Applied control techniques - the drive toward standardisation and components

Many new technologies and methodologies are impacting on control applications, but PID control is still the most widely used technique. It is argued in this paper that a major reason for this is that PID control has become standardised. This means that the PID algorithm is now treated as a (black box) component which may be used as a building block for creating complex control systems. This paper discusses ways in which the newer technologies (including advanced control algorithms, and communication and software methodologies) are being subjected to standardisation. Current applications are reviewed to demonstrate how this standardisation is progressing and to illustrate the potential for creating a more comprehensive range of standardised control components. The difficulties encountered in creating complex control systems from such building blocks are highlighted, as well as the advantages to be gained.