A _______ is NOT a discrete input.

A temperature sensor is not considered a discrete input because it provides a continuous signal that represents a range of values rather than distinct on-off states. In contrast, other devices listed—like proximity switches, limit switches, and push buttons—are designed to provide a clear binary output, indicating whether a certain condition is met or not (such as being open or closed, or the presence or absence of an object).

Temperature sensors typically output an analog signal that varies with temperature changes, allowing for a more nuanced representation of the environmental conditions. This characteristic is what definitively classifies them as continuous inputs, distinguishing them from the discrete inputs provided by the other devices in the list. Understanding this distinction is crucial when working with control systems and automation, as the type of input affects how data is processed and how control actions are implemented.