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closed loop

closed loop

1 5.1
A system that uses feedback to keep things like temperature at the right level
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : bucle cerrado
  • In a closed loop system, the thermostat adjusts the heating based on the temperature feedback it receives.
  • closed loop system
  • closed loop control
  • closed loop feedback

Robots that can monitor their world like this are said to have closed loop control.

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Examples

  • Meanwhile, researchers are implementing ways to use helium more sustainably, such as using closed loop systems.

  • The main problem is that regulation fails to promote closed-loop systems while generating a good deal of confusion and annoyance.

    Academic text (1995)
  • And so they create a closed loop system where everything works with itself.

  • OK, so this is a typical closed loop control system, right?

  • So the dynamic response of the closed loop is faster with higher gain.

  • Robots that can monitor their world like this are said to have closed loop control.

  • The ultimate answer for precise, responsive, flexible closed-loop motor speed control.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The changes could force many power plants to move toward closed-loop cooling towers rather than use once-through cooling.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The filtering combines with the closed-loop nature of the system to make the NST extremely durable.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The Auburn, N.Y., City Hall installed a closed-loop geothermal system that reaches down into the earth for a natural energy source.

    Academic text (2004)

Synonyms

feedback
vsclosed loop
  • Specialized
58 3.7

Part of what a machine or system sends out is returned into its input to control it

is the organized control arrangement using that process to keep desired state
feedback loop
vsclosed loop
  • Specialized
16 4.2

A system where part of what it makes is sent back to change how it works

is the whole control arrangement that uses returned output to maintain state
closed-loop system
vsclosed loop
  • Specialized
6.0

A control system that uses information from sensors to adjust itself automatically

is the general name for the same control setup that returns output
feedback circuit
vsclosed loop
  • Specialized
6.0

An electrical circuit that sends part of its output back to its input to control how it works

is the general control system not limited to electrical implementations

How Strong

positive feedback
  • Specialized
4 4.3
feedback
  • Specialized
58 3.7
closed loop
  • Specialized
1 5.1

Surface Forms

closed loop singular
closed loops plural

Morphology

closed + loop

The core meaning — a loop that is closed or a circuit without an opening — is directly and compositionally derived from 'closed' + 'loop', so a learner who knows both words can infer the basic idea. Although the specific engineering notion of feedback control requires domain knowledge, the phrase's literal composition is transparent and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner can grasp its basic sense.

Etymology

Closed loop comes from the image of a closed circle, a loop, that sends a system's result back to its input so it can check and correct itself. That's why it means a system that 'adjusts itself' or 'keeps the right level' by using its own results to make changes.