PID control for a distributed system with a smart actuator

The emergence of distributed architectures based on smart components and fieldbus networks is promoting changes in proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller design issues. This paper explores how PID control can benefit from smart actuator and fieldbus technologies. Firstly, this paper discusses a smart actuator scheme to improve the efficiency of PID controller retuning, as well as an implementation using a low-cost stepper-motor. Then, the smart actuator is applied to on-line adaptation of PID parameters using a standard pole-placement design method. Finally, experimental validation of the proposed approach is conducted using a controller area network (CAN) bus-based distributed architecture demonstrator.