TG- TC - Adjusting PID Constants (P, I, and D) on a Digital Temperature Controller

Purpose

This guide explains how to adjust the P (Proportional), I (Integral), and D (Derivative) parameters on a digital temperature controller to improve control performance. PID tuning is essential for optimizing temperature stability and minimizing overshoot, lag, or fluctuation in response to process changes.

Supported Devices

This guide applies to Omron digital temperature controllers that support PID parameter adjustment, including but not limited to:

E5CC / E5EC / E5DC Series

E5GC / E5EN / E5AN Series

E5CN / E5ZN / E5AR Series

(For specific models, refer to the product's user manual or technical datasheet.)

Requirements

Before adjusting PID constants, ensure the following:

• The controller is correctly installed and wired.
• You have access to the controller's front panel or interface.
• The system is stable enough to perform tuning without risk to equipment or product.
• Basic understanding of how PID control affects system behavior.

Procedure

Step 1: Understand the Role of Each PID Constant

PID control performance depends on a combination of three tuning constants.

You may also refer to the example response illustrations in the following reference images:

(Table 1) Response when changing P (proportional band)
Adjustment	When P (Proportional Band) Is Adjusted	Operation
If you make it bigger		It will rise slowly and take a long time to settle, but it will not overshoot.
If you make it smaller		Although there is some overshoot and hunting, the set point is reached quickly and stabilizes.

(Table 2) Response when adjusting I (integral time)
Adjustment	When I (Integral Time) Is Adjusted	Operation
If you make it bigger		It takes longer to reach the setpoint.  It takes longer to settle, but hunting, overshooting, and undershooting are reduced.
If you make it smaller		Overshoot, undershoot, and hunting occur, but the rise is quick.

(Table 3) Response when D (Derivative time) is changed
Adjustment	When D (Derivative Time) Is Adjusted	Operation
If you make it bigger		Overshoot and undershoot become smaller with settling time, but they still cause small hunting movements due to their own changes.
If you make it smaller		Overshoot and undershoot will become larger and it will take time to return to the set value.

Here is a simplified overview of how each parameter affects control:

Step 2: Manually Adjust PID Parameters

1. Enter the controller’s settings menu to access PID parameters.

2. Adjust one parameter at a time and observe system response:

- Start with P (proportional band) to affect general responsiveness.

- Then adjust I (integral time) to eliminate steady-state error.

- Fine-tune D (derivative time) to stabilize rapid changes or oscillations.

3. Test system operation after each change to evaluate the effect.

4. Repeat the process until the desired control stability and accuracy are achieved.

Note: There is no universal "correct" PID setting. Optimal values depend on your system’s unique characteristics and environment.

Step 3: Save and Monitor

Save the updated parameters in the controller settings.

For detailed steps on accessing PID parameters, navigating settings menus, and recommended starting values:

Please refer to the user manual or product catalog for your specific controller model.

Date/Revision History

First review 9/15/2025 V1.0

Author: 

Aimee Rivera, Technical Support Engineer

References

E5CC - User's Manual