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Setting:
“Signal”
Peak / RMS
The following illustration shows the difference in the evaluation of a
pulsed signal if displayed as an average value reading or a peak
value reading (“RMS” and “Peak”):
+)HQHUJ\LQ:TP
SHDNYDOXH
DYJYDOXH
HJSXOVHHYHU\6
With the switch set to “Peak”, the meter will display the full power
flux density of the pulse (10 μW/m² in the graph). With the switch set
to “RMS”, the meter will take the mean of the power flux density
over the total period of time, for instance 1 μW/m² in the above
graph (=((1x10)+(9x0))/10).
With the switch set to “Peak” or “Peak hold”, the display will show
the “RMS value during the pulse”, which is a common practice in
the building biology.
Nevertheless, the “true” mean value is of great interest, too:
The “official” limit values are always based on mean value exam-
inations. When analysing “official” measurement results, there-
fore, such as those for instance done for cell phone operators, it
may be useful to have a possibility of comparison.
Users of professional spectrum analysers please note:
The value for pulsed radiation shown on the display of the Gigahertz Solutions
HF Analysers with the signal switch set to “Peak” corresponds to the equivalent
value in μW/m² resulting from the “Max. Peak” function of a modern spectrum
analyser (elder spectrum analysers had a similar function mostly called “positive
peak”).
The switch setting “RMS” corresponds the “true RMS” setting of a modern
spectrum analyser (elder spectrum analysers have a similar function mostly
called “normal detect”, as well as a setting for the video bandwidth adapted to
match the pulse).
Peak Hold
In the interior, local peak values are mostly subject to strong fluc-
tuations (caused by multiple reflections). In order not to overlook
any local maxima (so called hot spots), indoor measurements
should, therefore, preferably be done with the “Peak hold” setting.
Switching impulses can cause “pseudo peaks” which will appear on
your display. These can be deleted by pressing and holding the
“clear” button for several seconds (while keeping the “clear” button
pressed, the measurement will turn into a regular peak measure-
