Setpoint (control system)

Setpoint generally refers to the desired value of a quantitative feature of the system from which the actual value is to deviate as little as possible. The reference is from another system (technical, human, for example ) is specified. In the ideal case: actual value = setpoint. The term is used in particular in the following areas:

• Control technology: In a loop, the setpoint of the controlled variable is the instantaneous value of the reference variable. The term setpoint is also particularly used in place of the reference variable when the reference variable in time does not change. For example, at a heating temperature is the controlled variable. The desired temperature (reference variable ) is set by an adjustable thermostat. The currently set value is the temperature setpoint.

• Quality Management: In analogy to control engineering is perceived ( the dimensions of a component, for example ) as the desired value here, the desired process parameters. Until 1988 the name here setpoints but was used as a collective term for all blurred given feature values ​​such as, for example, limit dimensions.

• Physiology, psychology and pedagogy: Also similar to the control engineering, the setpoint is here target of systems with self-regulation. In medicine is understood as setpoint and the experiential normal value, even if no regulatory mechanism exists.