They are also known as panel mounted, discrete, dedicated, or universal process controllers.
For example, the program controller function is often used in the food industry, or in hardening to define specific temperature profiles.
The inputs for the actual value are often universal and can be configured for different types of sensors and signals.
Various binary switching elements are available as outputs, such as relay, semiconductor relay, logic and MosFET outputs, and are used either for controlling binary actuators or for control signals.
The connection between PC and controller can be established via USB, TCP / IP or serial interfaces.