PIDTune vs PID Controller Simulation
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PIDTune
This utility calculates PID tuning parameters using the IMC method for various process and controller types. It allows for direct input of process gain or variable changes, with adjustable tuning aggression via a slider.
- IMC method for PID tuning
- Calculates Kc, Ti, Td
- Supports FO, SO, and I process types
- Handles Parallel and Series controller types
- Adjustable tuning aggression slider
- Input process gain or variable changes
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PID Tuner uses the IMC (Internal Model Control) method to calculate PID tuning parameters. I’ve tried a lot of tuning methods over the years and have found this one to be the best. The app is written for the iPad to show all the information on one page. The program calculates: PID Parameters: Controller Gain (Kc) Integral Time (Ti) Derivative Time (Td) For process types First Order with Dead Time (FO) Second Order with Dead Time (SO) Integrating or Long Time Constant with Dead Time (I) For controller types Parallel (non-interacting) c(s) = Kc (1 + 1/(Ti s) + Td s) Series (interacting) c(s) = Kc (Ti s + 1)/(Ti s)(Td s + 1) For controller modes PID PI You can either enter the process gain (Kp) directly or enter the changes in the controlled virable (CV) and manipulated variable (MV). Tuning aggression is adjusted using the slider to set the closed loop time constant to the process time constant ratio (λ/Ƭ). The closed loop time constant (λ) is the time the controller is expected to reach set point (plus the dead time (ϴ)). Setting the closed loop time constant to process time constant ratio (λ/Ƭ) to 1.0 will make the MV change to its final value and allow the process to settle out to the setpoint. Setting (λ/Ƭ) greater than 1.0 will give a slower responce. Setting (λ/Ƭ) less than 1.0 will cause the MV to make a larger change and then reduce to its final value. Tight tuning would be to set the close loop time constant to the dead time. Use the Integrating Process type (Ƭ = ∞) for both integrating processes or processes with long time constants. These processes use the maximum slope as the process gain. Tuning aggression for these processes is determined by setting the closed loop time constant to the dead time ratio (λ/ϴ). Once again, setting the closed loop time constat to the dead time gives tight control. References: “Probably the test simple PID tuning rules in the World,” Sigurd Skogestad, Jounal of Process Control, July 3, 2001 “Consider the generalized IMC-PID method for PID controller tuning of time-delay processes,” Y. Lee, S. Park, M. Lee, Hydrocarbon Processing, January 2006
PID Controller Simulation
Master PID control theory and practice with this comprehensive simulation platform. Learn fundamental concepts, tune parameters, and simulate real-world applications like temperature and motor speed control. Export PID parameters as production-ready code in multiple languages.
- Comprehensive tutorial system
- Interactive scenario simulations
- Performance analysis tools
- Code generator for multiple languages
- Real-time curve visualization
- Advanced PID algorithm explanations
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PID Controller Assistant - Master the Core of Automatic Control Your comprehensive learning and simulation platform for PID control! Whether you're an engineering student, automation enthusiast, or professional engineer, this app provides everything you need to master PID control theory and practice. Core Features Comprehensive Tutorial System * Structured learning path from basics to advanced topics * Four major categories: Basic Concepts, Parameter Tuning, Scenario Applications, Advanced Techniques * Interactive examples with step-by-step guidance * Difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Interactive Scenario Simulations * Temperature Control: Simulate incubator/oven temperature systems * Motor Speed Control: Practice DC motor speed regulation * Water Level Control: Master tank level maintenance systems * Cruise Control: Experience automotive cruise control systems * Pressure Control: Work with pneumatic/hydraulic control systems * Real-time curve visualization with adjustable parameters * Disturbance testing (door opening, temperature fluctuations, load changes, etc.) Performance Analysis Tools * Real-time performance metrics calculation * Overshoot, rise time, settling time, steady-state error analysis * Intelligent tuning suggestions based on system performance * Visual comparison of different parameter sets * History tracking and comparison features Code Generator * Export PID parameters as production-ready code * Multiple language support: C, C++, Python, Arduino, JavaScript * Copy and share generated code instantly * Perfect for rapid prototyping and deployment Advanced Visualization * Real-time response curve display * Ideal PID response examples * Multi-curve comparison view * Performance metrics charts Learning Content Fundamental Concepts * What is PID control and how it works * Relationships between setpoint, process variable, and control output * Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (D) components explained * Control system stability basics Real-World Applications * Temperature control systems * Motor speed control * Water level control * Cruise control systems * Pressure control applications Advanced Techniques * Integral windup prevention * Derivative noise filtering * Adaptive PID control * Cascade PID control strategies * Feedforward control optimization Supported PID Algorithms 1. Positional PID Control - Standard position-based control 2. Incremental PID Control - Velocity-based algorithm 3. Integral Separation PID - Prevents integral windup during large errors 4. Anti-Windup PID - Advanced integral saturation handling 5. Variable-Speed Integral PID - Adaptive integral gain 6. PID with Filter - Noise reduction for derivative term 7. Incomplete Derivative PID - Smoother derivative action 8. Derivative Ahead PID - Advanced derivative control 9. PID with Dead Zone - For systems with friction or backlash Why Choose This App? From Theory to Practice: Seamlessly connect learning with hands-on simulation Visual Learning: Understand abstract concepts through interactive charts and animations Production-Ready: Export parameters as code for immediate deployment Comprehensive: All PID algorithms and techniques in one place Performance Focused: Real-time metrics help optimize your control systems Professional Grade: Trusted by students, hobbyists, and engineers worldwide Perfect For * Students: Master PID control for coursework and exams * Engineers: Quick tuning reference and parameter testing * Makers: Arduino and embedded system projects * Educators: Teaching tool with visual demonstrations * Researchers: Algorithm comparison and performance analysis Get Started Today! Download now and transform the way you learn and apply PID control. Whether you're preparing for exams, working on a project, or optimizing industrial systems, PID Controller Assistant is your essential companion.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: PIDTune at 100% against PID Controller Simulation's 33%. PIDTune also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0). PID Controller Simulation's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
PIDTune costs $4.99 and PID Controller Simulation $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PIDTune holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of PIDTune's written reviews are positive against 33% of PID Controller Simulation's.
PIDTune ships an update every 4 months, PID Controller Simulation every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PIDTune | PID Controller Simulation |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | $3.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Richard H Street | 立娜 王 |
Customer experience
PIDTune
PID Controller Simulation
In-app purchases
PIDTune
No in-app purchases
PID Controller Simulation
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PIDTune free?
Is PID Controller Simulation free?
Which has better reviews, PIDTune or PID Controller Simulation?
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Which is updated more often, PIDTune or PID Controller Simulation?
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