Assessment of the dynamic performance of process control systems: A case study with temperature controller

A test system to evaluate critically the dynamic performance of a process control system is proposed. A temperature controller is taken as a model for process control system to show the design approach for the test system. A virtual instrument performing all tasks of real time hardware temperature controller is simulated in the system for comparison of performances. Test inputs assessing dynamics of the controller is applied to both hardware controller and virtual controller and then their responses are compared and analyzed. The analysis would suggest improvements in the electronics of the hardware controller as to yield optimal performance.