way to reset a peak detector is to drain the capacitor with some kind of a switch. The
image below shows such a peak detector circuit with an opamp featuring a reset mechanism.

Here you can reset the peak detector by providing a reset signal to the MOSFET. It will turn
on the MOSFET and discharge the capacitor. If you want to manually reset the detector
without a signal, you can simply replace the MOSFET with a switch.

Peak Detector Waveform

The below image shows the input and output waveforms of a peak detector. The input signal
is illustrated in green colour and the output waveform is in red. As you can see whenever the
input signal exceeds the last peak value the output waveform increases in amplitude and
holds to that value until a new higher peak is peered in the input.
 An operational amplifier (op-amp) can be incorporated into a peak detector circuit to enhance
its performance. The op-amp-based peak detector offers higher precision and faster response
times. The op-amp acts as a buffer and improves the stability of the circuit.

Peak Detector ICs

For those looking for a ready-made solution, some dedicated ICs are available specifically
designed for peak detection applications. These ICs offer convenience and reliability, making
them suitable for a wide range of industries. One of the popular peak detector IC is
the PKD01 from Analog Devices.

Peak Detector Applications

Peak detectors find applications in various fields, including:

 Audio Processing - In audio applications, peak detectors help measure the peak
amplitudes of audio signals, which is crucial for maintaining signal quality and preventing
distortion.
 RF Communication - Peak detectors are used in radio frequency (RF) communication
systems to capture and maintain the peak envelope of amplitude-modulated signals,
ensuring efficient data transmission.
 Radar Systems - In radar technology, peak detectors assist in processing and extracting
critical information from radar return signals, improving target detection accuracy.
 Medical Instruments - Peak detectors play a role in medical instruments, where they help
analyze physiological signals such as ECG and EEG waveforms to detect abnormal peaks
and patterns.

In conclusion, a peak detector is an essential circuit used to capture the highest points of a
waveform. It finds applications in various fields, including audio processing, RF
communication, radar systems, and medical instruments. By utilizing operational amplifiers
and specialized ICs, peak detectors have become an indispensable tool in modern electronics,
ensuring accurate peak amplitude measurement for improved performance in diverse
applications.