Low-drift-peak-detector

20,515

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This circuit utilizes operational amplifier U1 to correct the offset in the peak detector diode D1. The voltage across capacitor C is the precise peak voltage. Additionally, U2 functions as a voltage follower to measure this voltage.

The described circuit employs an operational amplifier (op-amp) configuration to enhance the accuracy of a peak detection system. The operational amplifier U1 is tasked with compensating for any voltage offset introduced by the peak detector diode D1. This is crucial for applications where accurate peak voltage readings are essential, such as in audio signal processing or RF signal detection.

In this setup, the diode D1 is responsible for rectifying the input signal, allowing only the positive peaks to pass through. However, due to the inherent characteristics of diodes, there is often a forward voltage drop that can cause an offset in the detected peak voltage. Operational amplifier U1 is configured in a way that it can adjust for this offset, ensuring that the voltage across capacitor C reflects the true peak voltage of the input signal.

Capacitor C plays a vital role in this circuit by holding the peak voltage for a certain duration, allowing for stable readings. The voltage across C is then fed to operational amplifier U2, which is configured as a voltage follower. This configuration provides a high input impedance and low output impedance, ensuring that the measurement of the peak voltage does not load the circuit significantly, thereby preserving the integrity of the signal.

The output from U2 can be used for further processing or display, providing an accurate representation of the peak voltage without the influence of diode-related offsets. This arrangement is particularly useful in precision measurement applications where maintaining signal fidelity is paramount.This circuit uses op amp Ul to compensate for the offset in peak detector diode Dl. Across c. is the exact peak voltage; U2 is used as a voltage follower to read this voltage. 🔗 External reference