Top five Control Engineering articles: October 28-November 3, 2024

Top Control Engineering articles this week covered topics including heuristic tuning, Modbus documentation and data optimization

By Anna Steingruber November 4, 2024
Courtesy: Ed Bullerdiek, retired control engineer

Top Control Engineering articles this week covered topics including heuristic tuning, Modbus documentation and data optimization.

1. PID spotlight, part 9: Heuristic tuning for a self-limiting process

When a PID controller is behaving badly, do we start over? What if our open or closed loop tuning method got us almost there? Can we use what we see and a few simple rules to fix PID controller tuning in one or two easy steps? Using heuristic methods for loop tuning may be the answer.

2. Modbus documentation clarified, 5 reasons to use RS-485 with automation

Understand the implementation of Modbus serial communication, and its evolving relevance in a digital world of automation and controls.

3. PID spotlight, part 8: Closed-loop tuning for self-limiting processes

Closed-loop tuning can be used to tune a PID loop. How is it done? What data do I collect? What calculations are required? How well will it work? What problems might I run into? See “How to execute a closed-loop test in four steps” and two warnings.

4. Improve decision-making with the right data to optimize operations

By leveraging advanced analytics platforms, manufacturers are gleaning invaluable insights from process data without needing to manually and laboriously comb through disparate data sources. See examples of hidden data found to help operational goals.

5. More answers now: Know how SCADA can integrate disparate platforms

System integrator provides more answers from audience questions after the Control Engineering webcast, “SCADA: Know how SCADA can integrate disparate platforms for smarter decisions.”


Author Bio: Associate editor, WTWH Media and Technology

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