Part 11 — Analog Increment with Optional Feedback
This is almost identical to the Analog Increment logic symbol, with the key difference being (you guessed it!) the Optional Feedback!
Let’s look at the two side-by-side for comparison….
Without Feedback (FbkSignal not defined):
In this mode, the analog output (aout) will simply increment or decrement by the amount specified by the Increment parameter when you press the up or down digital inputs.
The output changes internally based on the increment or decrement values and the other parameters, without any external reference or tracking of the actual output.
With Feedback (FbkSignal defined):
When you define a feedback signal (FbkSignal), the behavior changes. Instead of only adjusting the internal value of aout, the symbol will monitor the feedback signal and sync the output (aout) with the feedback:
On increment (when up is pressed):
The output (aout) will now be set to the value of the feedback signal (FbkSignal) plus the increment value. This ensures that the output follows an externally tracked or monitored value, like the real-world volume level of an audio processor or a device with its own feedback system.
This is useful because it ensures that the incremented value is always aligned with the actual state of the external system rather than an assumed internal value.
On decrement (when down is pressed):
Similarly, when the down button is pressed, the output (aout) will be decremented using the feedback signal as a reference point, ensuring that the system reacts in sync with the real-world value.
Let’s say you’re controlling the volume of an audio processor:
The feedback signal (FbkSignal) comes from the audio processor and represents the current volume level.
When you press the up button, instead of just assuming the current volume is at the last known state, the system actually checks the feedback signal to know the current real volume level and then increases it by the specified increment.
This ensures that your volume control remains accurate and synchronized with the real volume level of the device, even if it was changed elsewhere (like from another control interface).
So essentially, without feedback, the system internally tracks changes to the output (aout) using increment and decrement values.
But with feedback, the system uses the external feedback signal to ensure the output remains in sync with the real-world value and adjusts relative to that value.
