Engineering English
Setpoint
Mechatronics & Robotics · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A setpoint is the desired target value for a controlled variable in a feedback control system. It serves as the reference against which the actual process variable is compared.
Example in context
“The engineer adjusted the setpoint to 100°C to maintain the reactor temperature within safe limits.”
“Mühendis, reaktör sıcaklığını güvenli sınırlar içinde tutmak için ayar noktasını 100°C'ye ayarladı.”
Where engineers use it
The setpoint is a fundamental concept in feedback control; it appears when tuning PID controllers, defining target values for temperature, speed, or position. An engineer uses it to specify the desired system output.
Synonyms: reference value, target value, desired value
Antonyms: measured value
Practice: can you use “Setpoint” at work?
In a temperature control lab, the reactor temperature oscillates around 95°C. Adjust the setpoint to 100°C and observe the response of the PID controller.
Show a model answer
“Please verify the setpoint for the temperature loop is correct.”
“Setpoint” in 21 languages
| English | Setpoint |
|---|---|
| Turkish | ayar noktası |
| French | consigne |
| German | Sollwert |
| Spanish | punto de consigna |
| Chinese | 设定值 |
| Arabic | نقطة الضبط |
| Portuguese | setpoint |
| Russian | уставка |
| Japanese | 設定値 |
| Italian | setpoint |
| Vietnamese | điểm đặt |
| Hindi | सेटपॉइंट |
| Thai | จุดตั้งค่า |
| Indonesian | setpoint |
| Korean | 설정값 |
| Bengali | সেটপয়েন্ট |
| Dutch | setpoint |
| Swedish | börvärde |
| Finnish | asetusarvo |
| Ukrainian | уставка |
Frequently asked questions
What does Setpoint mean in engineering?
A setpoint is the desired target value for a controlled variable in a feedback control system. It serves as the reference against which the actual process variable is compared. In Mechatronics & Robotics, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Setpoint?
Setpoint is pronounced /ˈsɛtpɔɪnt/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Setpoint used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The engineer adjusted the setpoint to 100°C to maintain the reactor temperature within safe limits.”
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