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Control system
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<p>A control system manages, commands, directs, or regulates the behavior of other devices or systems using <a href="/facts/Control_loop/SNJf4KLB">control loops</a>. It can range from a single home heating controller using a <a href="/facts/Thermostat/w0HpUgup">thermostat</a> controlling a domestic boiler to large <a href="/facts/Industrial_control_system/YzgsMy2x">industrial control systems</a> which are used for controlling <a href="/facts/Process_(engineering)/ntHyBWHg">processes</a> or machines. The control systems are designed via <a href="/facts/Control_engineering/5ckfXmB8">control engineering</a> process. </p><p>For continuously modulated control, a <a href="/facts/Feedback_controller/aIuERpn6">feedback controller</a> is used to automatically control a process or operation. The control system compares the value or status of the <a href="/facts/Process_variable/h33sdXTG">process variable</a> (PV) being controlled with the desired value or <a href="/facts/Setpoint_(control_system)/UqfThpJu">setpoint</a> (SP), and applies the difference as a control signal to bring the process variable output of the <a href="/facts/Plant_(control_theory)/6lK80ETg">plant</a> to the same value as the setpoint. </p><p>For <a href="/facts/Sequential_logic/Rcs4thlu">sequential</a> and <a href="/facts/Combinational_logic/L1kaaVK5">combinational logic</a>, <a href="/facts/Software_logic/fnl5NmRt">software logic</a>, such as in a <a href="/facts/Programmable_logic_controller/bqh0GAdb">programmable logic controller</a>, is used. </p>