peakværdi

Peakværdi is the Danish term for peak value, defined as the maximum instantaneous amplitude that a signal attains. In electronics and signal processing, the peak value characterizes how large a signal becomes at its highest moment and is distinct from the peak-to-peak value (the total swing from the lowest to the highest point) and from the RMS value (which relates to average power).

For a periodic signal, the peak value is the largest absolute value over a period. In a sinusoidal voltage or current described by v(t) = Vm sin(ωt), the peak value is Vm, the peak-to-peak value is 2Vm, and the root-mean-square value is Vm/√2. The crest factor, defined as the ratio of peak value to RMS value (V_peak / V_rms), equals √2 for a pure sine wave. For non-sinusoidal waveforms, the crest factor varies and provides a measure of how peaky the signal is.

In practical use, peak value is important for component ratings, safety, and design limits. Peak voltages (Vp) and peak currents (Ip) determine insulation requirements, switch ratings, and transient handling. Electronics instruments often report peak values or offer peak-detect/peak-hold modes to capture the maximum excursion of a signal, especially in transient-rich environments.

Notes on interpretation: if a signal has a DC offset, the peak value refers to the maximum positive value of the overall signal, while the minimum or negative peak and the peak-to-peak range reflect the full excursion around the offset.