PID Tuning Methods An Automatic PID Tuning Study with MathCad

There are several methods for tuning a PID controller. This paper takes a qualitative look at three common methods, with comparisons of accuracy and effectiveness. These three methods include a guided Trial and Error method, the Ziegler-Nichols method, and the Cohen-Coon method. For an exceptionally responsive system the Trial and Error method is often used after the Ziegler-Nichols or Cohen-Coon so as to enhance the rough results of these two methods. Using these methods in cooperation will result in a finely tuned control system. A study is completed using MathCad to implement automating PID tuning. Due to the nature of MathCad, the process is not fully automated due to some limitations of MathCad, rather the process solves the solution for manually inputting PID coefficients, much like a MatLab process.