This tool simulates a control loop consisting of a first order process
with deadtime and a PID controller.

Download

.xls file (118 KB) or .zip file (27 KB)

How to use

The process is specified by the process gain, time constant and dead time.
The PID controller has 3 parameters: gain, integral and derivative.
Key in these values into the appropriate cells. If the integral time
is keyed in as 0, the integral term is ignored.

The response to a step change in the set point is displayed in the chart.

The screenshot below shows an example of the inputs and the output chart.

Feedback and Contributions from users

The PID Simulator tool has been the most downloaded tool on this site and I am both happy and grateful to recieve lot of positive feedback about it from the users.

Torcuato Fernandez pointed out an error in original version, which has since has been corrected. I would like to thank Torcuato for pointing out the error.

Another user, Jose Maria, has shared some of his work with me and has kindly agreed to let me share it with others through this site. He has added scrollbars to the tool, which assist the user understand how the controller settings affect the loop.

Download the file here.

I look forward to getting more great suggestions. Thank you! :)