Log and Antilog Amplifier

 Logarithmic amplifier-  is a non-linear circuit configuration, where the

output is K times the logarithmic value of the input voltage applied. Log amplifiers
find the APPLICATION in computations such as multiplication and division of signals,
computation of powers and roots, signal compression and decompression, as well as
in process control in industrial applications.
where K is a constant and ln is the natural logarithm to the
base e. A natural logarithm is
the exponent to which the base e must be raised in order to
equal a given quantity.
 You can see that the output voltage is the negative of a logarithmic function of the input voltage. The value
of the output is controlled by the value of the input voltage and the value of the resistor R1. The other factor,
IR, is a constant for a given diode.

Example:
Anti-Logarithmic Amplifier or Exponential Amplifier-
is an op-amp circuit configuration, whose output is
proportional to the exponential value or anti-log value of the
input.  Antilog amplifier does the exact opposite of a log
amplifier. 
Example:
 this circuit can be used to detect and store the maximum value
of a voltage surge; this value can then be measured at the output
with a voltmeter or recording device. The basic operation is as
follows. When a positive voltage is applied to the noninverting input
of the op-amp, the high-level output voltage of the op-amp forward-
biases the diode and charges the capacitor. The capacitor continues
to charge until its voltage reaches a value equal to the input voltage
and thus both op-amp inputs are at the same voltage. At this point,
the op-amp comparator switches, and its output goes to the low
level. The diode is now reverse biased, and the capacitor stops
charging. It has reached a voltage equal to the peak of Vin and will
hold this voltage until the charge eventually leaks off or until it is
reset with a switch as indicated. If a greater input peak occurs, the
capacitor charges to the new peak.