Automatic control terminology

Specific terms are used within the controls industry, primarily to avoid confusion. The same words and
phrases come together in all aspects of controls, and when used correctly, their meaning is universal.

The simple manual system described in Example 5.1.1 and illustrated in Figure 5.1.1 is used to
introduce some standard terms used in control engineering.

Example 5.1.1 A simple analogy of a control system

In the process example shown (Figure 5.1.1), the operator manually varies the flow of water by
opening or closing an inlet valve to ensure that:

• The water level is not too high; or it will run to waste via the overflow.