What type of device is considered an output module?

An output module is a component in a control system that receives commands from a controller and executes actions. Its primary function is to translate the control signals into physical actions or outputs. In this context, a relay or actuator serves as a quintessential example of an output module.

A relay is an electrically operated switch that can control a high-power circuit using a low-power signal. It operates based on the signal provided from the controller and, when activated, it opens or closes contacts to turn devices on or off—demonstrating a clear output function.

An actuator, on the other hand, is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement, which can control various types of machinery or processes as directed by the controller signals. Both relays and actuators exemplify the role of output modules by performing actions in response to input signals, thereby influencing physical operations in a system.

In contrast, a temperature sensor is designed to measure and report temperature, functioning as an input device rather than output. A communication device typically serves to facilitate data exchange between different components, likewise not serving a direct output function. A power supply provides electrical energy necessary for other components but is not categorized as an output module since it does not execute specific control actions in response to commands.