The 21 best pid controller brands
Watlow, Autonics and Inkbird lead our ranking of 21 pid controller brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Pid Controller brands, ranked
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1
Watlow
EZ-ZONE panel controllers from Watlow cover modular DIN sizes and suit industrial ovens and process heating.
Top products: EZ-ZONE PM6C1CH-1LCJAAA· EZ-ZONE PM4R1CH-2LCJAAA
Website: watlow.com |Brands like Watlow
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Autonics
Compact DIN controllers with dual displays and fast 100ms sampling, often picked for machine builders.
Top products: TCN4S-24R· TC4S-24R
Website: autonics.com |Brands like Autonics
Popularity 9.1/10
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3
Inkbird
Budget plug-in controllers popular with brewers and fermenters, often sold as kits with K-type sensors and SSRs.
Top products: 106VH· ITC-106VH
Website: inkbird.com |Brands like Inkbird
Popularity 6.7/10
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4
Honeywell
UDC-series DIN controllers with multi-loop options, often found in older plant panels needing like-for-like replacements.
Website: honeywell.com |Brands like Honeywell
Popularity 6.0/10
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5
Omron
Omron's E5 series digital controllers offer many input and output options for factory machinery.
Top products: E5CN-Q2TDU
Popularity 5.7/10
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6
Yokogawa
UT-series single-loop DIN controllers and DX paperless recorders, often paired on process lines needing logged data.
Website: yokogawa.com |Brands like Yokogawa
Popularity 3.6/10
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7
Fuji
Fuji's PXR and PYX panel controllers handle heating control in machines and plant equipment.
Popularity 3.2/10
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8
Extech
Test and measurement brand whose budget DIN process controllers sit alongside its meters and instruments.
Top products: 48VFL11
Website: extech.com |Brands like Extech
Popularity 2.7/10
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9
Tempco
Heating element maker that also builds controllers for process heating, including band and cartridge heaters.
Website: tempco.com |Brands like Tempco
Popularity 2.0/10
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10
Dwyer
Dwyer manufactures flowmeters, temperature controls, panel meters and pressure sensors for air, gas and liquid systems. Its Visi-Float variable area meters and Rate-Master polycarbonate flowmeters are common choices for direct flow reading. The company is based in Michigan City, Indiana.
Website: dwyer-inst.com |Brands like Dwyer
Popularity 2.0/10
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11
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios,...
Popularity 1.9/10
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12
Chromalox
Heat trace and process heating specialist whose temperature controllers pair with its cable and heater lines.
Website: chromalox.com |Brands like Chromalox
Popularity 1.9/10
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13
Newport
Newport produces lightweight sandals and casual shoes, including the Newport H2 water sandal with quick-cinch bungee lacing and a foam midsole. The line includes women's and men's casual styles, built for walking and warm-weather wear. Some Newport styles have washable...
Popularity 1.5/10
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14
CAREL
Refrigeration and HVAC controllers, with PID control for temperature and humidity in cold rooms.
Website: carel.fr |Brands like CAREL
Popularity 1.5/10
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15
Beckhoff
From Verl in Germany, Beckhoff makes automation hardware and software, including PC-based control panels, terminal blocks and linear actuators. Its components are designed to work together as one system across industrial, energy, transport and building applications.
Website: beckhoff.com |Brands like Beckhoff
Popularity 1.5/10
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16
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a worldwide energy management and automation company dedicated to making energy safer, more dependable, and efficient - for you. They are now the global market leader in integrated energy solutions for residential consumers, buildings, and industries. As...
Brands like Schneider Electric
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Paragon
Paragon Clothing supplies plain garments from the UK, with a catalogue covering long sleeve shirts, hooded tops and performance polos. Its performance pieces use mesh and moisture-wicking fabrics for activewear and sports teams. Its blanks are often used for custom...
Popularity 0.8/10
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18
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi has an industrial arm that builds servo motors and shafts for machinery. Its products span servo motors, shafts, car parts and diesel fuel system components.
Website: mitsubishielectric.com |Brands like Mitsubishi
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
ABB
Industrial plants and electrical installers rely on circuit breakers, miniature circuit breakers, wire cable and electric motors from ABB. The Swiss-Swedish group also offers robotics and industrial software for factories and power systems. Its electrical products are built for safe,...
Popularity 0.8/10
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20
Foxboro
The Foxboro 43AP pneumatic controller is a process instrument that can regulate pressure, temperature, flow and level. Foxboro, a Schneider Electric brand, builds pneumatic and electronic instruments for industrial plants. Its temperature transmitters and sensors, such as the RTT15S transmitter,...
Popularity 0.8/10
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21
Koino
Koino, which was established in 1969, makes industrial control parts such as Red Button and LED button switches. Its catalog also includes sensors, relays and pilot signal lights used in industrial control systems. The brand's switching devices are built for...
Website: koinoexpress.com |Brands like Koino
Popularity 0.8/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watlow | watlow.com | /Watlow-Electric-Manufacturing-Company-202840563114629 | – | @watlow | watlowcorporate |
| Autonics | autonics.com | – | – | – | – |
| Inkbird | inkbird.com | /groups | inkbirdofficial | @Inkbirdsmart | Inkbird Smart Home |
| Honeywell | honeywell.com | /Honeywell | honeywell | @honeywell | honeywell |
| Yokogawa | yokogawa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Extech | extech.com | /FLIR | flir | @flir | – |
| Tempco | tempco.com | /TempcoElectricHeaterCorp | tempco_ehc | – | Tempco Electric Heater Corporation |
| Dwyer | dwyer-inst.com | /DwyerInstrumentsIncorporated | – | @DwyerInstrument | DwyerInstruments |
PID Controller Buying Guide
When it comes to industrial process control, PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers are one of the essential tools. These electronic devices automatically adjust the output of a controlled system by analyzing the differences between actual and desired process variables. PID controllers are commonly used in a variety of applications, such as temperature control, pressure control, level control, flow control, and many others.
If you are planning to use a PID controller for your next project, it is essential to choose the right controller that meets your requirements. In this article, we will guide you through the essential factors that you need to consider when purchasing a PID controller.
Type of Controller
PID controllers come in various types and styles, depending on the application. The three primary types of PID controllers are:
- Analog
- Digital
- Solid-State
Analog controllers are the oldest and most basic type of PID controller. They usually come with a limited range of functions, including proportional, integral, and derivative control. Analog controllers rely on electromechanical parts to adjust the output, making them less precise and less responsive than modern controllers.
Digital controllers, on the other hand, are more advanced and versatile than analog controllers. They come with a range of sophisticated features, including autotune, ramp/soak, and fuzzy logic control. Digital controllers rely on microprocessors and software algorithms to analyze the input and adjust the output accordingly. They are more accurate and responsive than analog controllers, making them ideal for most applications.
Solid-state controllers are the latest type of PID controller. They use semiconductor devices, such as transistors and thyristors, to regulate the output. Solid-state controllers offer a fast response time, high accuracy, and long lifetime. They are commonly used in applications that require precise control and high safety standards.
Input and Output Types
PID controllers require specific input and output signals to function correctly. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a controller that can accept your input and provide your desired output. The most common types of input and output signals are:
- Thermocouples
- RTD Sensors
- Analog Voltage
- Analog Current
- Digital Signals
- Relays
- SSRs (Solid State Relays)
- PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
- Analog Voltage/Current Output
Thermocouples and RTD sensors are the most popular input types for temperature control. Analog voltage and current signals are usually used in flow and level control. Digital signals are commonly used in on/off control, while relays and solid-state relays are used to switch power to the controlled system. PWM output is used to control the speed of motors or other electrical devices, while analog voltage/current output is used to send a signal to other control devices.
Control Algorithm
The control algorithm is the mathematical formula used by the PID controller to calculate the output. Different algorithms have different characteristics, such as overshoot, oscillation, and stability. Therefore, it is essential to choose a PID controller that has the appropriate algorithm for your application.
The three most common algorithms used in PID controllers are:
- Standard/PID
- PI (Proportional-Integral)
- P (Proportional)
The standard PID algorithm is the most common and versatile type of control algorithm. It includes proportional, integral, and derivative control, making it suitable for most applications. The PI algorithm includes proportional and integral control but lacks derivative control. It is commonly used in applications that require slow and smooth transitions. The P algorithm uses only proportional control and is used in applications that require fast and responsive control.
Autotune Function
The autotune function is a feature that automatically adjusts the parameters of the PID controller based on the response of the controlled system. PID controllers with autotune function can determine the best settings for the Proportional, Integral, and Derivative constants based on the characteristics of the system without any need for manual intervention. PID controllers without autotune require manual tuning, which can be time-consuming and challenging for novice users.
Display and User Interface
The display and user interface of the PID controller are essential for ease of use. Most PID controllers come with a digital display that shows the process variable and the setpoint. Some controllers also come with a graphical display that shows a graph of the process variable over time. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use, with clear labeling and logical navigation.
The user interface should also include a range of settings and functions that can be accessed by the user, such as setting the setpoint, adjusting the control parameters, and selecting the output type. Some PID controllers also come with wireless connectivity, which allows the user to monitor and control the system remotely.
Price and Quality
Finally, price and quality are significant factors to consider when purchasing a PID controller. The price should be reasonable and within your budget, but it should not compromise the quality of the controller. Cheaper controllers may have fewer functions and lower accuracy, which may not be suitable for some applications.
The quality of the PID controller should be high, with reliable and durable components. The controller should be manufactured by a reputable company with a history of producing quality products. Customers should also look for warranties and customer support to ensure that they can receive help if they encounter any issues with the controller.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PID controller is crucial for achieving successful industrial process control. Customers should consider the type of controller, input and output types, control algorithm, autotune function, display and user interface, as well as price and quality when purchasing a PID controller.
Customers should also ensure that they purchase the controller from a reputable company with a history of producing quality products and providing excellent customer support. By following these guidelines, customers can select the right PID controller and achieve accurate and responsive control in their industrial processes.
