A new digital controller named aβ–predictive regulator is proposed. The digital control system design procedure is extremely simple. The discrete process model for the sampling periodβδt,β > 1, for the control sampling period δtis determined. This model is applied at timet = kδtas the one-step ahead predictor for the controlled output. Equalizing the predicted controlled outputyp((k + 1)δt) with the desired process outputyr((k + 1)δt)obtains the control inputu(k) The desired process outputyr((k + 1)δt) is defined, as in model algorithmic control, by a first-order reference trajectory, with the speed of response defined by a parameter |αβ| < 1. This parameter is used for direct adjustment of the closed-loop speed of response. The parameterβis used for stabilization of the closed-loop system. The performance of the design method proposed is demonstrated by some simulation results.