Controller

How it is used

Context decides the meaning: a robot controller (the cabinet with the drives and main computer that runs the arm), a motion controller, a temperature controller or a PID controller. Engineers say the controller runs the program, sends commands, raises an alarm or goes into a fault state.

Example sentences

1. The robot controller needs a 400 V three-phase supply.

2. The temperature controller keeps the oven at 180 degrees.

Common collocations

• robot controller
• motion controller
• PID controller
• controller cabinet
• temperature controller

Related terms

• PLCShort for programmable logic controller: a rugged industrial computer that reads inputs from sensors and switches, runs a control program and drives outputs such as motors, valves and lamps.
• feedbackInformation about the actual output of a system, such as the measured position or speed, that is sent back to the controller so it can correct any difference from the target.
• PID controlA common feedback control method that calculates its output from three terms: proportional (the present error), integral (the error built up over time) and derivative (how fast the error is changing).
• setpointThe target value a control system tries to reach and hold, such as a temperature of 60 °C, a speed of 1,500 rpm or a pressure of 6 bar.
• teach pendantThe handheld control unit, with a screen, keys and an emergency stop button, that is connected to the robot controller and used to move, program and monitor the robot.

More terms: Control Systems

• closed-loop control
• open-loop control
• process variable
• tune
• overshoot