Prolifics Training

Program Definitions
2005

Prolific Systems and Technologies Pvt Ltd

Terminologies
Relay - A relay is an electrically operated switch. Power
applied to its coil generates a magnetic field that
operates the switch. The operating voltage of its coil
may be different from the load voltage.

Contactor - It is essentially a large capacity relay

specifically designed to control the flow of electrical
power to large electrical loads, such as motors, heaters
and lights. It generally has a multi pole, single throw,
normally open configuration.

Potential Free Contact - Another term often used is

Potential Free Contact which simply means that the
contact is not energized, or in other words, none of its

Sensor - A Sensor is a device that converts a

physical property such as temperature, pressure,

relative humidity, flow etc. into an electrically or
mechanically measurable signal.

Transducer - A transducer is a device that

converts one form of energy to another form of

energy such as pneumatic to electric or vice versa.

Transmitter - Output from a sensor or a transducer

may not be strong enough to be transmitted over long
distances. Transmitter is a device used to amplify the
signal.

Controller - It is a device that compares the signal

from a Sensor, Transducer or Transmitter with the

Controlled Device - It receives signal from controller and

varies the flow of control agent like water, air. It may be a
damper or a valve connected to an actuator.

Stat - Combination of sensor and controller functioning in one

device is often called a stat like thermostat, humidistat, etc.

Process & Controlled Variable - In an air-conditioning

system, parameter being controlled such as temperature, RH,
pressure etc. is controlled variable and the changes in these
parameters is due to influencing factors in process.

Control Medium - It is the air, steam or water the flow

regulation of which influences the process to get the desired

value of controlled variable.