1999 & Earlier
ExperTune has released a suite of multi-variable tools to work with
multi-variable, interacting loops, feedforward, and cascade loops.
Unique to ExperTune, the Relative Response Time is a relative
indicator of the speed of the control loop. The smaller the relative
response, the faster the loop. The higher the relative response
value, the slower the loop. Use it to compare and adjust loop
responses to reduce interactions.
ExperTune models and decouples multi-variable systems like 2x2, 3x3,
2x3 systems. Use ExperTune's Relative Response Time analysis to
decouple and reduce interactions between loops. For interacting
loops ExperTune includes cross-correlation analysis to examine if a
loop is effecting others. If interactions are present, use the
Relative Response Time RRT that is unique to ExperTune to prevent
interactions.
For feedforward systems ExperTune models the load processes and finds
the optimal feedforward compensation to use. Appropriate use of a
feedforward compensation can increase performance by a factor of 10
or more.
For cascade systems, ExperTune models and tunes the cascade system
simultaneously from one test. Allows for fast start up of cascade systems.
To prevent interaction, adjust the safety factor or lambda value (set
point speed) in the interacting loops so that the Relative Response
Time is different by a factor of 5.
New version of ExperTune shows how to reduce control valve wear
extending valve life and useful valve service time.
ExperTune calculates optimal PV filtering and optimal PID values to
reduce the valve travel and reversals for less valve maintenance
cost. Lets you replace and rebuild valves less often.
The PV filter or so-called fourth tuning parameter—only ExperTune
finds the optimal PV filter for your process and tuning parameters.
ExperTune's proper setting of the filter ensures no degradation of
performance while reducing output noise.
ExperTune compares predictions of valve travel and valve reversals
numerically and graphically in the presence of noise for both current
and optimized values. ExperTune's Valve Travel Index is a
quantitative comparison of how far the valve will move. ExperTune's
Valve Reversal Index compares the number of times the valve will
change direction. Both the Reversal and Travel Indices are directly
related to valve wear. The software analyzes optimized values to
reduce the indices resulting in longer valve life.
ExperTune computes the effects of different kinds of PV filters:
first order, second order, Butterworth or averaging filters. Try
changing the filter and PID values yourself and see immediately the
effect on valve wear and loop performance.
In many cases valve wear can be improved without effecting
performance and robustness. The software computes a Performance
Increase and a Robustness Increase which are combined with Valve Wear
Analysis in a report.
View or Download Image
New version of ExperTune software shows how to reduce
the variability of your process.
ExperTune quantifies the improvement showing
variability before and after loop optimization and PID
tuning. The variability of a product is how much it
changes with time. Reducing the variability, increases
product quality, reduces waste and rework and can
increase the capacity of your process. Savings come from
time and material saved as well as from higher process
efficiencies.
The variability statistic is part of ExperTune's
enhanced functionality. Further analysis of the process
includes the range, mean, standard deviation, variance,
etc. A graph with visual cues lets you quickly determine
when the process is within both first and second standard
deviations.
ExperTune's full suite of optimization tools make it
easy to reduce the variability of your process. Use
ExperTune software to analyze and tune PID loops in any
industrial controller. ExperTune includes powerful
simulation, modeling, robustness, linearization, and
frequency response tools.
View or Download Image
(110k file)
New version of ExperTune software makes it easier than
ever to tune and analyze PID loops in popular PLCs and
controllers.
Simple three step tuning process: 1) start ExperTune
software, 2) specify the loop number or register, 3)
click auto-tune.
Wizards support Allen-Bradley, Bailey, Fisher PROVOX,
GE Fanuc, Modicon, and Moore Products. Connects via a
user supplied DDE server so you can simultaneously do PID
analysis and tuning along with monitoring your process.
The Wizards are street-smart and understand the
structure of the PID block. It even checks to see that
the PID loop has been programmed correctly.
ExperTune PID Tuning and Analysis Software makes it
easy to analyze and tune PID loops in any industrial
controller. Savings come from time and material saved as
well as from higher process efficiencies. Lets you test
your loop in simulation off-line before downloading the
tuning. ExperTune includes powerful simulation, modeling,
robustness, linearization, and frequency response tools.
View or Download Image
(110k file)
Call +1 (262) 369 7711 for more
information. Or email sales@expertune.com
ExperTune home page | Information request form
The new version of ExperTune PID Analyzer/Tuner
creates reports of your loop analysis in Microsoft Word.
Create a detailed analysis report in the same standard
format for every loop in your plant. If problems occur
later, you have a detailed report for comparison. Also
useful for ISO9000.
After tuning a PID loop, one mouse click creates a
detailed loop report with all the analysis graphs and
tuning values. For example, the power spectral plots
pinpoint the cause of cyclic disturbances. The hysteresis
graph helps tell you if your valve is wearing out or
sized incorrectly. The robustness plot tells you how
sensitive your loop is to process changes with whatever
tuning you have.
All these plots and companion analysis information
appear within the Word report document. The user can
completely customize and configure reports. In the Word
template, choose the location and size of added analysis
pictures or text. It automatically generates a summary
and conclusion based on information entered.
ExperTune PID Tuning and Analysis Software makes it
easy to analyze and tune PID loops in any industrial
controller. Savings come from time and material saved as
well as from higher process efficiencies. Lets you test
your loop in simulation off-line before downloading the
tuning. ExperTune includes powerful simulation, modeling,
robustness, linearization, and frequency response tools.
View or Download Image
(25k file)
Call +1 (262) 369 7711 for more
information. Or email sales@expertune.com
ExperTune home page | Information request form
ExperTune Inc has released a set of Advanced PID
Analysis Tools. The set includes: power spectral density
analysis of your plant, auto and cross correlation
analysis of the plant, control loop linearization and set
point filtering options.
Applying this analysis to control loops boosts
productivity by reducing variability, saving energy,
increasing product quality, and reducing waste and
rework.
Engineers can use the power spectral density and
correlation plots to analyze the performance of a loop
from normal plant operating data. The power spectral
plots also pinpoint the cause of cyclic disturbances.
The linearizer helps engineers linearize the process,
to get uniform performance across the entire range - run
production at its optimum rather than de-tuning for
oscillations.
With a setpoint filter, engineers do not have to
sacrifice response to process upsets for good set point
response. The tool allows both good setpoint response and
disturbance rejection.
Characterizer Image, view (or download) (38k file)
Alternate Characterizer Image, view (or download) (50k file)
Power Spectral Image, view (or download) (43k file)
Call +1 (262) 369 7711 for more
information. Or email sales@expertune.com
ExperTune home page | Information request form
ExperTune's characterizer adds to the family of PID
analysis tools from ExperTune. The characterizer
linearizes your loop so you get uniform performance
across the entire range of the process. Run your process
optimally at any production rate.
Does your process oscillate towards one end of the
range and is sluggish at the other? Linearize your
control loop so control is good at any range. Use
ExperTune's characterizer wherever servo control is
important, to linearize flow loops, jacket temperature in
split-range chemical reactors, slave loops in cascades or
for any loop where the setpoint will change.
ExperTune's characterizer wizard produces source code
for you in C, Basic, FORTRAN, or a series of XY points.
Just cut and paste into your program. ExperTune's wizard
guides you through the process of building the
characterizer: 1) select steady state areas, 2) select
the type of fit, linear or piecewise 3) drag the
characterizer boxes to match the process characteristic
4) choose the language for the characterizer code.
Greg Shinskey, world-renowned expert in process
control applications:
"Almost all temperature, level, and pressure
loops which go directly to a valve can benefit by
using an output characterizer. With the characterizer
you are optimally tuned at all conditions of load.
The characterizer should take into account the
non-linearities of the entire loop not just that of
controller output to flow. ExperTune's method gives
you that."
Characterizer Option Tech Sheet
View (or download) image (50k file)
ExperTune's new PID Analysis and Tuning software lets
you tune and analyze several loops at once.
You can view the interactions of a loop on others.
Because you can tune several loops simultaneously, less
time is spent starting up or maintaining your plant.
Once you've set up the loops, simply click the icon
for the ones you wish to view, analyze and tune. Three
easy steps to PID tuning and analysis: 1) start
ExperTune, 2) specify the PID block location, 3) press
the AutoTune button.
The new version runs under both Windows 95 and Windows
NT. Supports connecting to any controller via DDE or
direct connection to Fisher PROVOX.
View (or download) image (46k file)
ExperTune's new Loop Simulator lets you plot as many
loops as you want simultaneously. Duplicate then edit
your industrial PID loops for "What If".
Simulates single, cascade and feedforward loops.
Choose from over 170 industrial PID controllers, or
customize your own. Includes output limits and
saturation, hysteresis, noise, digital sampling effects,
gain, dead time, any number of integrators, 16 lags,
inverse response, and underdamped systems.
Includes numerous time, frequency and robustness
windows that let you view as many loops as you want
simultaneously through several different windows.
Cascade by-pass option lets users by-pass the slave
controller to analyze the benefits of cascade or if it is
needed. Includes automatic PID tuning of the master based
on the tuning in the slave.
Loop Simulator works with ExperTune's Analysis and PID
Tuning software package which automatically set up and
configure the Loop Simulator.
View (or download) image
(38k file)
Release date: September 12, 1996.
Upgrades To Current Products
Major additions:
- New improved PID tuning and process modeling
engine:
- More robust in presence of process noise
and other industrial data effects.
- Gives better automatic diagnosis of
process problems and user errors.
- Modeling improved. It automatically
chooses between a more accurate first and
second order. You only need to choose
whether you want to force the steady
state gain to be correct or not.
- Better support of parallel PID
controllers (including Allen Bradley)
when you use derivative action.
- New engine handles the rare loop with no
dead time.
- All Faceplates: added Offline analysis option.
Once you've collected data you can analyze and
tune the loop later without being connected.
- All tuners: added PID Tuning Grid display. It
shows you all 4 tunings, suggested sample
interval, quality of frequency data fit.
- Native Windows 95 or NT added (32 bit). On
installation, ExperTune detects your operating
system and automatically install the correct
software. (PLC runs 16 bit on 95 or NT in this
release.)
- Reporting added. (supported in 32 bit version
only) Creates a report of your loop in Word
document.
- Report includes:
- Loop configuration
- Loop notes
- Current tuning
- Tuning table
- Time data window
- And lets you optionally add these to the
report:
- Process model
- Frequency response
- Robustness plot
- Simulation
- Hysteresis analysis
Minor additions:
- Any package showing a trend graph: trend length
refreshes up to 1000 points (up from 100) if you
change scales, trend length etc.
- DDE Tuner working in simulation mode now
simulates any controller.
- ALL Tuners:
- Added "Zoom back to previous"
on time plot.
- Added option to display frequency
response when tuning is bad.
- Frequency response plot: view in
radians/sec or cycles/sec.
- Safety factor limit changed to 3.
- ALL Faceplates:
- Added Bring back Previous PID settings to
New
- Added File|Open menu item to select .tun
files and change directories
- File Save button in setup now is Windows
standard: save to any directory
- Added ability to delete .tun (and all
data files) by pressing the delete key or
selecting from File|Delete.
- On tuning, checks all loop data in .tun
against archive file. Also, ensures loop
tags are for unique PV and CO addresses.
- User selectable colors for trends and bar graphs.
- Moved display min/max and user selectable color
settings to display options form.
- Display range for one user-selected
variable is shown in the right of the
graph. Range for the other on the left.
User selects with combo boxes.
- Added user selection of line size.
- Separate decimal place settings can now
be set for PV, CO, and SP.
- PLC/Interface:
- Supports Modbus ASCII in addition to RTU
- For Multi-Channel Trending:
- Trend setup is now done using tabs to
select the trend.
- All references to channel changed to
trend.
- Better coverage for GES200 including a
test button.
- Ability to set the comm channel from the
setup screen.
- DDE Tuner allows quotes to be entered in DDE
items
Bug fixes:
- International compatibility bugs corrected.
- Square root calculations corrected in trend.
- PLC/Interface supports PD file type in AB 5/250
New Product - Loop Simulator In Windows
- Simulates single loop, cascade, feedforward, and
a 2x2 multivariable system.
- Multiple simultaneous simulations. Compare 2, 3,
4 or any number of different simulations
simultaneously. Each identified by color.
- Select time, frequency, or robustness plots to
view simultaneously. You control their size, and
position on the screen.
- Includes PID tuning.
- Includes industrial PID controllers in detail.
You can very specifically define your own
controller.
Call +1 (262) 369 7711 for more information.
Or email sales@expertune.com
ExperTune home page | Information request form
ExperTune Inc will now show you how fast your payback
is for getting those PID loops optimally tuned.
Answer several questions about your plant through a 5
to 10 minute interview with an ExperTune engineer. For
example, "How many loops are in your plant?",
"What is your hourly labor cost?". Based on
your answers to these questions, the ExperTune engineer
uses software to calculate a return on investment for the
cost of a tuning solution. The resulting analysis output
is faxed and mailed to you.
ExperTune Inc makes software for tuning, analyzing,
and optimizing any manufacturer's PID controller.
Connect via DDE or direct to most popular PLCs: AB,
GE, TI, Modicon, and Moore. Or, easy hook-up through
voltage, thermocouple or RTD inputs and your PC serial
port.
ExperTune's software includes powerful simulation,
modeling, robustness and frequency analysis.
New ExperTune software makes it easy to analyze and
optimize multiple PID loops in any controller.
Users can trend and archive data from an unlimited
number of loops simultaneously. Then the user can mix and
match any data channel to analyze and correlate data.
This includes multiple interacting loops, cascade loops,
feedforward, upstream/downstream loops, and other
variables that may be affecting control.
The Multi-Channel package allows connection to your
controller via:
- Windows DDE
- Or ExperTune's easy hook-up through voltage,
thermocouple or RTD inputs and your PC's serial
port.
ExperTune includes powerful simulation, modeling,
robustness and frequency analysis graphs of your plant
loop, simply by clicking "Analysis".
Simulation shows you the response of your loop before
you download tuning. Try "what if" analysis
off-line. Set point or load response plots for current
and new settings. Change selection of PID tuning or
modify a suggested setting and the simulation graphs
update.
Robustness plots quickly show the tradeoff between
tuning and stability. They show how sensitive the loop is
to gain and dead time changes. See the robustness of the
current and new settings before you download tuning.
Use the process model automatically identified by
ExperTune to design compensators or in your own
simulation.
Filtering may improve performance. Test difference
filters and/or apply it to your data and instantly see
the effect on PID tuning.
ExperTune automatically analyzes loop data to quickly
determine if reducing hysteresis will improve loop
control. ExperTune checks the valve sizing and
transmitter span and makes recommendations of what to do
if they are out of normal range.
ExperTune includes complete context
sensitive on-line help and an easy-to-use Windows
graphical interface.
Call +1 (262) 369 7711 for more information.
