Control Systems

What is the Controller?

A controller is a device that generates an output signal based on the input signal it receives.

The input signal is actually an error signal, which is the difference between the measured variable, and the desired value, or setpoint.

The input error signal represents the amount of deviation between where the process system is actually operating and where the process system is desired to be operating.

Related: Feedback Control System

The controller provides an output signal to the final control elements, which adjusts the process system to reduce the deviation.

The characteristic of this output signal is dependent on the type, or mode of the controller.

Figure 1(a) Controller

You can also read: Modes of Automatic Control

Figure 1(b) an example of of a controller in use (temperature controller [TC] in this case)
John Mulindi

John Mulindi is an Industrial Instrumentation and Control Professional with a wide range of experience in electrical and electronics, process measurement, control systems and automation. In free time he spends time reading, taking adventure walks and watching football.

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