A multi-variable fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is proposed to control a class of distributed parameter systems (DPSs). When a DPS is transformed into finite-dimensional ordinary differential equations (ODES) by using time/space separation, each ODE can be considered as a subsystem. According to design strategy of conventional FLC, one FLC should be designed for one subsystem. It will be very complex because there are many subsystems. In order to reduce design complexity, only a MF and a rule base are designed in the controller. For other subsystems or ODEs, their MFs can be designed equivalently by introducing scaling factors. Then, the proposed FLC has ability to control multi-variable processes. At last, the proposed FLC is applied to control a rod catalytic reaction process. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy control strategy. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.