Programming a PIDE Instruction in a Function Block

Diagram
The PIDE Instruction.

A PIDE instruction is used to provide automatic closed-loop control of a variable in a control system. For
example, you may want to maintain a flow or level at a constant value. You would enter this value as a
Setpoint(SP). In Auto mode, the Process Variable(PV) will change value to reach the SP. When this is
reached, the output will maintain its value to keep the PV around the setpoint. Typically, it may be manipulating
a Control Valve. It can be used for virtually any type of Process Control.
The PIDE stands for Proportional, Integral, Derivative, Enhanced.
A PIDE instruction in function block logic provides enhanced capabilities when compared with a PID
instruction used in ladder logic. The instruction uses the velocity form of the PID algorithm.
Process Variable: This is the value being measured that you wish to control. It may be Flow, Pressure, Level
and many more.
Setpoint: The value at which you would like the process variable to be.
Error: The difference between the process variable and the set point.
Control Variable: This is the output driving the final element such as a control valve to maintain the PV to
the SP.
There are 3 things which can be used to enable steady and effective control. They are.

• Proportional(P), This is used to correct the error between SP and PV and the amount is decided by the P
setting. If it is too sensitive, instability will be the result. If it is correctly set, the control will be steady, but you
may have an offset between the SP and PV. If this is not really an issue, you can use P on its own.
• Integral(I), The integral term looks at the error and the previous error and the time between measurements.
This then is added to the proportional action and has the effect of eliminating the Offset caused by P only.
• Derivative(D). This takes into account the Rate of Change of the error. It has the effect of taking action before
the event. Generally not used for normal response control loops. But typically for loops where the PV is very
slow acting such as temperature control. If this was just left to PI, you would get consistent overshoot as the
change is requested too late.
• PI is the most commonly used combination and works perfectly for the majority of control loops. Using D on
these normal loops will create severe instability.
• The PIDE instruction uses the Velocity Independent algorithm.
• There are 3 Timing Modes which can be used.

Periodic, This is the default and is the one most commonly used. The value is 0.
Oversample, The value is 1.
Real Time Sampling, The value is 2.
 Shown below is the PIDE instruction before any configuration. If there are parameters that are not being used,
the visibility can be removed

Controlled Output to the

Process Variable Final Element
Setpoint

Auto and Manual Status

 Shown below is the Properties window. This is where all the configuration of the PID loop takes place.

Tuning
Control Action. Constants
PV-SP, Direct. Increase in PV
= Increase in Output
SP-PV, Reverse. Increase in
PV= Decrease in Output
This illustration shows the parameters which can be set and viewed within the PIDE. Visibility can also
be controlled.
Shown below is a configured PID loop. The input may typically be a flow value coming from the field and
the CV value may be going to a control valve. The difference between the CV value and the CVEU value
is that the CV value is 0 – 100. The CVEU value can be scaled as required.