Nurul, PIDA was developed after some operating experience with the PIDE and is generally superior. The PIDE is self contained but the PIDA uses the = FBTUNE block. Both have a Pretune and Self Tune mode. The self tune for PIDE = is using the BMP parameter with a step upset and waits for WMAX time for a response. The PIDA also has a BMP parameter (actually in the FBTUNE) = but uses a bi-polar pulse (better) and only uses the THRESH (noise = threshold). You must have enough BMP to exceed the THRESH before the bi-polar pulse = will invert. The Self-Tune mode in the E or the A is a unique feature that to = my knowledge no other vendor provides. It tunes with the controller in automatic by detecting peaks. No peaks =3D no tuning changes. It is = not uncommon for the controller to tune itself to sleep, but both PIDE and = PIDA can tune themselves back from sluggish when an upset comes along. The = PIDA is much better but not perfect at sorting out upsets entering the loop = at the natural frequency of the loop. PIDE will futilely attempt to tune = such upsets out. PIDE criteria is set with damping and overshoot as the = tuning objective. PIDA has no settable objective but typically results in a = nearly critically damped response. =20 Both algorithms were designed for load upsets rather than so called = "servo" or setpoint response. PIDA also has more mode options and the self = tuning function is adapted to each including the PIDTAU. The PIDA tuner also computes the SPLLAG and the KD derivative filter time with the Pretune. = The PIDA can use an algebraic method or a fuzzy logic method to determine = the tuning. Don't ask me to explain the difference, but the default = algebraic method is generally successful. As I recall the algebraic method does create an internal transfer function process model that is used in the computation of the tuning parameters.=20 Generally, I like to use the PIDA Pretune function for most tuning. = Pretune usually finds excellent tuning settings in one attempt. It tunes = shortly after completing it's bi-polar pulse, although sometimes it will fail to tune and it is not clear why. You can use a Pretune request of 2 to help force it to tune, but it can still fail to tune in some cases. The = Pretune will also compute the PR_TYP (process type) parameter automatically. In = my opinion neither the PIDE nor the PIDA can be trusted in the self tune = mode without keeping an eye on it. You can however restrict the range of adjustment on the tuning parameters. PIDA will detect if it really = screwed up and will turn itself off and use the fallback tuning settings. In Self-tune you can also see it identifying peaks/quiet/settling etc in = the block displays. You can make a simple simulation with PIDA, FBTUNE, DTIME, and LLAG = blocks and get a little practice before using it in the plant. Best regards Rick Rys P.E. www.R2Controls.com 508-369-5186 Cell 302-836-6540 Delaware Office Days R2 E-Mail rys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Valero E-Mail: Rick.Rys@xxxxxxxxxx =20 _______________________________________________________________________ This mailing list is neither sponsored nor endorsed by Invensys Process Systems (formerly The Foxboro Company). Use the info you obtain here at your own risks. Read http://www.thecassandraproject.org/disclaimer.html foxboro mailing list: //www.freelists.org/list/foxboro to subscribe: mailto:foxboro-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=join to unsubscribe: mailto:foxboro-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=leave