PIDTune vs Instrument Toolbox
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
Instrument Toolbox
A professional calculator designed for industrial control, automation, and instrumentation engineers. It offers quick conversions and calculations for gas concentration, units, steam properties, flange levels, and pipeline flow. Ideal for both field debugging and engineering design.
- PPM to mg/m³ conversion with compensation
- Industrial unit conversion (pressure, volume, temp, etc.)
- Saturated steam pressure and density calculator
- Flange level migration calculations
- Pipeline flow and velocity calculator
- Real-time calculation results
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Industrial Control & Instrumentation Toolbox - Your Smart Industrial Calculator A professional calculation toolbox designed for industrial control, automation, and instrumentation engineers. Whether for field debugging or engineering design, it helps you quickly complete various professional calculations. Core Features: PPM to mg/m³ Converter: Gas concentration unit conversion, supports custom molecular weight, built-in quick selection of common gas molecular weights, with environmental temperature and pressure compensation Unit Converter: Covers easy conversion of industrial measurement units including: Pressure (8 units including MPa, kPa, bar, psi, etc.) Volume Temperature Length Mass Saturated Steam Calculator: Input temperature to obtain saturated steam pressure, or input pressure to calculate saturated steam density, meeting steam system design requirements Flange Level Migration: Supports single/dual flange level calculations, with inputs for medium density, flange distance, and other parameters for precise level measurement calibration Pipeline Flow & Velocity Calculator: Applicable for both gas and liquid media, integrates velocity calculation, flow calculation, and diameter calculation, incorporating temperature, pressure, and other operating conditions Key Features: Clean and intuitive interface, easy operation Real-time calculation results Supports standard and operating condition conversions Built-in reference values like standard atmospheric pressure Suitable for both field engineering and design office scenarios This app is an essential professional tool for industrial automation, significantly improving engineering calculation efficiency. Target Users: Automation Engineers, Instrumentation Engineers, Process Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and other industrial control professionals.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Instrument Toolbox at weekly against PIDTune's every 4 months. Instrument Toolbox also leads on price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Instrument Toolbox $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PIDTune ships an update every 4 months, Instrument Toolbox weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PIDTune | Instrument Toolbox |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | $1.99 — better |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Weekly — 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 | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Richard H Street | 立娜 王 |
Customer experience
PIDTune
Instrument Toolbox
In-app purchases
PIDTune
No in-app purchases
Instrument Toolbox
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PIDTune free?
Is Instrument Toolbox free?
Do PIDTune or Instrument Toolbox have ads?
Which is updated more often, PIDTune or Instrument Toolbox?
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