Omron Temperature Controller - PID Control Explained
Explanation of the PID control operation in Omron Temperature Controllers
Written by Nicolas Donoso
Updated at March 30th, 2026
PID control consisted of the following components.
- P – Proportional
- I – Integral
- D – Derivative
It can be complex to determine the correct values for each component mentioned above and there are different methods of achieving this. Fortunately, we don’t need to worry about this with out TCs as the have an Auto-tuning function, but you might want to adjust these values to fine tune the performance of your temperature controller, that is why here we provide a brief explanation of what each component is responsible for.
A simple temperature controller application/configuration would look like the image below, let's use this for an example of PID control to better understand.
P - Proportional
- This band is created around the setpoint
- Under the band the output is 100%, if over the output is 0%
- Between the band the output will vary between 100% - 0%, proportionally
- But what if the output only has 2 states (ON/OFF)
Below is the final result, an output that does not oscillate around the set value, but there is a remaining error between the set point and present value………..
I - Integral
- This will help reduce the offset/error to zero (or close to it)
- A long time for the Integral will mean it will take longer for the offset to reduce
- A short time for the integral will mean it will take a short time to reduce the offset
D - Derivative
- PI control will have a slow response to sudden changes
- If an external disturbance occurs (e.g. extra water is added to the tank), the TC will be slow to respond
- The derivative part takes care of this. Response to the speed of change
Final PID Result
