feedback control
<electronics> A control system which monitors its effect on the system it
is controlling and modifies its output accordingly. For example, a thermostat
has two inputs: the desired temperature and the current temperature (the latter
is the feedback). The output of the thermostat changes so as to try to equalise
the two inputs.
Computer disk drives use feedback control to position the read/write heads
accurately on a recording track. Complex systems such as the human body contain
many feedback systems that interact with each other; the homeostasis mechanisms
that control body temperature and acidity are good examples.
(1996-01-02)
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