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Detectors Used in EMI Measurements
Peak Detector
Peak Detector
Initial EMI measurements are made using the peak detector. This mode is much 
faster than quasi-peak, or average modes of detection. Signals are normally 
displayed on spectrum analyzers or EMC analyzers in peak mode. Since signals 
measured in peak detection mode always have amplitude values equal to or higher 
than quasi-peak or average detection modes, it is a very easy process to take a sweep 
and compare the results to a limit line. If all signals fall below the limit, then the 
product passes and no further testing is needed.
Peak detector operation
The EMI Receiver has an envelope or peak detector in the IF chain that has a time 
constant, such that the voltage at the detector output follows the peak value of the IF 
signal at all times. In other words, the detector can follow the fastest possible 
changes in the envelope of the IF signal, but not the instantaneous value of the IF 
sine wave.
  Peak detector diagram