In an automatic control system, the controller output signal goes to which component?

In an automatic control system, the controller output signal goes to the final control element. The final control element is responsible for executing the control action determined by the controller, which translates the controller's output signal into a physical action that affects the process variable.

For example, if the control system is designed to manage a temperature control process, the controller will send a signal to the final control element—in this case, it might be a valve or a heater—that adjusts the temperature based on the desired setpoint. This action directly influences the process variable to achieve the desired outcome.

The final control element serves as the interface between the control system and the actual process being controlled, making it a crucial component in achieving the desired control objectives.