Which acronym stands for AO in control systems?

• A. Analog Output
• B. Automatic Output
• C. Analog Input
• D. Analysis Output

Answer: (A)

In control systems, AO stands for Analog Output because it describes the continuous signal the controller sends to an actuator. This output is a voltage or current that can vary smoothly over a range (for example, 0-10 V or 4-20 mA) to proportionally control devices like valves, motors, or actuators. This contrasts with Analog Input, which is how the controller reads a continuous sensor signal, i.e., input rather than output. The other terms aren’t standard designations for AO—Automatic Output isn’t a typical label for control signals, and Analysis Output isn’t used to describe the actuator-driving channel.