PID (FB)

FUNCTION_BLOCK PID

Represents a PID controller

Note

The PID controller itself measures the elapsed time between two calls, however with a maximum accuracy of milliseconds. This might lead to rough running in case of short cycle times: For example in case of a cycle time of 1ms the PID sometimes might measure 2 ms, sometimes 0 ms. So if possible, for such cases better use PID_FIXCYCLE, where the cycle time can be set precisely. See PID_FIXCYCLE

Note

Consider that the controller parameters only get applied when used in the manual mode at a start, a reset or at a change down.

A PID controller continuously calculates an error value e(t) as the difference between a desired set point and a measured process variable. The PID controller applies a correction based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms (sometimes denoted P, I, and D respectively) which give their name to the controller type.

P accounts for present values of the error. For example, if the error is large and positive, the control output will also be large and positive.

I accounts for past values of the error. For example, if the current output is not sufficiently strong, the integral of the error will accumulate over time, and the controller will respond by applying a stronger action.

D accounts for possible future trends of the error, based on its current rate of change.[1]

As a PID controller relies only on the measured process variable, not on knowledge of the underlying process, it is broadly applicable. By tuning the three parameters of the model, a PID controller can deal with specific process requirements. The response of the controller can be described in terms of its responsiveness to an error, of the degree to which the system overshoots a setpoint, and of the degree of any system oscillation. The use of the PID algorithm does not guarantee optimal control of the system or even its stability.

Y_OFFSET, Y_MIN and Y_MAX serve for transformation of the manipulated variable within a prescribed range. MANUAL can be used to switch to manual operation; RESET can be used to re-initialize the controller. In normal operation (MANUAL = RESET = LIMITS_ACTIVE = FALSE) the controller calculates the controller error e as difference from SET_POINT – ACTUAL, generates the derivation with respect to time and stores these values internally.

The output Y is the manipulated variable unlike the PD controller contains an additional integral part, and is calculated as follows: So besides the P-part also the current change of the controller error (D-part) and the history of the controller error (I-part) influence the manipulated variable. The PID controller can be easily converted to a PI-controller by setting TV=0. Because of the additional integral part, an overflow can come about by incorrect parameterization of the controller, if the integral of the error e becomes to great. Therefore for the sake of safety a BOOLean output called OVERFLOW is present, which in this case would have the value TRUE. This only will happen if the control system is instable due to incorrect parameterization. At the same time, the controller will be suspended and will only be activated again by re-initialization.

Note

As long as the limitation for the manipulated variable (Y_MIN, Y_MAX) is active, the integral part will be adapted, like if the history of the input values had automatically effected the limited output value. If this behaviour is not wanted, the following workaround is possible: Switch off the limitation at the PID controller (Y_MIN>=Y_MAX) and instead apply the LIMIT operator (IEC standard) on output value Y (see an example in the figure below).

Note

It is not necessary to readjust the controller parameters (KP, TN, TV) if the cycle time changes.

Temperature control with PID and LIMIT

See in the following figure a simple example of using the PID module for temperature control and in combination with the LIMIT operator. The input of the actual temperature is simulated by giving a constant value via ActualTemperature.

InOut:

Scope	Name	Type	Initial	Comment
Input	ACTUAL	REAL		Current value, process variable
	SET_POINT	REAL		Desired value, set point
	KP	REAL		Proportionality const. P
	TN	REAL		Reset time I [sec]
	TV	REAL		Rate time, derivative time D [sec]. If set to 0, then it works as PI controller
	Y_MANUAL	REAL		Y is set to this value as long as MANUAL = TRUE
	Y_OFFSET	REAL		Offset for manipulated variable
	Y_MIN	REAL		Minimum value for manipulated variable
	Y_MAX	REAL		Maximum value for manipulated variable
	MANUAL	BOOL		TRUE: Manual: Y is not influenced by controller FALSE: Controller determines Y
	RESET	BOOL		TRUE: Set Y output to Y_OFFSET and reset integral part
Output	Y	REAL		Manipulated variable, set value
	LIMITS_ACTIVE	BOOL	FALSE	TRUE: Y has exceeded the given limits Y_MIN, Y_MAX and is limited to these values
	OVERFLOW	BOOL	FALSE	Overflow in integral part