Lab – Open Loop Control Systems

Objective
In this activity, you will describe the inputs, the plants, and the outputs of open-loop control systems.

Background/Scenario
Input is not dependent on the output in an open-loop control system. An example of an open-loop control
system is a light switch in your home. Moving the light switch to the “on” position is the input, closing the
circuit is the plant, and the light turning on is the output.

In this activity, you will consider the following examples of common open-loop control systems and describe
the applicable inputs, plants, and outputs.
1. Complete the Input, Plant, and Output fields for the Lawn Sprinkler and Toaster systems.
2. Add your own examples of open-loop control systems in the spaces provided below.

System Input Plant Output

The switch is moved to The light fixture’s The light fixture turns
Light Switch
the on position. electrical circuit is closed. on.

Lawn Sprinkler

Toaster

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