Advanced Portable Control Station

Abstract A new data acquisition and control software package for IIP 9000/300 series UNIX workstations is presented. Four simultaneously running tasks take care of data acquisition, control, on-line graphics, and online parameter changes. The portable control station is meant for demanding on-site measurement and control tasks. Most of commercial digital automation systems are too inflexible for advanced control implementations. Commercial software for microcomputers is also quite limited, emphasizing more signal analysis than control. The paper also reviews single-input single-output (SISO) and multivariable (MIMO) control algorithms implemented in the software. Both fixed parameter (SISO PID, MIMO PID) and self-tuning algorithms (SISO STC, MIMO PI) are available. Experiments with a MIMO self-tuning Pl-controller were performed at a laboratory-scaled head box of paper machine at Tampere University of Technology. Tests on a DC-servo motor were also carried out, using a SISO-PID controller and a STC.