What are field devices in a control system?

Field devices in a control system refer to the physical components that interact directly with the process being controlled. These devices include sensors and actuators that are critical for monitoring conditions and executing control actions within the system.

Sensors gather data from the environment, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or level, and convert it into signals that can be interpreted by the control system. On the other hand, actuators receive control signals from the system to perform actions such as opening or closing valves, adjusting the speed of a motor, or changing the position of mechanical devices.

The integration of these field devices with PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) modules forms the backbone of a control system, allowing for real-time adjustments and responses to varying conditions in the industrial or process environment. Their role is essential as they provide the necessary inputs for the system's operations and execute the required outputs based on the PLC's logic.