News & Articles for Industrial Automation Professionals

33,445 Results Found

Ziegler-Nichols Tuning Rules And Limitations

The standard reference for PID tuning seems to be the Ziegler-Nichols tuning rules developed in 1942 on a pneumatic controller.

By: John Gerry

07 February, 2003 | 1 minutes
Introduction to Virtual LANs

A local area network (LAN) is a private network usually confined to one plant. Virtual LANs (VLANs) allow a single physical LAN to be partitioned into several smaller logical LANs. VLANs limit the broadcast domain, improve security and performance and are ideal for separating industrial automation systems from information technology systems.

By: George Thomas

07 February, 2003 | 12 minutes
IEC 61850 Power Communications Standard - Commercial Ethernet switches need not apply!

The Ethernet-based IEC 61850 international standards for communication in power generation facilities and substations sets a high bar for Ethernet switch reliability. The goal of this standard is to integrate all of the protection, control, measurement, and monitoring functions within a substation.

By: Bill Lydon

07 February, 2003 | 3 minutes
Should You be Using Lambda Tuning?

A tuning method based on achieving smooth set point response is becoming more popular. The method guarantees stability, robustness and no overshoot. Shouldn't you be using it?

By: John Gerry

04 February, 2003 | 3 minutes
PID Controller Specification

There are no industry-wide standards for PID controllers. However, robust and optimal control of process loops requires PID controllers to have certain abilities and features described here.

By: F. G. Shinskey(Consultant) and John Gerry P.E., president of Expertune

03 February, 2003 | 4 minutes