Error signals and proportional action
22 min · IntermediateUnderstand the concept
The control error is usually setpoint minus measured output. Proportional control responds to the magnitude of this error, but actuator limits and sensor noise affect achievable behavior.
Read the associated publisher material for deeper derivations, lectures and problem sets. This summary is an independent Harderware explanation.
Your exercise
Choose a temperature setpoint and calculate error for several measured temperatures. Sketch how a proportional command would change.
Practice in simulation or at safe low voltage unless supervised by qualified personnel. Follow official equipment safety guidance.
Record your engineering notes
Capture a hypothesis, your observations, test evidence, failure cases or the next experiment. These notes stay in your browser unless you export them.
Knowledge check
If a setpoint is 50 and the output is 43, what is error?
Practice quizzes are formative and can be retried. Answers are evaluated in your browser; they are not proctored exams.