Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 7-13: PID, radio frequencies, PID math, more

Articles about tuning PID control loops, radio frequencies, PID math, programming PLCs, and ASM-compliant HMIs were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra July 14, 2014

1. Tuning PID control loops for fast response

When choosing a tuning strategy for a specific control loop, it is important to match the technique to the needs of that loop and the larger process. It is also important to have more than one approach in your repertoire, and the Cohen-Coon method can be a handy addition in the right situation. 

2. Radio frequency basics

Industrial wireless tutorials: Any radio frequency (RF) discussion quickly expands to the entire technology surrounding the generation and propagation of a radio signal or wave. Here’s what you need to know. 

3. PID math demystified, part 4

You’ve seen the equations, but have you thought about how those elements work together? Part 4: Feed forward 

4. Programming PLCs: Keep the documentation clear and simple

Poor programmable logic controller documentation and housekeeping can lead to unnecessary troubleshooting and downtime. Keep it simple in order to avoid the possible risks and confusion. 

5. Creating an ASM-compliant HMI goes deeper than screen color selection

Simply adopting ASM guidelines for graphics does not create an ASM-compliant HMI. Achieving that level of effectiveness involves a range of factors that address how people interact with the control system. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, July 7-13, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.