PID controller simulator
A free online PID simulator. The transfer function above is the plant; a PID controller C(s) = Kp + Ki/s + Kd·s closes the loop with unity feedback. Tune the gains and watch the closed-loop step response update instantly.
Tuning Kp, Ki, and Kd
Raising the proportional gain Kp speeds up the response but can increase overshoot. The integral gain Ki removes steady-state error but can add oscillation. The derivative gain Kd adds damping and reduces overshoot. Watch the stability indicator as you push the gains.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a PID controller?
- A PID controller drives a system with three terms: proportional (Kp) reacts to the present error, integral (Ki) removes steady-state error, and derivative (Kd) damps overshoot by anticipating change. The control law is u = Kp·e + Ki·∫e dt + Kd·de/dt.
- How do you tune Kp, Ki, and Kd?
- Raising Kp speeds the response but can add overshoot; Ki eliminates steady-state error but can introduce oscillation; Kd reduces overshoot and improves stability. Here you drag each gain and watch the closed-loop step response and metrics update live.
- What is the closed-loop transfer function with a PID controller?
- For a plant P(s) and controller C(s) in a unity-feedback loop, the closed-loop transfer function is T(s) = C(s)P(s) / (1 + C(s)P(s)). This tool forms it automatically and plots its step response.
- Is this PID simulator free?
- Yes, it is free and browser-based with no signup.