The pulse processor in EDS systems removes noise by averaging the incoming signal. The time spent averaging the signal can be changed by adjusting the amplifier time constant (or called peaking time or shaping time, process time) of the detector system. A longer time constant means the signal is averaged for longer and the energy resolution of the spectral peaks is improved. A longer process time also increases the dead time of the EDS system and also means that it takes longer to acquire the EDS data.