Electronic control
Electronic techniques have made possible great advances in the control of a wide range of systems, from dishwashers to nuclear power stations. The control that we describe in this chapter is essentially automatic. All the operator has to do is to make a few settings and press the button. Electronics does the rest. In manufacturing and some other industries this kind of control is called automation but the same principles are found in all manner of control systems from steering a radio telescope to manoeuvring a Moon-buggy.
A simple instance of a basic automatic control system is a thermostat circuit (opposite). The thermostat controls a heater so as to keep the room temperature constant. It has three main sections, the sensor ...
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