Dead time

Dead time is also referred to as run time or transport time. In control systems, it designates the amount of time that lapses from the point at which the input signal is specified and passes through the controlled system through to the output signal being output. Output signals do not materialise in the absence of dead time.

A system in which dead time is experienced is known as a dead-time element. If substantial dead time occurs, poorer control response can be anticipated since the control parameters are more difficult to set. Dead time is not the same as delay time.