Abstract: A tablet press controller comprises means for receiving and monitoring a compression signal and providing a data word having a value indicative of the magnitude of the compression signal, data processing means for reading the data word and processing the data word in a pre-established manner, including detecting if the value of the data word exceeds or fails to exceed pre-established limits, and providing tablet press control signals for controlling the operation of the tablet press, including control signals for adjusting the level of powder fill in die cavities, control signals for activating divert gates for rejecting tablets, and signals generated in response to the occurence of one or more undesired vents for shutting down the tablet press.