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.

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.

View Comments

Recent Posts

How Metal Fabrication is Powering the EV Revolution

Image: Pexels The electric vehicle (EV) market is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driven by…

1 week ago

Basic Features of Numerical Control

Numerical control is a form of digital control that is employed on machine tools such…

1 week ago

Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Your Home

Photo: Pexels Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Your Home: Save Money and Your Planet…

3 weeks ago

How to Size a Control Valve

Pneumatic control valve Control valve sizing refers to the procedure determining the correct size of…

3 weeks ago

Process Control System Design for a Distillation Unit

The aim of a typical control system is to force a given set of process…

3 weeks ago

Limit Switches vs. Proximity Sensors

An object can be used to activate a switch directly, producing an ON or OFF…

3 weeks ago