Peak power refers to the maximum of the instantaneous power waveform, which, for a sine wave, is always twice the average power.[1][2][3][4] For other waveforms, the relationship between peak power and average power is the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). It always produces a higher value than the average power figure, however, and so has been tempting to use in advertising without context, making it look as though the amp has twice the power of competitors .
Peak power is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering, relevant to various types of waveforms, including alternating current (AC) and other signal forms. It represents the maximum instantaneous power level that a system can handle or produce. This article explores the significance of peak power across different applications and waveforms.
The peak power of an amplifier is determined by the voltage rails and the maximum amount of current its electronic components can handle for an instant without damage. This characterizes the ability of equipment to handle quickly changing power levels, as many audio signals have a highly dynamic nature.[5]
For a sine wave, the peak power is twice the continuous average power.
The peak of the signal is just touching [...] the values of the power supply rails. This signal is still clean and undistorted, however it is the maximum clean signal that is possible for this amplifier. [...] Peak Power: [...] the maximum amount of power that can be delivered to a load [...] For the amplifier we have been using in our example, the peak power (for an 8 ohm load) is 200 watts. This amount of power is delivered to the 8 ohm load at the instant when the output voltage of the amplifier is at +40 volts
Peak power ratings are obtained by using peak voltage. [...] If the dynamic headroom of an audio amplifier is specified at 3 dB, then the amplifier can deliver two times its average power; e.g., if the amplifier is rated for 200 W average power, then the peak power is 400 W.
The peak power that an amplifier can deliver to the load is [...] PSE(PEAK) = [...] 2 • PSE(RMS)
In an amplifier, the maximum peak power output to a speaker is limited by the amplifier power supply. [...] In an amplifier, the peak power rating is useful for describing the maximum instantaneous limit of its capability for pulse sounds such as drumbeats and bass notes.