Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Control (automation)
Also known as: Controlling
German: Steuerung
In automation, control is the purposeful influencing of a process or machine by a control system so that it behaves as required. Depending on whether measured values are fed back, it is realized as open-loop or closed-loop control.
- Automation components
In one sentence
Control is the purposeful influencing of a process or machine by a control system, realized as open-loop or closed-loop control.
Example
The control of a conveyor starts and stops the drive based on sensor signals, while a speed loop keeps the belt at the set speed.
How it applies
- Engineering: Control functions are specified in a functional description and implemented in PLCs, drives or DCS controllers.
- Translation: The German "Steuerung" means both control in general and open-loop control specifically, and it is also used for the controller device itself. "Regelung" means closed-loop control. Translators and terminologists should decide from context which is meant.
- Documentation: In operating manuals, "control" often refers to the control unit or operating panel. Use precise terms such as control system, controller, Programmable logic controller (PLC) or control panel to avoid ambiguity.
Control vs. controller
Control is the function; the controller is the device that performs it. See also Open-loop control and Closed-loop control for the two basic forms.