Parameters of the lag element

Classifying the lag element

The lag element (Tt element) like both the PT1 and PT2 elements demonstrates time
delay, but of a totally different nature. The output variable x and input variable y are
in fact identical in terms of their characteristic, but with this element there is a time
shift in accordance with the relationship

The time shift Tt between the input variable and the output variable is termed lag or
dead time. According to this definition the proportional coefficient K P of the element is
1. The following Figure shows the step response and the block symbol of the lag
element.

In some cases the lag element can also have a proportional coefficient, which is not
equal to 1. For that reason the lag element is also frequently referred to as a PT t
element (see the following flow chart).

Example - lag element

Lag elements can be found wherever running times exist (e.g. in the context of
conveying materials). The Figure below shows the example of a conveyor belt with
the input variable xIN and the output variable xOUT. The belt is of length l and operates
at speed v.

Fig. right: conveyor belt example for a lag

element.

What is the lag of the illustrated conveyor belt as a function of band length and
speed? Enter your answer in the following answer box.

Experiment
The function block denoted Algorithm and located on the experiment card "controlled
system simulation" (SO4201-5U) can be programmed as a lag element using the
Lag Element virtual instrument. To do this the instrument only has to be activated,
the desired lag entered and applied to the Algorithm block.

Fig. right: Lag instrument. The set lag is

transferred to the Algorithm block using the
Apply button.

First assemble the following experiment circuit.

Activate the step response plotter and configure it as shown in the following
Table.

Settings Input
Channel A Meas. range: 10 V Coupling: DC
Channel B Meas. range: 10 V Coupling: DC
Other Range: 100 Offset: 0
Settings Output
Step change from ... to ... 0 50%
Delay time/ms 0
Measurements 300
Settings Diagram
Display Channel A
x-axis from ... to ... 0 1s
y-axis from ... to ... 0 100

Activate the lag element instrument and set a lag of 0.5 s. Then determine the
step response and copy the plot into the space reserved for it below.
Step response of the lag element

What is the proportional coefficient of the lag element? Enter your answer into
the following answer box.