Products in the RMS-to-DC converter family are used to perform a mathematical function of measuring a time-varying waveform and return a value proportional to the equivalent steady state (DC) value that would result in producing the same power dissipation if applied to a resistive load. Often used for measurements in AC power related applications, they are differentiated among themselves and from other techniques used for similar ends by the degree of accuracy in the result given when the input is a non-sinusoidal waveform.