Multi-loop PID unit for modular control system

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 7, 2001

The versatility of Eurotherm's well-known Type 2500 modular control system has been enhanced by the introduction of a high performance multi-loop PID control unit.

The versatility of Eurotherm's well-known Type 2500 modular control system has been enhanced by the introduction of a high performance multi-loop PID control unit.

This powerful addition has the capability of running up to eight multiple, single or compound loops, considerably broadening the number of application areas for which the 2500 is suitable.

The enhanced 2500 System now provides high performance, high accuracy and exceptional functionality in an I/O system, with cost effective access to a wide range of advanced functions.

These include PID control with auto tuning and gain scheduling.

Designed to communicate with any Modbus or Profibus master, the system can be used for signal conditioning, alarm monitoring, remote data acquisition or devolved control for systems such as Eurotherm's proprietary Visual Supervisor, PC based SCADA packages or PLCs.

Originally introduced in early 1999, the highly successful 2500 System uses a flexible modular "building block" concept of great flexibility to bridge the gap between accurate local analogue control systems and more complex digital process control architectures.

It incorporates a number of unique hardware and software interactions that provide fast, accurate response times for analogue process and machine control systems The newest I/O controller features eight high stability PID blocks, which provide an extensive range of control strategies.

Each PID block offers one-shot auto tuning to optimise control performance without the need for specialist knowledge.

Every PID block may be a Single PID, Cascade, Ratio or Override controller, each providing the choice of analogue, time proportioned or valve position output.

The 2500 system is now available in three base sizes, taking 4, 8 or 16 I/O modules each.

Up to 16 bases may be daisy chained to provide acquisition and multiloop control solutions with up to 128 loops.

DIN rail mounting allows the 2500 to be located where the control action is required, minimising the cost of the cable used, as only the communications need be taken to the User Interface.

The system may also be mounted on part of the controlled machine, saving the cost of centralised control cubicles.

A user - friendly Windows configurator package, 'iTools' is used to set up the 2500.

'iTools' parameterises and commissions the I/O points, the Toolkit and PID function blocks and interconnects the different variables, alarms, function blocks and I/O.

'Toolkit blocks' provide local combinational logic and mathematical calculation.

According to Terry Minns, Eurotherm's 2500 Product Manager, the enhanced I/O control arrangements will boost the applications flexibility of what is already a proven industry leading system.

He comments: "Since being launched at the start of 1999, the 2500 system has found widespread approval with end users, system integrators and OEMs alike.

In its first fiscal year alone it generated almost $2 million of sales, and this trend is set to continue..

We have therefore put considerable effort into enhancing its versatility, and plan to add further standard and optional enhancements to the system as they are developed.