SPECIFICATION SHEET • SI METRIC
CAT: ELECTRICAL-ENERGY

PID Controller Loop Tuning (Ziegler-Nichols)

Calculate P, PI, and PID gain constants (Kp, Ti, Td) using closed-loop Ziegler-Nichols ultimate gain method.

💡 Engineering Knowledge PrimerZiegler-Nichols closed-loop tuning calculates proportional gain (Kp), integral time (Ti), and derivative time (Td) from ultimate gain (Ku) and period (Tu) obtained at the threshold of sustained oscillation, providing quarter-wave decay response.
OPERATING LIMITS — Initial tuning suggestion only. Do not use forced-oscillation tuning on an uncontrolled live process.
INPUT DESIGN PARAMETERS (SI)
1
s
CALCULATED SPECIFICATION OUTPUT
Proportional Gain (Kp)
⚡
3 1
Integral Time (Ti)6 s
Derivative Time (Td)1.5 s
P-Only Gain (Kp)2.5 1
PI Gain (Kp)2.25 1
PI Integral Time (Ti)9.96 s

Related planning checklists

This calculator appears in the following engineering planning checklists:

HVAC Controls & Automation

Controls Engineer
1. 4-20mA Analog Sensor Signal Scaling2. PID Controller Loop Tuning (Ziegler-Nichols)3. Heat Exchanger LMTD & Temperature Efficiency (TEMA)4. Industrial Chilled Water Cooling Capacity (HVAC)

Technical Methodology & Engineering Principles

GOVERNING EQUATION
Classic Ziegler-Nichols PID Rules: Kp = 0.60 × Ku Ti = 0.50 × Tu Td = 0.125 × Tu
Assumptions & Scope

Closed-loop sustained oscillation test response.

Operating Range & Boundary

Use finite, physically meaningful inputs within the stated operating assumptions.