Rstune™ User'S Guide: September 2000
Rstune™ User'S Guide: September 2000
Rstune™ User'S Guide: September 2000
September 2000
Contacting Rockwell Technical Support Telephone 440-646-7800 Software Technical Support Fax 440-646-7801 World Wide Webwww.software.rockwell.com Copyright Notice 2000 Rockwell Software Inc., a Rockwell Automation company All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Portions copyrighted by ExperTune Inc. and used with permission. Portions copyrighted by Allen-Bradley Company, Inc., and used with permission. Inc. and John Gerry of ExperTune Inc. and used with permission. This manual and any accompanying Rockwell Software products are copyrighted by Rockwell Software Inc. Any reproduction and/or distribution without prior written consent from Rockwell Software Inc. is strictly prohibited. Please refer to the license agreement for details. Trademark Notices WINtelligent Series is a registered trademark, and the Rockwell Software logo, RSAlarm, RSAnimator, RSAssistant, RSBatch, RSBreakerBox, RSButton, RSChart, RSCompare, RSControlRoom, RSData, RSDataPlayer, RSEventMaster, RSGauge, RSJunctionBox, RSLogix Emulate 5, RSLogix Emulate 500, RSGuardian, RSHarmony, RSKeys, RSLadder, RSLadder 5, RSLadder 500, RSLinx, RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSLogix Frameworks, RSLogix SL5, RSMailman, RSNetworx for ControlNet, RSNetworx for DeviceNet, RSPortal, RSPower, RSPowerCFG, RSPowerRUN, RSPowerTools, RSRules, RSServer32, RSServer, RSServer OPC Toolkit, RSSidewinderX, RSSlider, RSSnapshot, RSSql, RSToolbox, RSToolPak I, RSToolPak II, RSTools, RSTrainer, RSTrend, RSTune, RSVessel, RSView32, RSView, RSVisualLogix, RSWheel, RSWire, RSWorkbench, RSWorkshop, SoftLogix 5, A.I. Series, Advanced Interface (A.I.) Series, AdvanceDDE, AutomationPak, ControlGuardian, ControlPak, ControlView, INTERCHANGE, Library Manager, Logic Wizard, Packed DDE, ProcessPak, ProcessPak5, ProcessPak for Batch, View Wizard, WINtelligent, WINtelligent LINX, WINtelligent LOGIC 5, WINtelligent VIEW, WINtelligent RECIPE, WINtelligent VISION, and WINtelligent VISION2 are trademarks of Rockwell Software Inc. PLC, PLC-2, PLC-3 and PLC-5 are registered trademarks, and Data Highway Plus, DH+, DHII, DTL, MicroLogix, Network DTL, PowerText, Pyramid Integrator, PanelBuilder, PanelView, ControlLogix, PLC-5/250, PLC-5/20E, PLC-5/40E, PLC-5/80E, ProcessLogix, SLC, SLC 5/01, SLC 5/02, SLC 5/03, SLC 5/04, SLC 5/05, SLC 500, and SoftLogix are trademarks of the Allen-Bradley Company, Inc. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Visual SourceSafe, and Visual Basic are registered trademarks, and Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Microsoft Access are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International. DeviceNet is a trademark of the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel, and Xerox Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. AIX, PowerPC, Power Series, RISC System/6000 are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged. Warranty This Rockwell Software product is warranted in accord with the product license. The products performance will be affected by system configuration, the application being performed, operator control and other related factors. The products implementation may vary among users. This manual is as up-to-date as possible at the time of printing; however, the accompanying software may have changed since that time. Rockwell Software reserves the right to change any information contained in this manual or the software at any time without prior notice. The instructions in this manual do not claim to cover all the details or variations in the equipment, procedure, or process described, nor to provide directions for meeting every possible contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1
What is RSTune? ................................................................................................................. 1 RSTune Features ..................................................................................................................... 1 System and software requirements .......................................................................... 2
Chapter 2
Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Setting up RSLinx for RSTune ....................................................................................... 5 Installing RSTune.................................................................................................................... 7 Starting the RSTune software ....................................................................................... 8 Configuring a loop to communicate with a processor ................................. 8 Editing and deleting loops .............................................................................................. 11 Editing an existing loop ................................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Proportional plus integral (PI) control ........................................................................................ 23 Proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) control .......................................................... 23
RSTune theory ........................................................................................................................ 24 Tuning types .................................................................................................................................... 24
Chapter 5
Changing the span, colors, and decimal places .......................................................................... 30 Changing the value of the left and right axes ............................................................................. 31 Changing the display of the Faceplate and Trend window ...................................................... 31
Using the Off Line Analysis & PID Tuning screen ......................................... 33 Changing controller settings ........................................................................................ 34 Changing the setpoint and controller output ............................................................................. 34
Chapter 6
Using archived data......................................................................................................................... 50 Tuning from archived data ............................................................................................................ 51 Deleting archived files .................................................................................................................... 51 Adding notes to an archived data file ..........................................................................................51 Saving archived data to a different format .................................................................................. 52 Changing and downloading PID parameters to the controller................................................ 55
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
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Chapter 9
Controller in auto (closed loop).................................................................................................... 84 Controller in auto (using a manual step test).............................................................................. 84 Controller in manual (fast plant test) ........................................................................................... 85
Examples of data editing ................................................................................................ 86 Example of noisy data.................................................................................................................... 86
Example of data that is cycling and has noise spikes ................................................................ 86 Example of a process that responds faster in one direction .................................................... 88
Integrating (non-self-regulating) loops.................................................................. 89 Temperature control of extruders ............................................................................ 89 Cascading loops .................................................................................................................... 90 Collecting data for cascading loops.............................................................................................. 91
Chapter 10
iv
Activation ............................................................................................................................................103
How activation works......................................................................................................103 Protecting your activation files ................................................................................104 Activating RSTune .............................................................................................................105 Running the activation utilities....................................................................................................105 Finding more information about activation......................................................106 Some common questions ..............................................................................................106
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................109
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Chapter
Introduction
Welcome to RSTune, the application that makes tuning your control loops fast, easy, and accurate. RSTune also provides methods of analyzing your loops to help ensure optimal tuning parameters. This chapter covers: What is RSTune? RSTune Features System and software requirements
What is RSTune?
RSTune is Rockwell Softwares Windows-based software for analyzing and tuning PID control loops in Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC 500, and ControlLogix Programmable Logic Controllers.
RSTune Features
Toolbars on the time plot: makes zooming, editing, averaging, or filtering your real-time data a snap OPC support: RSTune is an OPC client (RSLinx 2.1 and above only).
ControlLogix 5550 support Support for MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 Support for Logix 5000 PID function block Extra trend: An
extra trend can be added to allow you to watch another variable in the same trend.
Viewing of real-time trend values: Real-time trend values can be viewed as ToolTips by positioning the cursor on the trend line. View part of a Control Loop simulation: Easily expand or halve the range on the simulation plot. Lets you view the part of the simulation that interests you most.
Introduction
Seamless connectivity to your control loops: RSTune uses RSLinx Standard, Professional or OEM (OPC only) for all supported processors. The RSTune family of products does not work with RSLinx Lite. AutoTune: Easy-to-use AutoTune sequence reduces the time required to tune a loop from hours to minutes Archiving: Manual archiving of multiple sets of data allows easy before and after analysis Performance increase displays: The performance increase from tuning your loop is displayed on the Faceplate. PID loop tuning categories: Categories can be selected for load tuning or setpoint tuning from the simulation plot Pre-download setting analysis: Allows you to see the performance of your loops before actually downloading them to the controller Data optimization: Data can be zoomed, filtered, averaged, and line edited Control loop testing: RSTune includes powerful analysis plots that provide critical performance information on your loops. Hysteresis check: Allows you to determine whether your control elements (e.g. valves) are suffering from hysteresis Tuning reports: Include data, notes, and graphics
Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT (4.0, Service Pack 3 or 4) If reporting function will be used, Microsoft Word 97 with SR-1 or higher 8 MB of hard disk space (or more based on application requirements) 16-color VGA graphics adapter 640 x 480 (256-color or higher, 800 x 600 recommended) Any Windows-compatible pointing device Communications software Windows NT: RSLinx 1.50.58 (or higher) Windows 95 / 98 / 2000 : RSLinx 1.50.58 (or higher)
Tip
Lite or OEM versions of the communications software are not sufficient for communication with RSTune. You must have at least the standard version of the communications software.
Introduction
Chapter
Installation
This chapter provides information on installing RSTune and setting up the communications package. You must have communication software installed and configured for RSTune to communicate with your control loop. RSTune works with: n RSLinx You can create a simulated control loop in RSTune without communication software. These topics are covered in this chapter: n Setting up RSLinx for RSTune
n n n n n n
Installing RSTune Starting the RSTune software Configuring a loop to communicate with a processor Editing and deleting loops Testing communications Troubleshooting installation
These steps are not needed if you are using the control loop simulator. To configure an RSTune loop to communicate with your processor: 1. Install RSLinx. 2. Configure RSLinx to communicate with your processor.
Installation
n
3. Define an RSLinx topic that RSTune can use to communicate with your PLC.
Installing RSTune
Your RSTune package contains a CD-ROM and a Master Disk. RSTune is copy protected, and the Master Disk activates the software. To install the RSTune software on Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0 operating systems: 1. Close all open programs in Windows. 2. Insert the RSTune CD-ROM into the drive. 3. Click Start, then click Run. The Run dialog box is displayed. 4. In the Open edit box, type drive:\setup, where drive is the letter of the drive containing the CD-ROM. Click OK. 5. Follow the directions on the screen. 6. When prompted for the products serial number, enter the 10-digit serial number on the label of the Master Disk. 7. When asked if you want to move activation now, click Yes. Insert the Master Disk into the disk drive. The utility for moving activation, EvMove, runs. Use the EvMove dialogs to move activation from the Master Disk to your root directory (usually C:). For help using EvMove, see Appendix C, Activation, or the EvMove online help. 8. Remove the Master Disk and follow the directions on the screen. When the setup utility finishes, an entry for the RSTune application program is displayed in the program list in the Rockwell Software group. 9. Store the CD-ROM and the Master Disk in a safe place. For more information on activation, see Appendix C, Activation.
Tip
Installation
From this window you can define a new loop, choose an existing loop to either tune or edit, or delete a loop. Loops that have already been created are listed in the Choose a Loop box in the main window. For more information, see Editing and deleting loops on page 11.
1. Start RSTune. 2. On the RSTune main window, click New Loop. This window is displayed.
3. Type a name for the loop in the File name box. The file extension .tun is added automatically. 4. Click Save. The RSTune Setup window is displayed, as shown here.
5. Choose the Processor Type. The Setup window changes to show the options for the selected processor. 6. If the communications package provides both DDE and OPC support, the DDE and OPC options are available under Communications Via. Select the type of communication you want to use. 7. Complete the boxes as described in this table.
Installation
PLC-5 PD file PLC-5 integer file SLC 5/03, 5/04 SLC 5/02, 5/05 ControlLogix MicroLogix 1200/1500 (All processors)
PV Engineering units
The engineering units displayed by the AutoTune sequence when it requests a setpoint change. These units are for display only.
Topic
The RSLinx Topic. You can select the topic from the drop-down list.
The sample interval of your controller or to an interval 4 to 10 times less than the equivalent dead time of your process. Equivalent dead time is the time it takes for your process variable to change appreciably after the controller output changes. RSTune uses the sample interval time to: n collect data to analyze n update the faceplate trend and bar graphs The Loop Update Time is a parameter that is held inside the PID control block. It needs to be set when you are programming the block. When the PID control block executes, it uses the Loop Update Time in the PID calculation. It is important that the Loop Update Time in the control block corresponds exactly to the actual sample period of the loop. The PID control block should be activated by a timer. The timer preset value should therefore be the same as the Loop Update Time. If this is not the case the PID calculation will be incorrect. The SLC PID instruction can operate in Timed mode or in STI mode. In Timed mode the instruction executes every Update Time period. In STI mode, the instruction should be placed in an STI interrupt subroutine. It will then execute every time the STI subroutine is scanned. The addresses used in the PID instruction in your ladder logic file. The Processor Type determines how many addresses are required.
Sample Interval
PLC-5 PD file PLC-5 integer file SLC 5/03, 5/04 SLC 5/02, 5/05 ControlLogix MicroLogix 1200/1500
PLC-5 PD file PLC-5 integer file SLC 5/03, 5/04 SLC 5/02, 5/05
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ControlLogix
Tags in ControlLogix can be scoped to either controllers or program files. If your tags are scoped to program files, select the check box. If you select the check box, the Program file box is displayed. Type the name of the program where your PID control block loop tag resides.
Type it in the same format as it was entered when you programmed the PID instruction.
Tag Name
Click Close. Add trends or loops: See Setting up extra trends on page 42 . Go to the Faceplate and Trend window: Click Faceplate.
2. Click Edit Setup. The RSTune Setup dialog box is displayed. See Configuring a loop to communicate with a processor on page 8 for detail on the options in this dialog box.
Installation
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Tip
When you are editing an existing control loop, options in the RSTune Setup dialog box are grayed out if there is archived data stored for that loop. Archives are created: n by RSTune when you run the AutoTune sequence n when you select Archive>Archive On To select a new PID loop or change the location, do one of the following: n Click Save As to create a new loop. n Click Close to go to the main window. Click New to create a new loop.
Deleting a loop
To delete a loop (a .tun file and all associated data files): 1. In the main window, click the loop to delete in the Choose a Loop list. 2. Select File > Delete Loop. 3. To:
n
dialog box.
n
Keep archived data for this loop: Select No to question in the dialog box. Data can be deleted manually later if desired.
Testing communications
The link between RSTune and the server can be either DDE or OPC. RSTune automatically determines the available communications methods. If there is a choice, you can choose between DDE or OPC in the Edit Setup window. You can test the communications through the Setup dialog box to see if the server is responding correctly. To test communications, click Test. RSTune attempts to read the process variable for the loop from the server. RSTune shows either an error message or the current process variable of the loop.
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Troubleshooting installation
If RSTune does not start up or run properly, check the following. n Is the communication software installed? RSTune works with RSLinx version 1.50.58 or later. The communication software provides communication between the programmable controller and a personal computer in the Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 95, or Windows 98 environment. If you get a LINX Initialization error message in RSTune when you try to call up the Control Loop Setup window, check these items. n Check the configuration of the RSLinx topic for proper station address and communications device.
n n
Make sure your cable or card is plugged in. Check the RSLinx topic to be sure that the Station number is set to the node address of the processor with which you want to communicate. If you get the error Foreign application wont perform DDE method or operation, you might have tried to access the faceplate before all of the RSLinx drivers have fully initialized. Wait and then try again. Check to see if RSLinx is running. If not, did you install it? Can you run RSLinx by itself? Check to see if your Control Block address is pointing to a PID controller.
Installation
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Chapter
Quick Start
This chapter gives you a step-by-step approach to get you started using RSTune. More detailed explanations about the tuning process and how you can edit, verify, and analyze your data can be found in the remaining chapters of this Users Guide. These topics are covered: n Tuning a loop
n
Tuning a loop
1. Click Faceplate to communicate with your PID loop or software simulation. The Faceplate window is displayed.
2. Click AutoTune. 3. Follow the instructions on the screen to tune the loop.
For each question in AutoTune, help is available by clicking Help. Detailed information on AutoTune is provided in Using AutoTune to collect data on page 45.
Tip
Quick Start
15
4. When you have completed the AutoTune sequence, RSTune displays suggested PID tuning parameters, the Time Data Window for the loop, and the safety factor, derivative, and filter information. Click Download to send these parameters to the processor or simulation. A sample of the screen after AutoTune has completed is shown here.
Is the controller output operating at one end of the span? Is a valve operating near its seat? If so, the valve or final control element might need to be resized to give better controller output resolution.
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3. Perform the hysteresis check. See Hysteresis check on page 68 for more information. 4. Perform an open loop step test (Manual mode) at several different locations in the controller output span, for example, at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% (see Controller in manual (open loop) on page 84 for more information).
n
n n
Check the new tuning parameters and the model identified in the Process Model window (see Options in the Process Model window on page 76). Are the models (or PID tuning parameters) at each step significantly different? If the parameters are more than a factor of two different, consider trying to linearize the loop. If you cannot linearize the loop, use the most conservative tuning values. Perform an open loop step test in the opposite direction as in step 4. Compare PID tuning parameters or the models identified in the Process Model window. Does the process respond differently in the up direction versus the down? If so, can you reduce or eliminate the discrepancy? If not, use the more conservative tuning values.
When tuning a loop, it is important to keep in mind other factors that can affect the control loop. For example, sensors must be properly located, calibrated correctly, and able to respond quickly enough to expected process changes. Valves must be sized correctly. The entire design of the control system affects how well the system can be tuned. For more information on optimizing your loop, select Help > Optimization Steps on the Faceplate or the first window in RSTune.
Quick Start
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18
Chapter
Tuning theory
This chapter provides a basic explanation of PID control, including an example of a simple control loop. Explanations are also provided for the various tuning types that you can select when using RSTune. This chapter includes: Description of proportional, integral, and derivative control PID loop example RSTune theory Tuning types Load tuning Safety Factor Setpoint Tuning
Tuning theory
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The equations used to control the loop contain several variables. The three main variables are: Proportional gain: The change in controller output is proportional to the change in error. Integral gain: The change in controller output is proportional to the amount of time the error is present. Also called reset. Derivative gain: The change in controller output is proportional to the change in the rate-of-change of the error. Also called rate.
The units for each gain parameter vary depending on the type of processor.
Tip
PID loop tuning is the procedure you perform to determine the best possible value for each gain factor given the process you are controlling. Determining if a system is well tuned is application-dependent; but in general, a well-tuned system is one that: responds with little or no overshoot runs at maximum efficiency provides the fastest response to an upset is a compromise between the above three factors In some systems, one factor might be more desirable than another. For example, some overshoot might be tolerable to get a faster response.
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Process Variable
Controller Output
Temperature Sensor
Heating Valve
This system might control the heating to a room in a building. The people occupying the room can adjust the desired temperature by changing the setting (setpoint) on a thermostat. The temperature sensor sends the actual room temperature (process variable) to the controller. Room temperature could be affected by load changes the outside air temperature might get colder, causing the room to get colder, or many people could come into the room and turn on computers or copy machines, causing the room to get warmer. The difference between the setpoint and the actual temperature is called the error. The error signal is fed to the PID equation and a new output value (controller output) is calculated and sent to the heating valve to try and bring the temperature back to setpoint. If the room gets colder, the difference between the current setpoint and the room temperature increases. The heating control loop would have to respond to this increased error. If the control loop is tuned properly, the system can respond quickly and efficiently. If the system is not tuned properly, problems could occur. If the room is heated too fast, for example, the room temperature might exceed or overshoot the setpoint. The control loop must back down on the heating, but if it does this too fast, the room temperature would go below the setpoint. The system might oscillate like this for a long period of time before it settles down, if it ever settles down.
Tuning theory
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Heating the room too slowly would also cause problems. The occupants would be uncomfortable, and keep changing the setpoint to make the system respond, causing the system to keep chasing the new setpoint. In either case, an improperly tuned system is inefficient, can cause equipment problems, and will not achieve the desired goals of the system.
The process variable in the graph does settle out, but it does not reach setpoint. The amount of offset from setpoint depends on the amount of proportional gain and the conditions affecting the control loop. The proportional gain can be increased in order to decrease the amount of offset. However, too much proportional gain can cause the controller to respond too aggressively, and the process variable could overshoot the setpoint and then continue to oscillate. An example of this is shown here.
Setpoint Process variable
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With integral action, the change in controller output is proportional to the amount of time the error is present. In the example above, the proportional gain responds to the setpoint change, and as time passes, the integral action works to eliminate the offset and bring the process variable back to setpoint. The proper amount of integral action must be used. If there is too little integral action, the system will be sluggish and take too long to get to setpoint. If there is too much integral action, the system could end up oscillating and never settle down.
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The same amount of proportional and integral action was used in this example as was used in the example of PI control. A small amount of derivative action was added to limit the overshoot and cause the process variable to settle in to the setpoint a bit faster.
RSTune theory
RSTune uses an advanced frequency response method coupled with an expert system to determine the best tuning parameters for your control loops. RSTune can tune the loop from data collected from only one "bump" or pulse (like a setpoint change) in auto or manual mode. RSTune converts the data to frequency response. Note that the calculated PID settings are only as good as the data collected to build the frequency response. The frequency response uniquely represents a process signature that identifies that particular process. RSTune runs an expert system to find the best tuning parameters and also to create a model of the process. The modeling allows powerful analysis to be done on the process.
Tuning types
Various types or methods of tuning exist to allow a system to be tuned optimally, depending on the application and the type of changes to which the system might need to respond. RSTune allows you to choose between two types of tuning. Load tuning Setpoint (Lambda) tuning For most loops, we recommend that you use PI or PID fastest load tuning. Load tuning gives better response to load upsets. If, however, you need tuning that gives no overshoot, use setpoint tuning. The various methods RSTune uses for analysis are discussed in Chapter 8, Control loop analysis.
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Tip
You can use RSTune to help you design a setpoint filter. By using a setpoint filter you can get good response to both setpoint changes and load upsets. See Chapter 8, Control loop analysis.
Load tuning
Load tuning gives PI and PID tuning parameters optimized for load changes at the controller output. Load changes are the most difficult disturbances for the system to control. They are also the most common. There is always a tradeoff between fast response and sensitivity to changing process conditions. RSTune lets you further specify the type of load tuning you want to use, as well as a safety factor to control the sensitivity of load tuning.
Load tuning types
With RSTune you can specify the type of Load Tuning you want to use. The three types of Load Tuning (with Safety Factor = 1) are: Fastest:Optimal (minimum absolute error to load step) Fast:Quarter amplitude damping Slow:10% overshoot The fastest tuning with the lowest safety factor is the most sensitive to a changing process. Conversely, the slowest tuning with the highest safety factor is the least sensitive. The sensitivity of the loop can be analyzed using the Robustness plot, which is discussed in Chapter 8, Control loop analysis.
Load tuning with no overshoot
For load tuning with no overshoot, decrease integral action in the fastest category by a factor of 3. For example, if your controller uses integral in time/ rep, multiply the integral setting by 3. If integral is in rep/time, divide by 3. Setpoint tuning also gives you no overshoot.
Safety factor
RSTune uses a safety factor to control the sensitivity of load tuning. The safety factor setting can be between 1.0 and 3.0. A setting of 1 means the tuning is very sensitive to small changes in the process but could become unstable if subjected to large or sudden load changes. A safety factor of 3.0 gives you conservative tuning; the loop will respond somewhat more slowly but is more stable when subjected to large or sudden load changes. More conservative tuning is appropriate in most situations, and 2.5 is the default setting. For faster response decrease the safety factor.
Tuning theory
n
25
Caution
Most control loops are somewhat non-linear. To be stable when the process changes, most loops require tuning with a safety factor larger (more conservative) than 1.
If you enter a Safety Factor that might cause the system to be too sensitive, the message Warning: Safety factor makes the loop dangerously sensitive to process changes is displayed. You might then want to change the safety factor to a more conservative number, but this is only a warning. You can still download the more sensitive value.
Setpoint tuning
Setpoint (or Lambda) tuning matches the setpoint response to a first order time constant (or lag time) that you enter. System response is first delayed by the process dead time. This method is popular in applications, such as in the paper industry, where overshoot is not acceptable. With Setpoint tuning the closed loop response should be the identified process dead time plus the target first order time constant (lambda time) you enter.
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Chapter
Using RSTune
This chapter provides you with information on the use of the basic windows of RSTune, including the menu commands, displays, display options, and button functions. These topics are covered: Faceplate and Trend window Changing the display of the Faceplate and Trend window Using the Off Line Analysis & PID Tuning screen Changing controller settings Debugging communications Menus Creating a report for a control loop Setting up extra trends Step-by-step procedures are also provided in the online help system of the software. The details of control loop tuning using the methods available in RSTune are covered in Chapter 6, Tuning control loops.
Tip RSTune comes with a control loop simulation program that can be used to help you learn how RSTune works without being connected to a process. To use the control loop simulation: 1. In the Choose a loop box in the Main window, click Simulate.tun. 2. Click Faceplate. 3. See Faceplate and Trend window on page 28.
Using RSTune
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To display the Faceplate and Trend window: From the main window: Double-click a loop in the Choose a loop list. From the Setup window: Click Faceplate. The screen shown here is displayed.
Arcchive On/Off Button Span settings
Controller mode PID parameter values (see units by hovering over values)
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The Faceplate and Trend window includes: Menus: Access options and features Span settings: Allows changes to the way data is displayed Archive On/Off Button: Allows you to turn the archiver on and off with just the click of this button. Real-time trend display: Displays real-time data from your processor PV, CO, or SP display: If you hold the cursor over any point in the realtime trend display, the PV, CO, or SP values at that time are displayed. The values that are displayed depend on the Span settings. See Changing the value of the left and right axes on page 31. Buttons: Perform various commands PID parameter values: The current processor PID values and the new values that will be downloaded to the process if Download is selected. Controller mode: The current controller mode, auto or manual. Bargraph display: Displays the loop variables in individual bargraphs and boxes.
Using RSTune
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Tip
30
2. Click the tab for the parameter you want to change. 3. Click Help for descriptions of the options in this dialog box.
Using RSTune
31
Faceplate only
32
Using RSTune
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Debugging communications
Data Spy allows you to display raw data before scaling, formatting, or adjusting decimal points. Data Spy is available through the Faceplate and Trend window. To use Data Spy, select Options > Data Spy. This dialog box is displayed.
The Mode as ASCII chars box displays each character of the mode string as its ASCII value. The type of communications being used (DDE or OPC) is shown at the bottom of the dialog box. This window can remain open while other RSTune windows are active. It always stays on top.
Menus
The RSTune Faceplate and Trend window has four menu options: Archive View Options Help
Using RSTune
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Faceplate buttons
The buttons underneath the Trend window on the Faceplate allow you to choose to tune from previously archived data, use the AutoTune sequence, or close the Faceplate and Trend window. Descriptions of each of the buttons are included below. Detailed use of the buttons in various tuning functions is described in Chapter 6, Tuning control loops.
Tune from archived data
The Tune from archived data button brings up a list of archived data files. (See Chapter 6, Tuning control loops, for information on collecting data.)
Name of the original file (added by Yes indicates that the file has been
The list shows the name of the archive file, the date and time when the data was collected, and whether the file is an edited version of an archived file. To work with an archived file, click the filename.
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The buttons below the archived file list are: Tune: This button displays the Time data window. From this window, you can have RSTune determine tuning parameters and perform analysis on the data. See Chapter 6, Tuning control loops, for details on using the Time data window. Copy to ASCII: This button allows you to save your data to an ASCII file (extension .asc). The file can be named and placed in any folder. You can also save the data as a print file (.prn) or as a data file in comma separated value format (.csv). Time Plot: The Time data window displays the process variable and controller output data. Use this window to verify that your data meets tuning requirements, or to edit data to optimize it before calculating new parameters. Delete: This button deletes the selected archived data file from your hard disk.
Tip Delete deletes the selected archived data file for the control loop, not the control loop. To delete the control loop file, see Editing and deleting loops on page 11.
Back: This button closes the archive data file list window. The Loop Notes box to the right of the archive list displays notes that have been entered concerning the loop. RSTune automatically adds notes to the Loop Notes when a file is edited. You can also enter notes manually by clicking Change Notes. To edit the Loop Notes for a data set: 1. Select the data set. 2. Click Change Notes. 3. Type your changes in the Edit notes window.
To start a new line in the Edit Notes window, press Ctrl + Enter.
Tip
Using RSTune
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AutoTune
AutoTune starts the AutoTune sequence. This is a sequence of questions that you can follow to have RSTune automatically calculate new PID tuning parameters for your control loop. The AutoTune sequence is described in Using AutoTune to collect data on page 45.
Close
The Close button closes the Faceplate and Trend window and takes you back to the RSTune main window. It does not close RSTune.
Simulate window
When you open the faceplate for a loop with a processor type of Software simulation, the Simulate window opens minimized. This simulated control loop allows you to gain experience with RSTune without being connected to a processor. The loop simulator provides advanced simulation, including cascade and feedforward loops with multiple simultaneous simulations on the same plot for easy comparison.
Tip The information in the Simulate window is the same as the information on the Faceplate and Trend window, except for the Advanced button. Any changes to information in the Simulate window will also be changed in the Faceplate and Trend window.
The functions you can do from the basic Simulate window are listed here. For information on the Advanced button features, see Advanced on page 39.
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To:
Do these steps:
Note: The controller output value can only be changed in Manual mode. 1. Double-click the box. 2. Delete the old value and type the new value. 3. Click Enter. Click the drop-down and select Manual or Auto. Click Initial PID. This option returns the initial tuning values, regardless of how many settings you have downloaded. This is different than the Bring back Previous PID settings to New option on the Faceplate and Trend window Options menu. The Bring back option restores only the previous PID values, not the initial values.
Switch between Auto and Manual modes Restore the initial tuning parameters
Advanced
The Advanced simulate window allows you to select one of seven process types and change the load.
Using RSTune
39
Descriptions of the options in the Advanced Simulate window are presented here.
To: Do these steps:
Display the Advanced Simulate window Change the process type Change the process load
1. Click Advanced from the Simulate window. 2. Click No. In the Process type dialog box, select the type of process. The diagram labels change to reflect the new process type. The trend display also shows the change. In the Process Load dialog box, click +5% to increase the load or 5% to decrese it. The trend display on the Faceplate and Trend window shows the impact on the loop. When the Process Type is set to a non-linear loop, the Controller Characterizer dialog box is displayed. The Controller Characterize allows you to experiment with the Characterizer. Click Demo Instructions for more information on using the Characterizer in the Simulate window. For more information on the Characterizer (available only with RSProcess Perfector), see Using the output Characterizer on page 97.
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Tip
Using RSTune
41
Editing a report
Once created, you can edit your report to be specific to your company. Replace all occurrences of Company Name with your companys name. You can double-click on text in the headers or footers to edit it. Change the letter on the cover page to suit your needs. If using RSProcess Perfector, delete any blank graphs or data that you do not want to use. Edit or add notes on the graphics in the report. Summarize your findings in the Conclusions and Recommendations.
When you open the report, you will see a message warning that the document contains macros and asking what you want to do. If you disable macros, the document will open as read-only and you will be unable to edit it. You must select Enable Macros to open the report for editing.
Tip
Printing a report
To print a report: 1. Update the boxes by pressing Ctrl + A, then pressing F9. 2. Select File > Print.
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To create a new trend: 1. In the main window, click the loop that will contain the extra trend. 2. Click Edit Setup. The RSTune Setup window is displayed. 3. Click Advanced. The Extra Trends and Advanced Loop Setup dialog box is displayed.
4. Click Extra Trends. The blank Setup Extra Trends window is displayed. 5. Click Add Trend. The Trend 1 tab is added, as shown here.
6. Set Eng span to the full engineering range of the trend variable. 7. Set Inst span to the instrument range of the trend variable. This is the range of the value reported to RSTune by the server.
When RSTune reads Extra Trend values, it scales the values from the instrument span to the engineering span. If the value is not scaled, set Inst span to the same value as Eng span.
Tip
Using RSTune
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Description
The name of the trend. This name is used on the Faceplate and Trend window. PV, CO, and SP cannot be used as names of extra trends. The range of data that will be displayed on the Faceplate and Trend window for this trend. The smaller the span, the higher the resolution on the display. The number of digits shown after the decimal point in the Extra Trend value displays. This only affects the display. Decimal places can be set from 0 to 5. The width of the trend line in the Faceplate and Trend window. Line width can be set from 1 to 4. The color of the trend line in the Faceplate and Trend window. To select a color: a. Click Line Color. b. Select the color. c. Click OK.
Display span
Decimal places
9. Click Test. RSTune reads the variable from the server. RSTune displays the variable from the server or an error message.
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Chapter
Collecting data
With RSTune, you can follow the AutoTune sequence to determine PID tuning parameters, or you can manually gather data and tune using that information.
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When gathering data: Collect the process variable and controller output data from a step or pulse test. You can make a setpoint change (in Auto) or a controller output change (in Manual). Both the process variable and controller output must start and end at a steady state condition and include the complete response to the setpoint or controller output change. When steady state out, both the process variable and controller output are relatively flat horizontal lines in the Trend display, moving within the range of normal process noise. RSTune analyzes process variable and controller output data pairs. All process variable filtering must be removed from the signal.
The data must not be from a load or process upset. Loads must not change during the test and the range of test data should be as linear as possible. If a load change occurs during the test, click End Sequence and begin the test again.
Caution
To AutoTune: 1. From the main window, click the loop to tune. 2. Click Faceplate. 3. Click AutoTune. The lower left part of the window changes as shown here.
Putting the loop in Manual and waiting for it to settle out. Putting it in Auto mode and entering a low proportional gain and a low integral gain. Wait for the loop to settle out.
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4. When your process data is steady state, click Yes. The screen shown here is displayed.
5. RSTune needs to produce a bump in your process by making a setpoint or controller output change. The default is 7. To use a different value, click Different. You are prompted for a value. You can use negative numbers if needed. Click Enter.
Tip If you are using the Simulate.tun file that comes with RSTune, you might want to use a larger value. The default is not much larger than the process noise, so you will get better data if you use 10 or 15.
6. Click OK. 7. If the loop is in Auto mode or you are tuning a simulated loop, go to the next step. a. If the loop is in Manual mode, this prompt is displayed.
To get good data for tuning, RSTune needs to see the process variable respond to the controller output. The amount of process variable response needs to be at least 4 to 6 times larger than the normal peakto-peak noise in your process.
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c.
After the process variable moves by this amount, click Yes. RSTune changes the controller output back to its original value. This dialog box is displayed.
8. When the process has steady state, click Yes. 9. The name of the archive file for this data is displayed. Click OK. 10. The Time data window for the data is displayed (see Chapter 7, Using the Time data window). You can start verifying or editing your data and determining new PID tuning values.
Caution
Important
The data must not be from a load or process upset. Loads must not change during the test and the range of test data should be as linear as possible. If a load change occurs during the test, stop collecting data and start over.
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Examples of other methods of collecting data manually are provided in Chapter 9, Application notes. To collect data manually: 1. Make sure the controller output is not at 0%, 100%, or saturated into a limit. If it is, change the controller output to between 5% and 95% (or not at a limit). Valves are usually non-linear at their limits. 2. Let the loop settle out (reach steady state). 3. Select Archive > Archive On. 4. Change the controller setpoint by about 10%. 5. Wait for the process variable to respond an appreciable amount, then change the setpoint back to its original value. Skip this step if your process can tolerate a new operating point. 6. Let the loop settle out (reach steady state). 7. Select Archive > Archive Off.
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Archiving data
Data collected with the AutoTune sequence is automatically archived. You can also manually archive data: 1. Select Archive > Archive On. RSTune starts archiving data to a file with the same root as the .tun file. 2. When you are done collecting data, select Archive > Archive Off. When you turn archiving on, RSTune displays the name of the file where the data is archived in the title bar of the Faceplate and Trend window:
Tip
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It looks like this in the Off Line Analysis and PID Tuning window:
Tip
The Time and Date shown in the When collected box indicate the time and date when the archive was started.
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1. Select the file from the list. Any existing loop notes are displayed. 2. Click Change Notes. The Edit Notes window is displayed. 3. Type your notes in the Edit Notes window.
To start a new pargraph in the Edit Notes window, press Ctrl + Enter.
Tip
4. Click OK.
Header Section ============== Number Of Header Items: 40 Scan Interval: 1 Time Stamp Units: milliseconds Number Of Channels: 3 Date/Time Data Collected: 10/16/97 11:06AM Version: 9.06.16 Who Created Me: RSTune Current P: 2
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Current I: .58333 Current D: 0 Current F: 0 Channel 1 Description: PV Channel 1 Eng. Min. Span: 0 Channel 1 Eng. Max Span: 100 Channel 2 Description: CO Channel 2 Eng. Min. Span: 0 Channel 2 Eng. Max Span: 100 Channel 3 Description: SP Channel 3 Eng. Min. Span: 0 Channel 3 Eng. Max Span: 100 Response Direction: up Controller Algorithm: Allen Bradley PLC-5 PD file ISA, D on PV Controller Type: ideal PB Or Gain: gain Integral Units: min/rep PB Multiplier: 1 Integral Multiplier: 1 Derivative Multiplier: 1 Mode: 1 PID: 4 TimePlot AutoScale PV: 0 TimePlot AutoScale CO: 0 TimePlot PV Min: 41.63655 TimePlot PV Max: 49.87732 TimePlot CO Min: 39.31247 TimePlot CO Max: 55.48609 TimePlot Number of Lines: 0 TimePlot Line Position1: 0 Timeplot Line Position2: 0 Timeplot Line Position3: 0 Timeplot Line Position4: 0 Timeplot Line Position5: 0 Timeplot Line Position6: 0 Timeplot Line Position7: 0
Tuning control loops
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Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Timeplot Line Characterizer Characterizer Characterizer Characterizer
Position8: 0 Position9: 0 Position10: 0 Position Hyst1: Position Hyst2: Position Hyst3: Position Hyst4: Fit Type: 0 Language: 0 Lines: 0 Blue Y1: 0
0 0 0 0
Number Of Points: 192 ArchiveNotes: Data collected manually with the controller in Auto mode. Data Section ============ PV ----------41.46768 41.30512 41.62125 41.5027 41.64124 41.89695 42.13604 42.30678 42.32682 42.26803 41.42966 39.54797 CO ----------39.78901 40.99653 41.36135 39.8148 40.96721 38.49328 31.08119 25.70074 24.43569 23.97164 23.6704 25.02115 SP ----------42 42 42 42 42 40.85577 37.29519 35 35 35 35 35
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Caution
Downloading different gain values while the processor is in the Run or Remote Run mode might cause unexpected machine operation, which can result in injury, loss of life, or machine damage.
Tip
Download is not available if you are tuning from the Offline Analysis and PID Tuning window.
To download the new PID parameters to the controller or the software simulation: 1. Click Download on the Faceplate and Trend window.
3. Click Yes.
Tuning control loops
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After the values are downloaded, the Current and New parameters are the same.
Retrieving previous PID settings
To check what the PID settings were before the download, you can use the Bring Back Previous PID Settings to New option. When you select this option, the New settings are replaced with the settings that had been in the Current column before the download. To retrieve the previous values, select Options > Bring back Previous PID settings to New. The values under New are changed to the values that were in Current before the download. These values can be downloaded.
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Chapter
These topics are covered in this chapter: Changing the Time data window display Calculating tuning parameters Controller tuning Editing data in the Time data window Verifying data using the Time data window
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Tip
Before working with data, it might be helpful to review the section Data pair and sample interval requirements on page 49.
Tune Button on Faceplate Zoom>Zoom In Zoom>Zoom out to see all data Edit>Average Edit>Line edit Edit>Filter Edit>Undo Options>Statistical Analysis Options>Hysteresis Check>Automatic Options>Report>Full Tuning Report
Calculate Tuning Zoom In Zoom out to see all data Average Line Edit Fiter Undo Changes Statistical Analysis Hysteresis Check (automatic) Full Tuning Report
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Analysis button (see how good your data is by hovering over this button)
New PID parameters and probable performance increase or are current settings stable message
The PID parameters are based on the data collected for your loop. Before the loop is tuned, the New column displays N/A (Not Applicable) for each parameter. The parameters in the New column are recalculated as you make changes in the Controller Tuning section of the Faceplate and Trend window and as you make changes to data in the Time data window. You can also change any of the New tuning parameters yourself. Click the box of the parameter you want to change, edit the value, and press Enter. The Probable Performance Increase is updated as the PID parameters change and tells you how much better the controller will respond to a load upset with the new PID parameters. It is the percent probable performance increase in integrated absolute error (IAE) to a load upset assuming the controller does not overshoot to a load upset with either the current or new parameters. If the controller overshoots, the performance increase is an approximation that is roughly proportional to the IAE improvement. It is still a good predictor of performance. This box says None if the Probable Performance Increase is insignificant. Adding derivative might increase the performance in these cases. (Click the Use derivative if possible box.)
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To determine the optimal tuning parameters for your loop: Verify and edit your data using the Time data window (below). Select the desired tuning factors in the Controller Tuning section of the Faceplate and Trend window (below). Analyze the effects of the new PID parameters using the Analysis windows (Chapter 8, Control loop analysis).
Controller tuning
When the Time data window is displayed, you can select the controller tuning factors that you want to use for this loop.
Tip See Chapter 4, Tuning theory, for definitions of load tuning, setpoint tuning, safety factor, and other RSTune parameters.
n n n
Load Tuning - Fastest: Recommended for most loops. Provides minimum absolute error to step load. Load Tuning - Fast: Provides quarter amplitude damping. Load Tuning - Slow: Provides 10% overshoot. Setpoint Tuning: Provides good setpoint response at the expense of good regulation.
Tip
To see what the PID settings would be for each type of tuning, click PID Grid were you will be able to change the settings and see the effects in one window.
Using the Time data window
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2. For:
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Load Tuning: Type a Safety Factor between 1 and 5, with 1 being the
most sensitive. Type a Response time (in seconds). For a faster response time, use a smaller response time. For slower response, use a larger response time. The default value that RSTune sets is conservative to prevent overshoot on setpoint change. 3. To use derivative gain, select Use derivative if possible.
n
Setpoint Tuning:
4. Click Done tuning. The Time data window closes. If you are using the Off Line Analysis and PID Tuning window, the PID parameter display is also closed.
Zooming
After collecting data, you might want to zoom in on the data you want to use for tuning. This is typically the smallest window of data that starts at a steady state condition and ends within about 5% of steady state. You can zoom manually or use Auto Zoom. When Auto Zoom is used, RSTune automatically tries to zoom in on the data that offers the best tuning.
Zooming manually
To zoom in on your data: 1. Select Zoom > Zoom in. 2. Click the graph where you want to begin zooming. 3. Click again where you want to end zooming. The portion of the graph you selected is highlighted.
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4. To change the zoomed area, click at the new spot. You can do this as many times as needed. Clicking the graph anywhere to the right of the midpoint moves the right edge of the highlighted area. Clicking to the left of the midpoint moves the left edge. To include all of the data points to the left, click just outside the left side of the graph. To include all of the data points to the right, click just outside the right side of the graph. To stop zooming, click Cancel Zoom. 5. Click Zoom Now. You can zoom in as many times as needed. To return to the previous view, select Zoom > Zoom Back to Previous. To return to the view of all data, select Zoom > Zoom Out.
Using Auto Zoom
To use Auto Zoom: 1. Select Zoom > Auto Zoom. The data is highlighted. 2. Click Zoom Now to accept the data. Auto Zoom attempts to zoom based on the current data. If RSTune does not have the proper data to perform Auto Zoom, the error message Cannot automatically find a zoom location in the data is displayed. You can then either zoom manually, or recollect data and retry Auto Zoom.
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Averaging data
RSTune uses your initial data as the steady state basis for all tuning and modeling. Ideally, this data should start and end at steady state. However, if your initial data is noisy or cycling, averaging might improve your tuning results. Average the controller output and the process variable data to just where it starts changing due to the bump introduced as part of the test. To average a portion of your data: 1. Select Edit > Average. 2. Click the beginning point of the data you want to average. 3. Click the end point of data you want to average. That section of data is highlighted.
Process Variable Setpoint
4. To change the area, click at the new spot. You can do this as many times as needed. Clicking the graph anywhere to the right of the midpoint moves the right edge of the highlighted area. Clicking to the left of the midpoint moves the left edge. To include all of the data points to the left, click just outside the left side of the graph. To include all of the data points to the right, click just outside the right side of the graph. To stop averaging, click Cancel Avg. 5. To modify your data, click on the graph at the new beginning or end point of the data you wish to average. 6. To accept the change click Avg now. You can undo the last averaging operation. Select Edit > Undo.
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6. Click OK. To undo the line editing session, select Edit > Undo. To filter your data: 1. Select Edit > Filter. This window is displayed.
2. Select the Filter type from the list. For filter descriptions, see the online help. 3. Type the Filter time constant in seconds. Pick a filter time large enough to eliminate as much noise as possible without degrading loop performance. If the filter time constant is too large, it can hurt loop performance, because the control system will try to control the filter.
Using the Time data window
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Caution
Filtering modifies your plant data. If you use the filter, subsequent tuning will be based on the filtered process variable.
4. Click Test to test the effects of filtering. The graph in the Time data window is redrawn with the filter values applied. 5. Click OK to accept the filter values or Cancel to ignore the changes. To undo the filtering change, click Edit > Undo.
Saving changes
After making editing changing in the Time data window, you can save the changes by selecting Edit > Save changes. The edited data is automatically saved in a new archive data file. RSTune keeps both the original and the edited data file or files. The edited file is indicated by Yes in the Edited column. RSTune automatically adds a note that identifies the original file.
The file that the edited file was created from. Yes indicates that data in this file was edited.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis can be used to check the improvement in control with the new tuning parameters. Before tuning, collect the normal operating data (with no setpoint changes) with the controller in Auto. Download the new tuning parameters and collect normal operating data again. Compare the statistics for both sets of data.
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Tip
Be sure to turn Archiving on when collecting data so you can save and compare the two sets of data. Select Archive > On to start archiving. Select Archive > Off when data collection is complete.
After you gather data for statistical analysis: 1. On the faceplate, select Tune from archived data. 2. Select the file to analysis. 3. Click Tune. The Time data window is displayed. 4. Select Options > Statistical Analysis. This window is displayed
The Time data window also changes to show the statistics as mean, standard deviation, and 2x standard deviation lines on the process variable graph.
Standard deviation (blue lines) Mean (red line) 2x Standard deviation (green lines)
Definitions of the statistics are: Sample (raw): The data collection sample interval in the archive. Mean (): The average of your data.
Using the Time data window
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sum of your measurement data mean = ----------------------------------------------------------------------number of data points Standard Deviation: The square root of the sample variance. standard deviation = sample variance
2
( mean x ( i ) ) -----------------------------------------------------------
Variability: The relative value of variance. It is expressed as a percentage of the mean, allowing comparison between the level of variability in different processes. 100 2 ( standard deviation ) variability = ---------------------------------------------------------------mean IAE - Integrated Absolute Error. Performance of a loop is judged by how closely the controlled variable is held to the setpoint, both for setpoint changes and load changes. There are many mathematical ways of judging this, and IAE is one type. IAE is a measure of controller error defined by the integral of the absolute value of a time dependent error function.
Hysteresis check
RSTune can perform a hysteresis check on your data. Hysteresis is a dead band in the movement of a device upon a change of direction. For example, if a valve is moving in one direction, it continues to move if the air signal keeps moving in the same direction. But when the air signal changes direction, the valve has to stop and reverse motion. Conditions like static friction take time to overcome. This time, or hysteresis, must be compensated for by the air signal increasing to an amount equal to the hysteresis before the valve will move in the other direction. If RSTune cannot calculate hysteresis from your data, an error message is displayed. Click Yes to this message to display information on how to properly gather data to perform a hysteresis check. If your hysteresis is more than 1% for valves with positioners or 3% for valves without positioners, consider repairing or changing equipment to try to reduce the hysteresis.
Collecting data for a hysteresis check
The hysteresis check requires several controller output changes while the controller is in Manual mode: two steps in one direction and one step in the other. To collect data for a hysteresis check:
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1. In the Faceplate and Trend window, select Manual mode. 2. Select Archive > On. 3. Wait for the process variable to settle out and collect a little more data to get normal process noise. 4. Increase the controller output by 5%. 5. Wait for the process variable to settle out. 6. Increase the controller output by another 5%. 7. Wait until the process variable settles out. 8. Decrease the controller output by 10%. 9. Wait until the process variable is at steady state. 10. Click Archive > Off.
Performing the hysteresis check
Once the data has been collected, you can do the Hysteresis check: 1. Click Tune from archived data. 2. Select the archive file collected above. 3. Click Tune. You might see a message indicating that the data is questionable for tuning. You can ignore this, as it does not reflect on the datas suitability for a hysteresis check. Click OK. 4. To check: n Automatically: Select Options > Hysteresis check > Automatic. 5. The time data graph changes as shown here.
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The areas RSTune used to calculate hysteresis are indicated on the graph. RSTune finds each of the three areas where steady state occurred in the process variable after a step change. The areas are: p2: From the first steady state area to the second n p3: From the second steady state area to the third n A magenta line is drawn at the noiseband minimum and maximum values. The controller output graph is labeled at each step change (C1, C2, and C3). If the controller output data is noisy, average the data to make it clean between steps (see page 64).
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An oversized valve cannot provide very fine control. Any valve has a rangeability factor that determines how precisely it regulates. A good control valve might have a rangeability of 100 to 1, which means you can make 1% adjustments in the output. The valve can also be referred to as having a resolution of 1%. This allows finer control with less chance of inducing hunting or cycling. If a valve is oversized, the usable operating range of the valve gets smaller. For example, a valve with a rangeability of 100 to 1 could be oversized for an application to the point that its effective usable operating range is only 50 to 1 (process gain of 2). This translates to a resolution of 2%. The oversized valve can only be adjusted within 2% instead of 1%. It no longer has tight control, and the process might be hunting within the valve resolution. The oversized valve could also be operating on its seat. A command could be sent to the valve, but it might not move off its seat since control isnt precise. The solution to an oversized valve is to change the valve trim or replace the valve with one of the appropriate size.
Valve undersized
An undersized valve can be a safety problem since it might not have the range to control the process. The solution to an undersized valve is to change the valve trim or replace the valve with one of the appropriate size.
70 RSTune Users Guide
The most likely reason for the process gain to be larger than 3 is if the process variable transmitter span is larger than it needs to be. The resolution of the measurement improves with a smaller transmitter span. The resolution of your measurement is the smallest change that your system can detect. For example, you have a choice of two transmitters connected to a controller. The controller has a 12-bit analog to digital converter with a resolution of 1 in 4096 (212 = 4096). Converted to percentage: 1/4096 = 0.0002441 0.024%.
Controller A/D Resolution of 0.024% Span of 100 to 500 Resolution of 0.1 degree Span of 0 to 4096 Resolution of 1 degree
You are measuring temperature and one of the transmitters has a span of 0 to 4096. With the 12-bit converter described above, you are only able to measure and control within 1 degree: 4096 * 0.024% 1 The other transmitter has a span of 100 to 500 degrees. Your resolution would improve: 500 100 = 400 400 * 0.024% 0.1 Now your system could detect a change of 0.1 degrees instead of 1 degree. If you only need to detect and control a measurement within a certain range, choose a transmitter span that represents what you need.
Transmitter Span Too Small
The gain of the loop might also be large if the transmitter span is too small or too narrow. The solution is to widen the span. You are more likely, however, to encounter transmitter spans that are too large than too small.
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Chapter
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Analysis button (see how good your data is by hovering over this button)
When you change a PID tuning value, the Control Loop Simulation and Robustness plots update immediately. (See Robustness plot on page 80 for information on the Robustness plot.) 6. Begin working with the plots by selecting a model from the Process Model window.
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To select a process model: 1. Adjust the plot windows so that you can see the Process Model, Process Frequency Response, and Robustness Plot. 2. Check the data on the Process Frequency Response and Robustness Plots. 3. In the Process Model window, select the other Model type from the list (Force steady state gain or Allow gain to float). The plots change to reflect the new model. 4. Check the data on the Process Frequency Response and Robustness Plots. 5. In the Process Model window, select the Model type that fits your data the best.
The Process Frequency Response plots both the actual and the model data. Choose the model that is closest to the actual
Tip
data of Amplitude Ratio and phase. The most important frequencies are where the phase is between about 90 and 180 degrees (phase lead) or 90 and 180 degrees (phase lag).
The Robustness Plot shows the trade-off between tight tuning and sensitivity to process changes. If you have two sets of tuning with about the same robustness, you can generally choose the faster response.
6. Once youve determined the best Process Model, you can use the Process Simulation window and the Robustness Plot to analyze the calculated and current PID parameters.
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The table in this window shows the gain, dead time, and time constant values for the selected Model type. If RSTune identifies the model as second order, you see two Time constant entries in the table: 1st Time constant and 2nd Time constant. If your process type is integrator, the first order time constant value displays the word integrator. (The integrator process is discussed more in Chapter 9, Application notes.) If the model is second order and the roots are imaginary, the time constant displays the word imaginary.
Model Type
All of the analysis windows depend on the model type chosen. Two models are available. When you choose a different model, all the analysis windows update. The model types are: Allow gain to float: Causes RSTune to ignore steady state information and fit the model based on higher frequencies. These higher frequencies are more important to optimal and stable closed loop control. Force steady state gain: Forces the steady state gain to be equal to the amplitude ratio at the lowest frequency. The model is fit using the remaining good frequencies. The lowest (or zero) frequency values for amplitude ratio and phase are not plotted on the frequency plot, so at the lowest plotted frequency, the model frequency response might not appear to match the process. If you selected the Inverse Response option in the Advanced window during loop setup, the model will also show a lead time and integrator.
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The left vertical axis is the scale for the amplitude ratio in decibels. Two plots of amplitude ratio are provided, one based on actual data and the other based on the Model type. The right vertical axis is the scale for phase angle in degrees. Two plots of the phase angle are provided, one based on actual data and the other based on the Model type. The amplitude ratio and phase angle are plotted against frequency in radians/time (logarithmic scale) on the horizontal axis. The lines are color coded. The process frequencies most important to process control are those between about 90 and 180 degrees of phase. In Process Frequency Response plots for first order time constants, the corner frequency (or cut-off frequency) is where the amplitude ratio starts to turn and the phase lag equals 45 degrees. Consider a sine wave input to a process at this corner frequency. The output of a first order process has half the input power at the corner frequency.
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A lag time or first order time constant of 10 has a corner frequency of 1/10. A PID controller with an integral time of 10 also has a corner frequency of 1/10. A PID controller with a derivative time of 10 has a corner frequency of 1/10; however, for derivative, this represents a phase lead of 45 degrees rather than phase lag. To find these frequencies: 1. Look at the red scale on the right of the plot. Locate 90 and 180. 2. Find the stretch of the red phase angle line between 90 and 180. These are the most important phases. 3. See where the 90 and 180 phase points line up vertically with the blue amplitude ratio line. These are the most important amplitude ratios. The Process Frequency Response plot is based on process data only, and therefore does not update if the PID tuning changes. It only updates when the Model type changes. The Options menu on the Process Frequency Response window allows you to: Display the plot in Radians/sec. This is the default. Display the plot in Cycles/sec. Show High Frequencies. With this option checked, RSTune shows amplitude ratio and phases for frequencies with phases lower than 270 degrees.
If you change the model of your process, or change a PID tuning parameter, the simulation is instantly recalculated to reflect your changes. All of the plots show the response for both the current and new PID parameters for comparison. New PID parameters are shown in red and current parameters are shown in blue.
Setpoint plot
The Set Point Plot shows the response to a setpoint change for the current settings and the new settings. This is the first plot displayed if you selected Set Point tuning on the Faceplate. If it is not displayed, you can select it using Options > Set Point plot. A setpoint plot is shown here.
Load plot
The Load plot shows a simulation of a process upset. RSTune applies a step load change to the simulation. This is the first plot displayed if you selected Load Tuning on the Faceplate. If it is not displayed, you can select it using Options > Load plot. This example shows the response to a process upset. The upper portion of the window shows the process variable response and the lower portion shows the controller output response.
Control loop analysis
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Robustness plot
The RSTune Robustness plot shows how sensitive your loop is to process gain or process deadtime changes. The Robustness plot graphically shows the tradeoff between tight tuning and stability. If you have two sets of tuning parameters with about the same robustness, you can generally choose the faster response. An example Robustness plot is shown here.
New Current Safety factor area. The plots should be outside of this region (above and to the right)
The two axis of the plot are process gain and dead time. The plot has a region of stability and a region of instability. The red (new tuning parameters) and blue (current tuning parameters) lines on the robustness plot are the limit of stability. To the right and above the lines, the closed loop process is unstable. To the left and below the lines, the closed loop system is stable. The crosshairs in the safety factor area are at the actual process gain and deadtime. Generally, a safety factor or divisor of 2 is reasonable for a control loop. For practical system stability, keep the limit of stability line outside the safety factor area.
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For example, in the Robustness plot shown above, the line for the current tuning parameters is inside the safety factor area. These parameters offer very tight tuning, but if the system encounters a high gain ratio, it will be in the region of instability. The line representing the new tuning parameters is well outside the safety factor area, offering more stability. Robustness plots are calculated using the Process Model and controller tuning values. The accuracy of the plot depends on the accuracy of the model. Whenever you choose a different model in the Process Model window, the Robustness plot refreshes. This plot also updates when a new Safety Factor value is entered on the faceplate. RSTune conservatively estimates process dead time when dead time gets close to the sample interval. If your plant has very small dead time, the model appears less stable and the verge of stability lines is lower. The simulations (which use the model) also appear less stable than your plant.
You can display the Robustness plot with axes of gain and deadtime. To display this plot, select Options > Actual Gain and Dead Time.
Gain and Dead Time Ratio
This changes the plot to show Dead Time Ratio and Gain Ratio. To display this plot, select Options > Use Gain and Dead Time Ratio. The gain ratio is: process gain gain ratio = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------process gain the controller was tuned for The deadtime ratio is: process deadtime deadtime ratio = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------process deadtime the controller was tuned for At the cross, where both ratios are 1, the process gain and deadtime are at the process values you tuned for.
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These options assign a numerical value to the robustness. They are displayed at the top right of the plot. Closest Distance is only available if Options > Gain and Dead Time Ratio is selected. This allows you to scroll through the values for Robustness Increase and the Closest Distance for the new and current parameters. The Robustness Increase is the percent that the robustness improves with the new tuning. It is based on comparing the Closest Distance of the new and current tuning. If the loop is less robust with the new tuning, the Robustness Increase will be negative. The Closest Distance is the closest that the robustness line comes to the crosshairs in the safety factor area. This gives a conservative relative measure of the robustness of the loop.
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Chapter
Application notes
This chapter contains examples of data collection, diagnostics for various types of conditions, and explanations of handling problem loops when using RSTune. Data collection methods Examples of data editing Integrating (non-self-regulating) loops Temperature control of extruders Cascading loops See also Guidelines for optimizing loops on page 16.
Application notes
83
b. Immediately record the time that has passed since the first change. Call this time T. c. Start timing again. 7. As soon as time T has passed, return the output to its original value from step 2. 8. Wait for a period of time equal to twice time T to pass. 9. Select Archive > Archive Off.
The data collected in these two graphs was collected from the same loop, except the one on the right included a step change. In this case, the doublet pulse saved 25 minutes.
Application notes
85
In this case, the process variable data is very noisy. From the Time data window, use Edit/Average to average out the noise. For information on the Average function in RSTune, see Averaging data on page 64. Sometimes data requires multiple editing steps to have optimal data for tuning. The next example demonstrates this situation.
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In this example, the data is cycling and has many large noise spikes. The data cannot be used as it is. To optimize the data, you should: 1. Zoom in on the data as shown in the highlighted area. 2. Use Edit > Line Edit to edit out noise spikes. 3. Consider doing power spectral density analysis to determine the cause of the cycling. The zooming, editing and averaging in this example would look like:
When you edit out the noise spikes, the actual range of movement for the process variable and the controller output can now be seen more easily on the Time data window graphs. This data allows RSTune to calculate optimal tuning parameters.
Application notes
87
This process responds faster in the positive (increasing) direction than it does in the negative (decreasing) direction. To find the optimal tuning parameters for this data: 1. Zoom in on the data when it is increasing. 2. Make your desired controller tuning selections. 3. Note the new tuning parameters calculated by RSTune. 4. Zoom out on the data to return it to its original form. 5. Zoom in on the data when it is decreasing. 6. Make your desired controller tuning selections. 7. Note the new tuning parameters calculated by RSTune. 8. Compare the two sets of tuning parameters, and use the more conservative values.
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89
To collect data for this type of loop in manual mode, see Controller in manual (fast plant test) on page 85. To collect data for this type of loop in auto mode: Possible initial setting: Proportional value of about 80 Possible initial setting: Derivative value of about 1 min/rep Do the step test with no integral action in the controller. The loop settles faster. Leave derivative action in.
To omit integral action, if your controller uses integral in: n Time/rep: Set the integral to a large number. n Rep/time: Set the integral to zero.
Tip
Cascading loops
In cascading loops, the output of one control loop (or controller) manipulates the setpoint of another. Using a cascade design can greatly improve performance of the control system when the process can be split into separate control levels. A typical application of a cascading loop is trying to control the level of a liquid in a vessel. The master loop measures the liquid level in the vessel, compares it to a setpoint, and calculates a new output command. This output command becomes the new setpoint for the slave controller, which measures the flow, compares it to the setpoint sent by the master, and then adjusts the flow rate, maintaining the desired level in the vessel.
Level (Master) Controller LT Level Transmitter LC Flow (Slave) Controller FC Flow FT Transmitter
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Application notes
91
92
Chapter
Introduction
Supplemental reading
These Rockwell Software materials might be useful when setting up and using RSTune.
For more information on: See:
RSLinx
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Online help
RSTune includes online help, a tutorial, and optimization steps that provides general overview information, comprehensive step-by-step procedures, and context-sensitive control definitions. To view online help while using RSTune: Choose Help > Contents or Help > Search for Help on from the main window or Faceplate and Trend window Click the Help button in dialog boxes Move the cursor to the box, button, or item you want help on and press F1 The tutorial guides you through the basics of using RSTune. It is available from the main RSTune window. To use the Tutorial, select Tutorial > Tutorial. The optimization steps provide detailed information on optimizing your loop. It is available through the Faceplate and Trend window. To use the optimization steps, select Help > Optimization Steps.
Online Books
In RSTune, the Online Books feature allows you to immediately access and search the product documentation for RSTune from the Help menu. This feature contains the Users Guide in electronic book format. From the main window, open the Users Guide by selecting Help > Online Books.
Also, take a look at the Support and Training help file for information about training classes offered at Rockwell Software. In RSTune, select Help > Support and Training.
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96
Appendix
DDE topics
RSTune requires a DDE topic for each control loop you need to communicate with.
DDE topics
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1784-KT 10
PLC-5 50
In this process, you might want to monitor: Various addresses in the processor every five seconds to update a Microsoft Excel chart PID addresses in the processor every one second for use with RSTune In both cases, you could be reading data from several different data files or a single large data file. It might be helpful to concentrate your data in a single data file, since this improves the efficiency of the communications and lowers overall network traffic. To monitor these addresses, you would create two topics: 1. One that polls the processor once every five seconds to read data from the PLC-5 every five seconds.
2. 3.
Another to poll data from the processor once every second to read data from t he PLC-5 every second.
98
Appendix
99
Processor considerations
PLC-5 processors
We recommend that you use the PD file type with dependent gains derivative calculation on PV. The PD file type is only available in New Platform PLC-5 processors.
Dead band
PLC-5 processors allow you to set a dead band range in which the controller output will not respond to the error. We recommend that you do not use a dead band as it can cause cycling.
Derivative gain
If you are using a PLC-5 processor with firmware Series/Rev earlier than B/M, C/L, D/C, or E/A and derivative gain, be aware that switching from manual to auto might cause a spike in the output of the controller. To avoid the spike, set D (derivative gain) to zero, switch to auto mode, then set D to the desired value. The following equations describe the output spike (D is the derivative value and T is the loop update time). If D is on error: D Output spike = [ ( error now ) ( error when you switched mode ) ] --T If D is on PV: D Output spike = [ ( PV now ) ( PV when you switched mode ) ] --T
ControlLogix processors
We recommend you use PID with the dependent gains and derivative calculation on PV.
100
Integer control requires a false to true rung transition to execute. This Integer PID operation is called a rung transitional execution. Integer control uses 23 consecutive elements of data table memory per PID instruction. One integer element equals one word of data table memory. For example, if you use N10:0 as your control address, elements N10:0 through N10:22 are reserved for the PID instruction.
Tip Use caution to avoid accidentally overwriting these reserved addresses.
Caution
If the PV goes from 4095 to 4096, the instruction sees zero for the PV. If the PV goes from 0 to 1, the PID instruction sees 4095 for the PV.
PD control
PD control executes as long as the rung is true. PD control does not require a false to true transition. This PD PID operation is called a rung conditional execution. PD control uses one element of data table memory per PID instruction. One PD element equals 82 words of data table memory. For example, if you use PD10:0 as your control address, your next available address is PD10:1. Use the done bit of a timer to execute the PID block; do not use a block transfer.
Recommendations for programming PID loops 101
PV or SP engineering units
These are the units displayed by the AutoTune sequence when it asks for a setpoint change. These are for your display purposes only. The suggested PV engineering units are: PLC-5 PD file type: The PV Engineering units should match the Engineering Units min/max boxes in the PID instruction. PLC-5 integer file type: If setpoint scaling is on, the PV Engineering units should match the scaled engineering units. If setpoint scaling is off, the PV Engineering units should be unscaled units. SLC 500: If you specify setpoint scaling values, the PV Engineering units should match the scaled engineering units. If you do not specify setpoint scaling values, they should be unscaled units.
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Appendix
Activation
Rockwell Softwares products are copy-protected. Only a computer with access to the activation key can run the software. The key is located in an activation file, which is located on the Master Disk supplied with the program. The activation file contains one activation key per product. Each key contains one or more licenses, depending on how many copies of the product you purchased.
Tip Store your Master Disk in a safe place. If your activation becomes damaged, the Master Disk might be the only means to run your software in an emergency.
During the setup process, the setup program gives you the opportunity to move the activation file from the Master Disk to the root directory of the drive on which you are installing the software.
Important Do not install activation on RAID or mirrored drives. You could loose the activation.
When you launch a Rockwell Software product, the software first checks your local hard drives, then network hard drives, and finally local floppy drives for activation. If the system fails to detect either the activation file or the Master Disk, the product starts in Demo mode, which means you cannot connect to a controller, but you can simulate process dynamics using the simulator. Demo mode restricts key functions and often restricts file access to only specific project files.
Tip Systems attached to extensive networks can take quite a while to search for activation files on all available drives. You can use the CHECKDRIVES environment variable to specify or limit the drives your software checks for activation files and to specify the order in which they are checked. Refer to the activation utilities online help file, COPYPROT.HLP. See page 106 for information on accessing the help.
Activation 103
To avoid damaging your activation files, do not perform the following operations with activation files on the hard drive. n Restore from backup
n n n n n
Upgrade the operating system Reinstall the same version of DOS Uninstall DOS Compress or uncompress the hard drive Turn off Windows for Workgroups 32-bit file access. If activation files were moved to a hard drive with 32-bit file access on, turning off 32-bit file access results in activation files being lost. (You can turn on 32-bit disk access and 32-bit file access in Windows for Workgroups without harming the activation file.)
Defragmentation utilities will not harm activation files. Before running any type of utility that might modify the structure or organization of the hard drive, remove activation from the hard drive: 1. Use the Move Activation utility (EvMove) to move activation files from the hard drive to an activation disk. Run EVMOVE.EXE from your Master Disk or your hard drive (typically located in C:\PROGRAM FILES\ROCKWELL SOFTWARE\RSUTIL).
2. 3.
Perform the hard disk operation Move the activation files back to the hard drive.
You must use the move utility, EvMove, to move activation files. Attempts to copy, move or e-mail an activation file by other means will damage the file.
Caution
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Activating RSTune
Depending on your needs, you can activate RSTune from a:
Hard drive. The activation key resides on your computers hard disk. Use this method if you will typically use RSTune on only one computer. This is the default method if you activate RSTune during installation. To run RSTune on a different computer, move the activation key back to the Master Disk, and then to the hard drive of the new computer. Disk drive.
The activation key resides on a floppy disk (activation disk). Use this method if you will typically use RSTune on more than one computer for example, if you want to run RSTune on a desktop computer at some times and a portable computer at others.
Network drive. The activation keys reside on a network drive. Use this method if you have purchased multiple licenses of the software and want several users to be able to activate the software simultaneously over a network. See the online help for instructions on moving activation to a network drive (see page 106 to access online help).
Start > Progams > Rockwell Software > Utilities > Move Activation or Reset Activation
Activation
105
Move activation to a network server to allow multiple users access to the activation See detailed instructions for moving activation See detailed instructions for using the Reset utility to repair a damaged activation file Look up error messages, get problem-solving suggestions
You can access online help: n from the Help button on one of the EvMove or Reset dialog boxes
n n
from the RSTune main window: Select Help > Copy protection without running either RSTune or the activation utilities. Find and run the file COPYPROT.HLP on either your Master Disk or your hard disk
If you have lost the activation because the activation file is damaged, you need to reset activation. Call Rockwell Software Technical Support or refer to the Reset Codes instructions on the Rockwell Software Technical Support web page. The phone number and web address are listed on the inside front cover of this manual. If you cannot obtain a reset code immediately, follow the instructions below to use the Master Disk to activate the software as a temporary solution. To use the Master Disk to activate the software: 1. Set the KEYDISK environment variable to TRUE. (Please refer to the online help.)
2. 3.
Insert your Master Disk in the floppy drive. Run your software as usual. Your software will find the activation on the Master Disk.
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I accidentally deleted the software directory on my hard disk. Do I need to call Rockwell Software for replacement activation files?
No. Deleting the program files does not delete your activation. The activation files are not stored in the program directory; they are located in the root directory. Your activation files wont be lost unless you format the hard disk, tamper with hidden files in the root directory, or perform certain other hard disk operations (see Protecting your activation files on page 104). To get the software running again, simply reinstall the software, but do not move the activation when given the opportunity.
Why cant I move activation to a floppy disk on a Windows NT system?
It has to do with a disk modification that NT does not allow. If you have access to a Windows 95, 98 or 2000 machine, you can create a disk that will work under NT. Format a floppy disk and move any activation file to it under Windows 95, 98 or 2000. (You can move the activation back off the disk if you want to keep it where it was.) Now take that disk to your Windows NT machine and move the activation to it.
Activation
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108
Glossary
Activation disk. Any disk (floppy or hard) containing an activation file. An activation disk can be used to activate the software. This is different than a key disk (Master Disk) in that at least one license of the software must be available on the activation disk to activate the software. Activation file.
A hidden read-only system file that activates a Rockwell Software product. The software will run properly only if your system can find the correct activation file. Activation files contain a database of activation keys. Each key is particular to a certain product and must be accessible on a local or remote drive for that product to run.
Activation key.
action of saving data collected from a particular control loop to the hard drive. This data file is saved to the same directory as your control loop (.tun) file.
Auto mode. In Auto mode, the controller or processor automatically controls
Archiving. The
The averaging filter is a moving average filter every sample interval it gives the average of the previous time constant of values. The effect of the time constant is about half that of the first order filter. To get the equivalent first order time, use an averaging filter with an averaging window length of twice a first order constant. The averaging filter is a good filter for reducing frequencies of noise occuring at the filter time. If you have a specific frequency you want to remove, setting the average filter time equal to the period of that noise should completely remove it (period is the inverse of frequuency). In general, it is not as good as the butterworth at higher frequencies.
Butterworth filter. Bump test. Cascading loops.
Averaging filter.
The output of one control loop manipulates the setpoint of another control loop. Includes a master loop and a slave loop(s).
Glossary 109
Closed loop. A control loop with feedback. The process variable is compared to a setpoint and a new output command is sent. This occurs with the controller in the Auto mode. Control Block. A file that stores PID status and control bits, constants, variables, and internally used parameters. The Control Block type affects how you should program the logic to execute the PID instruction. Controller gain. The ratio of a change in the output to a change in either the
The current output command of the controller. It is sometimes referred to as the Controlled Variable.
A condition in a control loop where the process variable does not settle out at setpoint, but continues to change, often going both above and below setpoint.
DDE.
Cycling (oscillating).
Dynamic Data Exchange. A method of transferring data from one Windows application to another. For example, RSLinx uses DDE to provide PLC data to RSTune.
Dead band. A user-specified range above and below the setpoint where controller output does not respond to the error. The dead band lets you control how closely the process variable matches the setpoint without changing the output. We recommend that you refrain from using dead band as it can cause cycling. Dead time. The amount of time that occurs before the process variable moves
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the output of the process is also a sine wave. However, the output might not be the same size and might be shifted in time relative to the input. The relative size of the output sine wave compared to the input is called the dynamic process gain or amplitude ratio and the amount of time shift is called the phase. A different sine wave frequency introduced in your process might give a different amplitude ratio and phase. If you tried this for a broad range of different sine wave frequencies, you would get a spectrum of amplitude ratio and phase data at each frequency from which a frequency plot like the one in RSTune could be made. See Controller gain, Derivative gain, Integral gain, Process gain, Proportional gain.
Hysteresis. A Gain.
IAE - Integrated Absolute Error. Performance of a loop is judged by how closely the controlled variable is held to the setpoint, both for setpoint changes and load changes. There are many mathematical ways of judging this, and IAE is one type. IAE is a measure of controller error defined by the integral of the absolute value of a time dependent error function. Improvement Indices. See valve travel index, valve reversal index and Robustness Increase. Integral gain.
Causes the change in controller output to be proportional to the amount of time the error is present; also called reset.
Integrator. If a process settles out after being given a step change it is called self-regulating. If it does not, it is called non-self-regulating or integrating. This is much like the integral action of a controller, which keeps going if the error remains. An integrating process can take a long time to (or might never) reach steady state (settle out) after a manual step change in the controller output.
The time in seconds that RSLoop Optimizer uses to collect data. This sample interval is also used to update the trend and bar graphs.
Key disk. A floppy disk that can
be used to activate the software even if that disk contains zero licenses. The Master Disk is the only key disk. This differs from an activation disk in that an activation disk must contain at least one license.
Glossary
n
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Lag. The effect of something happening after a change occurs. For example, the valve moves after the command is sent. The amount of lag time varies depending on the system equipment and design. Lag time. The amount of time after the dead time that the process variable takes to move 63.3% of its final value after a step change in valve position. Lag time is the time constant for a first order process. Lambda.
License. Authorization to use a specified number of instances of software. A products activation key contains a license for each copy of the software you have purchased. For example, if you bought seven copies of RSLogix 5, the RSLogix 5 key on the Master Disk contains seven licenses of RSLogix 5. You can move the activation file for RSLogix 5 to seven different computers. Linear. The type of relationship that exists between two variables when the ratio of one variable to the corresponding value of the other is constant over the entire range of possible values. Load change. In a control loop, a change occurring other than a setpoint change, that causes a disturbance in the system. For example, in a temperature loop, more people coming into a room would raise the room temperature causing the loop to respond. Load tuning. Provides
PI and PID tuning parameters optimized for load changes at the controller output. Load changes are the most difficult disturbances for the system to control, but they are also the most common. See Load change The mode of the controller where the output command is under the control of the operator, and not the control loop. This is an open loop. keys in an activation file that enables the software to run. Be sure to store your Master Disk in a safe place. If your activation file becomes damaged, the only way you can run your software (until the activation is reset) is with your Master Disk.
Load upset.
Manual mode.
Master Disk. This disk is supplied with the software. It contains a database of
Modeling.
A mathematical approximation of the control loop. It is based on actual data and loop response. The model can then be used for testing the response of the loop with different tuning parameters and under different conditions.
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Noise. Unwanted spikes or disturbances in the system. Noise could be seen on an active transmitter measuring temperature, if for example, the transmitter was subjected to electrical noise from nearby contactors or similar equipment. Noise should be edited out of data that is to be used to calculate tuning parameters.
See also Normal process noise. performing a hysteresis check, the amount of noise as a percent of the process variable range. More than 2% might be an indication that filtering should be used.
Normal process noise. Minor variations in the process variable (PV) that are not caused by the loops control. Normal process noise can come from sources such as electrical interference, magnetic fields, turbulence in flow loops, or waves in a tank in level loops. Offset. In a proportional only control loop, the difference between the setpoint and the settled out value of the process variable. Open loop. A control loop without feedback. The controller does not send new output commands. The operator can change the output command. Occurs with the controller in the Manual mode. Overshoot. Noiseband. When
If a process variable is responding to a new setpoint or to a load change, and initially goes beyond (above or below) the goal, it is known as overshoot.
Power Spectral Density. Useful for seeing the potential improvement from better tuning. Shows the relative power in the signal at various frequencies ranging from twice the sample time to twice the data collection period. Process gain. The steady state ratio of the output of a process to a change in
its input.
Process upset.
An upset that is not from changing the setpoint. A process upset is something that causes your process variable to deviate from setpoint when you were running at steady state. An example in a flow loop would be a change in downstream pressure. In a level loop controlled by outflow, an increase in inflow would be an upset. used as feedback for the loop.
Process variable. The variable that the control loop is trying to control. It is Proportional gain.
A control loop response in which the size (amplitude) of the overshoot or undershoot of each successive cycle is one fourth the size of the previous cycle is called quarter amplitude damping.
Glossary 113
Rangeability. Any valve has a rangeability factor that determines how precisely it will regulate. A good control valve might have a rangeability of 100 to 1, which means that you can make 1% adjustments in the output. The valve can also be referred to as having a resolution of 1%. Rate.
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 this number for comparison purposes. The Relative Response Time is dependant on the speed of response: you can change it by adjusting the safety factor or lambda time. See Integral gain.
Reset.
Resolution.
The smallest change that your system can detect. Reversals. The number of times the valve has changed direction in CO showing in the time graph.
Robustness. An indication of how sensitive your loop is to process gain or process deadtime changes. A very robust loop tends to remain stable under most conditions. It is not very sensitive, however, and might respond slowly or not hold control tightly to normal changes. The Robustness plot graphically shows the tradeoff between tight tuning and stability. See also Sensitivity. Safety factor. Controls sensitivity when using Load type tuning. The setting can be between 1 and 2.5. A setting of 1 means the tuning is very sensitive to small changes in the process but could become unstable if subjected to large or sudden load changes. A safety factor of 2.5 gives you conservative tuning; the loop will respond somewhat slower but is more stable when subjected to large or sudden load changes. Second order Butterworth filter. This is a high performance second order filter. It is a good filter to eliminate noise, since it causes the least amount of phase addition for the most amount of noise reduction compared to other filters. You can implement it with this equation:
v1 + SampleInterval ( PV PVf1 ) v = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Tau + SampleInterval PVf1 + 2 SampleInterval ( v PVf1 ) PVf = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tau + 2 SampleInterval
Second order filter.
The second order filter uses half your time constant in each of two cascaded first order filters. This results in an overall time constant equivalent to a first order one.
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Sensitivity. An indication of how quickly a control loop can respond to load or setpoint changes. A loop that can respond very quickly or hold control very tightly is less robust. If it is subjected to sudden large changes it might not be able to react without going unstable. Server. RSTune uses RSLinx or the ProcessLogix OPC server as the server for communications to the controller. The link between RSTune and the server can be either DDE or OPC. RSLinx version 1 use a DDE link. RSLinx version 2 or later and ProcessLogix use an OPC link. Setpoint.
Setpoint tuning.
Used to match the setpoint response to a first order time constant (or lag time) that you enter. System response is first delayed by the process dead time. This method is popular in the paper industry on some loops when operators want no overshoot. Also known as lambda tuning. See Steady state.
Settled out.
the loop based on actual data collected from the loop. The model can be used to simulate how the loop will react under different tuning parameters or conditions.
Steady state.
The condition when both the process variable and controller output are relatively flat horizontal lines in the Trend display, moving within the range of normal process noise. A process variable or controller output that is ramping or in a transient condition is not steady state. The process variable does not have to be at setpoint.
Step change. A change of the setpoint or controller output from one steady
A change made to the setpoint or controller output in order to analyze the response of the control loop.
Stiction. The word stiction is made from the words stick and friction. It is the resistance to the start of motion. Stiction or stick-slip occurs because of tight packing, undersized actuators, or corroded stems. Sticking at the seat is very common especially for valves designed for tight shutoff.
For a first order lag filter, the time constant is the time to reach 63.2% of the final value in response to a step change. Travel. The total distance the valve has traveled in the CO showing in the time graph. The type of response a valve has to a command is its characteristic. It is a function of the valve plug design. The correct characteristic should be chosen for the specific application.
115 Valve characteristic.
Time constant.
Glossary
Valve sizing.
Choosing a valve to have the proper range and flow characteristics for a specific application.
Valve travel index. The percent improvement in the controller output travel
from the current to new. If the new PID tuning parameters (and filter) result in more travel than the current ones, the Valve Travel index will be negative.
Valve reversal Index. Ts the percent improvement in controller output reversals from the current to new. If the new PID tuning parameters (and filter) result in more reversals than the current ones, the Valve Reversal Index will be negative. Verify. The process of using the Time data window to confirm that the control loop data collected is optimal for calculating tuning parameters.
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Index
A
activation 106 damaged 106
different computers 105 disk 109 trouble creating 107 file 103, 109 from disk drive 105 from hard drive 105 key 103, 109 moving 105 online help 106 protecting 104 reset 105, 106 searching drives for 106 troubleshooting 106 Process Frequency Response Plot 77 Process Model 74 robustness plot 80
Bring Back Previous PID Settings to New 56 bump test see step test 109 Butterworth filter (second order) 114
C
calculating tuning parameters 59 cascade loop 90, 109 collect data 91 CHECKDRIVES 106 closed loop see auto mode test 48, 84 collect data 45 AutoTune 46 cascade loop 91 manual 48, 83 color, trend line 31 communications debugging 35 testing 12 Communications Via 9 configure DDE topic 11 loop 8, 9 control block 110 address 101 control loop 110 setup window 9 simulation 78
simulation plot load 79 load upset 79 setpoint 79
analysis windows 73
archive 36, 50, 109 accessing 51 creating 12 delete 51 deleting 51 notes 51 run from 51 tune from 36 ASCII, copy to 52 Auto mode 46, 48, 109 auto zoom 62 AutoTune 38, 45, 46, 109 average 64, 86 filter 109
B
bargraph display 29 Bode plot 77
Index
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controller
change mode 34 gain 110 in auto Closed Loop 84 Manual Step Test 84 in manual fast plant test 85 Open Loop 84 output 21, 110 changing on faceplate 34 tuning 24, 61 offline 61 optimal parameters 61
ControlLogix 5550 processor 1, 100 copy protection see activation 103 copy to ASCII 52 corner frequency 77 cut-off frequency 77 CV address 102 cycling 64, 110 example 87
dead time 110 debug, communications 35 decimal places 31 delete archive 51 DDE Topic 11 loop 12 derivative 23 gain 20, 23, 62, 100, 110 selecting 62 display spans 31 disturbance 110 DMC see dynamic matrix control 110 download 55 PID parameters 55 dynamic matrix control 110
E
edit, data 86 engineering span 31 engineering units 10, 102 equivalent dead time 49 error 19, 110 example cycling and noisy data 87 noisy data 86 PID loop 21 plant test 86
D
damaged activation 106 data 64 archive 36, 50, 51 accessing 51 archive, deleting 51 collecting 45, 83 AutoTune 46 manually 83 edit 62, 86 pairs 49 points 49 requirements 46, 48, 49 verify 66 viewing 62 Data Spy 35 DDE 97, 110 topic 5, 6 create 11 topic configuration 11 dead band 100, 110
118
n
expand control loop simulation 79 extra trend 42 setting up 42 extruders 89 temperature control 89
F
faceplate 15, 28, 36
and trend window 28 bargraph display 29
filter 110
average 109 first order 110 second order 114 Butterworth 114 time constant 65
L
ladder logic 99 lag 112 time 112 lambda tuning 26, 115 license 103, 112 line color 31 line edit 65 load changes 21, 112 plot 79 tuning 25, 112
first order 74, 111 filter 110 frequency response 24, 77, 111
G
gain 23
controller 110 derivative 20, 62, 100, 110 integral 20, 23, 111 process 71, 74, 113 proportional 20, 22, 113
loop
adding 8 cascade 90 configure 8 creating 9 edit 11 integrating 76, 89 new 8 notes 37, 51 problem 16 setup parameters 9, 101 editing 11 PID instruction addresses 10, 101 processor type 100 PV engineering units 10 RSLinx topic 10, 97 sample interval 10
graph
changing type (Time data window) 59
H
hysteresis 68, 111 notes 70
performing check 68
I
IAE 68 see integrated absolute error 111 information, additional 93 initialization error, RSLinx 13 installation 5, 7 integer control 101 integral gain 20, 23, 111 integrated absolute error. 111 integrating loops 76, 89 integrator 111 interval 111 sample 49
M
main window 8 manual mode 112 manual step test master disk 112
activating with 106
controller in auto 84
K
key disk 106, 111 KEYDISK environment variable 106
mode
changing controller 34
modeling 112
Index
n
119
move
activation 105 RSTune 105
N
new loop 9 New Platform PLC-5 8, 100 noise 113 spikes 65 noiseband 113 noisy data 64 example 86, 87 normal process noise 113 note archive 51 loop 51
plant test 83
examples 86
O
Off Line Analysis and PID Tuning window 33, 45, 51 Offline button 50 offline tuning 33, 45, 61 offset 113 online books 94 online help 94 activation 106 open loop 113 see manual mode step test 84 test 84 operating system requirements 2 optimize loops 16 order first 74 second 74 over network 106 overshoot 21, 25, 113
P
parameter
calculating tuning 59 displays 30
PLC-5, New Platform 8, 100 plot load 79 robustness 80 Power Spectral Density 113 probable performance increase 60 problem loops 16 process gain 71, 74 noise, normal 113 upset 46, 48, 113 variable 21, 113 variable address 102 Process Frequency Response Plot 77 process gain 113 Process Model 74 Start Simulator 38 types 76 window 74 ProcessLogix set up 9 proportional gain 20, 22, 113 only control 22 plus integral control 23 plus integral plus derivative 23 PV address 102 engineering units 10 PV engineering units 10
Q
quarter amplitude damping 113 quick start procedure 15
PD control 101
120
n
R
range, see span rangeability 114 real time trend display 29 report add to 71 create 41 edit 41, 42 macros 41 open 41 print 42 save 41 tuning 41 requirements, operating system 2 reset activation 105, 106 resolution 114 Reversals 114 robustness 114 plot 80 Rockwell Software, contacting 94 RSLINX initialization error 13 RSLinx 2, 5, 10, 97 topic 9, 10 setup 10 RSTune installing 7 moving 105 setup window 9 starting 8 theory 24 run RSTune 8
S
safety factor 62, 80, 114 sample interval 10, 49, 111 Save As (setup window) 12 saving changes, Time data window 66 scale Y-axis, Time data window 59 second order 74 Butterworth filter 114 filter 114 sensitivity 115 see robustness plot 80
settled out see steady state 46 setup parameters editing 11 setup PV engineering units 10 setup window control loop 9 opening 11 options gray 12 RSTune 9 shrink control loop simulation 79 Simulate window 38 simulation 115 sample loop 27 simulator 38 span display 31 engineering 31 spikes 65 stability, checking with robustness plot 80 start RSTune 8 statistical analysis 66 steady state 46, 115 step change 115 step test 115 open loop (manual) 84 stiction 115 supplemental reading 93 support, technical 94
T
technical support services 94 temperature control of extruders 89 test communications 12 plant 83 step, open loop 84 theory, RSTune 24
Index
n
121
thick lines (Time data window) 59 time constant 115 filter 65 Time data window 48, 57 add data to report 71 auto zoom 62 changing graph type 59 saving changes 66 scale Y-axis 59 zoom 62 topic configuration 11 create 11 DDE 5, 6 delete 11 edit 11 RSLinx 9 transmitter span too large 71 too small 71 Travel 115 trend 28, 36 adding 42 display 29 display, changing 31 extra 42 options 29, 31 troubleshooting 94 activation 106, 107 communications 13 RSTune installation 13
U
use derivative if possible 62
V
valve
characteristics 115 oversized 70 sizing 116 undersized 70
Valve reversal Index 116 Valve travel index 116 view menu 31
W
WINtelligent LINX 2 see also RSLinx 10
Z
zoom 62
122