UNDERSTANDING PID CONTROL

by Syed Abrar Jahin

Submitted : Fall 2018

When we are making a linear electrical connection, we can program an object to get from point A to point B. But for most of the time, the case may not be as simple. The object might experience some problems in the environment along the way which will affects its ability to maintain speed and follow the pathway. That is where a proportional–integral–derivative controller (PID controller or three term controller) comes in handy. A PID controller calculates an error value, which refers to the numerical value of the unwanted change in the system. This numerical value is the difference between a set point(SP) and a measured process variable. It then corrects it by implementing changes in terms of proportional, integral and derivative methods, and thus the name, PID. PID controller is a significant component in almost all electrical systems: for maintaining temperature in an oven, maintaining pH in industrial applications and in cars. For this paper, I will be explaining one of the most common uses of a PID controller, the cruise control of a car.

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