In a BAS, what is the typical relationship between a controller and an actuator?

In a BAS, what is the typical relationship between a controller and an actuator?

• A. The controller reads sensors and sends control signals to actuators
• B. The controller provides power to the actuator
• C. The actuator reads sensors and sends data to the controller
• D. They operate independently

Answer: (B)

In a BAS, the controller acts as the brain that reads sensor data and then sends a control signal to the actuator to drive a physical change (like opening a valve or moving a damper). The actuator uses its own power source to perform that action, while the controller provides the instruction. The sensors then feed back information to the controller to adjust future commands, creating a feedback loop. Providing main power to the actuator isn’t the controller’s typical role; it mostly issues commands and monitors results, and the actuator supplies the energy to act.

In a BAS, the controller acts as the brain that reads sensor data and then sends a control signal to the actuator to drive a physical change (like opening a valve or moving a damper). The actuator uses its own power source to perform that action, while the controller provides the instruction. The sensors then feed back information to the controller to adjust future commands, creating a feedback loop. Providing main power to the actuator isn’t the controller’s typical role; it mostly issues commands and monitors results, and the actuator supplies the energy to act.