SpitzenwertRecorder

A Spitzenwertrecorder, also known as a peak value recorder or peak detector, is an electronic device designed to capture and display the maximum instantaneous value of a varying electrical signal over a specific period. It essentially "remembers" the highest amplitude reached by the signal.

These devices are crucial in applications where understanding the extreme excursions of a signal is important, rather than just its average or RMS value. For instance, in signal processing, a Spitzenwertrecorder can identify transient overloads or the maximum stress a system might experience. In testing and measurement, it helps to determine the peak stress on components or the highest voltage spikes in a circuit.

The core principle of operation typically involves a circuit that charges a capacitor to the peak voltage of the input signal. This capacitor then holds the peak value until it is reset. Modern Spitzenwertrecorders can be analog or digital. Analog versions often use diodes and capacitors, while digital versions employ analog-to-digital converters and microprocessors to sample the signal and store the maximum observed value. They are often integrated into multimeters, oscilloscopes, or specialized data acquisition systems. The ability to record these peak values provides valuable diagnostic and analytical information.