What is another term for on-off control?

On-off control is synonymous with discrete control because it operates in a binary manner, meaning it can only be in one of two states: fully on or fully off. This type of control is used in systems that require a simple response to whether a condition is met or not, rather than varying continuously. In practical applications, on-off control can be found in mechanisms like heating systems or industrial machinery, where the controlled element is either in operation or not.

In contrast, continuous control involves systems that adjust outputs within a range, allowing for gradual changes rather than strict binary states. Similarly, linear control focuses on the proportional response of the process variable to a change in the control variable in a linear fashion, while proportional control adjusts the output proportionally to the error without having the discrete nature of on-off control. Therefore, the term that best aligns with the concept of on-off control is discrete control, as both imply a limited set of operational states.