PID Tuner
Apply the latest insights in control engineering in a click of a button
8.7/10 (31 ratings)
Using the PID Tuner, you can tune the PID optimally in both open and closed-loop (while it runs), without any risk, i.e. production quality is not affected.
The PID Tuner tunes a PID controller based on a model of the system or process it needs to control. This model is obtained from actual data of your machine/system. The procedure to obtain such a model is referred to as identification.
Features
Supports both on-line and off-line mode.
In on-line mode, the data is obtained in real-time through OPC (UA or DA) communication. These data are automatically stored within the project file.
In off-line mode, you can import data from files (csv format).
Offline mode
In the offline mode .csv files can be imported. We require one column for time, one for the PID output (MV), and one for the controlled variable (PV). Optionally, you can import Setpoint, PID settings, ‘disturbance’ variables, and other process variables, for additional advanced features, such as feedforward simulation and design. In offline mode, there is no limit to the sample period (may even be nanoseconds!).
Online mode
If you have an OPC DA or OPC UA server running, the PID tuner can directly connect to it (both types are supported), as a client (we do not supply OPC servers). You can select the tags for PV, MV and SP and their values will be logged automatically to an SQLite database (inside the PID Tuner software). Also, you can perform bump experiments in realtime from the interface of the PID Tuner. In addition, the PID Tuner comes with an OPC server for Arduinos, but not for other brands.
Extensive Model Identification Options
The PID tuning requires a System Model, and this model is usually obtained from data (model identification). The PID Tuner does not only support identification of the First Order Time Delay (FOTD) models, but also (Second Order Time Delay) SOTD models.
First Order Delay Time Model
For most process models this model is a good starting point since it is simple; it is also suitable for pure integrating systems, in which case the time constant will be large with respect to the time delay (the ratio will be > 10). If needed, you can capture MIMO dynamics as well. Identify the model by simply pushing a button to fit it to ‘measured’ data. Watch the match between the model and data in the interactive display. Our robust algorithms adjust the model parameters automatically to create the best fit to data. Alternatively, type in model parameter values yourself and observe immediately how they affect the fit.
Second Order Delay Time Model
In many cases, your system or process can be modelled better by a Second Order Time Delay model. For instance, to capture a controlled systems that responds ‘slowly’ first (hockey stick response). The model is then likely to have a smaller time delay than an FOTD model. Since the time delay is the only limit on performance, you will see that the PID can be tuned much ‘tighter’ in such a case. Another case where an SOTD model is needed is when the system has badly damped dynamics.
Supports tuning of all PID types
Supports all PID types, among which DeltaV, Siemens, Omron, Rockwell , Yokogawa. Different vendors use different PID types. Therefore, we included all options: the parallel form, direct form, proportional band format and setpoint weight parameters. Scaling parameters, often not published, are found by automatic fitting. As a result, our software comes with a100% guarantee for success! The PID Tuner supports tuning not only the P, I and D constants but also setpoint weighting.
Select your PID Type
The PID Tuner allows you to select the PID type used by your vendor. We support the standard, series, interacting, parallel, and ideal form.
Prevent Overshoot
Most vendors include the option to apply setpoint weighting, and settings these right avoids overshoots after a setpoint change. The PID Tuner allows you to quickly find the optimal setpoint weights.
Select one of three tuning methods
Choose one of three proven tuning methods:
- DotX method
- Optimisation
Our ‘DotX method’ is mainly based on SIMC for SOTD and FOTD models (SOTD models with damping > 1). For SOTD models with damping < 1, we use different sources from literature. The second method, ‘Optimisation’ is mainly relevant for tuning mulitple PID controllers that interact.
Pricing
PID Tuner Trainer
PID Tuner Business
Simulation
FOTD/SOTD Model Simulation
X
X
Closed Loop Model Simulation
X
X
Model Fitting
Autofit FOTD/SOTD model parameters
X
X
PID Tuning
Simulate PID controller
X
X
Simulate Setpoint Weighting (anti-overshoot)
X
X
Simulate Output Limits
X
X
Simulate Feedforward Controller
X
X
Simulate Decoupling Controller
X
X
Simulation
X
X
Interactions
Autofit interacting FOTD/SOTD models
X
Simulate multiple interacting loops
X
Data Import
Import .csv or .txt file
X
Autofit FOTD/SOTD on imported data
X
Online Connectivity
Connect to OPC server
X
Live Trending
X
Support
Support with tuning 1 loop
X
Optional 2 hours training
X
Customer Reviews
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Simple and affordable Loop Tuning tool
PID loop tuning is a complicated operation. Analytical tuning techniques require a mathematical model of the controlled process and a series of calculations to derive the PID parameters.
There are many tuning techniques and software available in the market. But PID-tuner is a powerful software package with affordable cost for performing the loop tuning activities.
Also, PID-tuner will Identify the model by simply following few steps and pushing few buttons. We as control engineer can visualise the match between the model and existing parameter in the tool display. The display looks great.
Powerful tool for loop tuning
PID Tuner is a powerful, user friendly and easy to use tool with trusted output data. We are very satisfied with PID Tuner’s performance, PID Tuner is a great help in complex analysis and tunning for PID controllers especially in Power Generation
From theory to practical implementations
Currently testing out the PID tuner in combination with Siemens PCS7 DCS. The program makes finding the right tuning parameters really easy. Specially to document the changes made to the PID tuning in EMOC, you can show the difference before and after.
The method to find the correct PID method used works perfect. Once you know the method for your PID controller you can easily define it later on.
They are also open to further improvements with the software and I look forward to see those improvements.
All in all a good products which only can get better!
Quick and accurate loops
We were in the market for a software that would help us decrease the time it took to tune loops on our projects. This software definitely did that for us. Not spending hours fine tuning loops has helped us be more competitive and get our customers projects online quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the PID tuner work with my PLC / DCS of brand name xxx?
- The PID Tuner can work with any brand. When using it in offline mode, it needs data in Excel CSV format, or ASCI text format. In online mode, the PID Tuner acts as OPC client (DA or UA) that can communicate with any brand.
- What is the price of the PID Tuner?
- Please send us an email to ask for a quote. The price includes training by a control expert (of approx. 1-2 hours in total) and support.
- Can the PID Tuner be used on multiple sites?
- The PID Tuner license is fixed to a single PC on which you have install it, but other than that, there are no limits
- What does the PID Tuner training involve?
- This training is a hands-on training. In the first online meeting, we explain what you need to do and how it works and ask you to apply it to your system. This assignment consist of gathering data while you are performing a safe experiment on a PID loop, without changing the PID settings. Then, you send us your result of the exercise and in a second meeting, we provide feedback on your work and ask you to go on to the next step, until you have succeeded in tuning with the PID Tuner.
