Peak timeout indicator/encoder and method

A peak signal detector for analyzing a waveform, comprising:

• sampling apparatus (A/D) for sampling the amplitude of the waveform at successive times;
• means (PR) for receiving and storing a sampled amplitudes;
• means for starting a predetermined time interval (PT) upon storing of an amplitude;
• means (SN) for receiving a new amplitude that occurs during said time interval and for providing in response thereto an attenuated value of that amplitude;
• means (AP) for comparing the attenuated value with the stored amplitude;
• means (RB, PR) for storing the new amplitude itself if said attenuated value of said new amplitude exceeds the predecessor stored amplitude;
• means (PT) for starting a predetermined time interval in response to storing of the new amplitude;
• means (AB, PT, PR) for, upon occurrence of subsequent amplitudes, similarly storing the subsequent amplitudes, and starting subsequent time intervals, if the subsequent amplitude occurs during the immediately preceding time interval and if the attenuated value of the subsequent amplitude exceeds the preceding stored amplitude;
• means (94, 96, SF) for producing an output signal when the most recently started of said time intervals is completed without occurrence of an amplitude whose attenuated value exceeds the stored amplitude.