Deadband

A deadband or dead-band (also known as a dead zone or a neutral zone) is a band of input values in the domain of a transfer function in a control system or signal processing system where the output is zero (the output is 'dead' - no action occurs).

A form of deadband that occurs in mechanical systems, compound machines such as gear trains is backlash.

Leadscrews generally also have backlash and hence a deadband, which must be taken into account when making position adjustments, especially with CNC systems.

[clarification needed] Examples of devices with hysteresis are single-mode thermostats and smoke alarms.

The high end of the deadband is just below the temperature where the air-conditioning system starts.