What is meant by "setpoint tracking" in control systems?

Setpoint tracking refers to the ability of a control system to adjust its output in response to changing desired values over time. In many industrial and automation applications, the desired target value, known as the setpoint, can vary based on process requirements. For a control system to perform effectively, it must not only maintain the current setpoint but also track and adjust to any changes to that setpoint dynamically.

This capability ensures that the system can follow variations in the desired output, accommodating operational requirements or external conditions that may affect the process. For instance, in a temperature control system, if the desired temperature setpoint increases due to changes in production needs, the control system must adjust its actions accordingly to achieve the new target value.

In contrast, remembering past setpoints or measuring the rate of return to the setpoint after disturbances are related concepts but do not capture the essence of adjusting to changing setpoints over time. Manually changing setpoints does not pertain to tracking but rather to manually interfacing with the system to alter its target settings. Each of these aspects is important in control systems, but the correct interpretation of setpoint tracking is encapsulated in the capacity to actively manage changes in desired outputs.