Vance VanDoren, PhD, PE

To PID or not to PID

The venerable proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm can solve a variety of feedback control problems, but not all.

Motion controllers can adapt themselves

Adaptive motion controllers can be modified to a controlled process behavior, among other controlled process benefits.

Fixing PID, Part 3

PID: Proportional-integral-derivative controllers may be ubiquitous, but they’re not perfect. Consider how deadtime affects integral action.

Overcoming process deadtime with a Smith Predictor

A controller equipped with an accurate process model can ignore deadtime. Deadtime generally occurs when material is transported from the actuator site to the sensor measurement location. Until the material reaches the sensor, the sensor cannot measure any changes effected by the actuator.

2015 System Integrators of the Year

Maverick, Polytron and Malisko Engineering help lead clients into the new world of automation. CFE Media's judges have again chosen three companies to receive the 2015 System Integrator of the Year award in three categories: more than $17 million in annual revenue, $10 million to $17 million annual revenue, and up to $10 million annual revenue.

Fundamentals of integrating vs. self-regulating processes

Sometimes a process is easier to control if it “leaks.” Here’s a look at why.

Open- vs. closed-loop control

Automatic control operations can be described as either open-loop or closed-loop. The difference is feedback.

Fundamentals of cascade control

Sometimes two controllers can do a better job of keeping one process variable where you want it.

Fixing PID, Part 2

Proportional-integral-derivative controllers may be ubiquitous, but they’re not perfect.

Excellence in Automation: System Integrator of the Year Awards

For 2014, Control Engineering recognizes the best automation system integrators in the business.