Question
What is Intelligent Autotune?
Answer
Wavelength’s proprietary IntelliTune® algorithm characterizes the TE / Sensor system’s response to the TC LAB temperature controller and then automatically adjusts the PID control values as setpoint, tuning mode, or bias current are changed.
- Run IntelliTune with the setpoint at least 5°C off ambient and watch the TC LAB instrument adapt the PID settings to a much higher or lower setpoint.
- After a single characterization scan, explore either optimized Setpoint Response or Disturbance Rejection performance to see what tuning mode works best with your load.
- Try the system with or without the D term to see if noise reduces stability around the setpoint.
With IntelliTune’s ability to recalculate control values, the temperature controller becomes a tool for speeding up experimental studies. Questions like “What are the best PID control coefficients to use?” can now become “Which mode achieves best stability fastest?” or “Should I use the D term or leave it out?”. These are quickly and easily answered.
INTELLITUNE VS. CONVENTIONAL AUTOTUNE
We ran a series of tests that highlighted the differences between the TC10 LAB instrument with IntelliTune and three competing instruments that use various conventional autotune algorithms. With a single scan, IntelliTune was able to characterize a load and automatically adjust the PID coefficients for changes in mode, setpoint, or control parameters (such as turning the D term OFF). The instruments using the traditional autotune algorithm required recalibration for each scenario to achieve optimum performance.
To read the full report on IntelliTune, click here.