RSTune

Technical Data

RS

Tune analyzes and tunes PID control loops in many of

Allen-Bradleys controllers. Optimizing your process and

reducing process variability with RSTune improves efficiency,

increases productivity, reduces waste, and improves safety
quickly and effectively. Using RSTune, you can analyze, simulate,
document, and download optimal tuning parameters, all from an
intuitive software environment.
RSTune supports these Rockwell controllers: MicroLogix, PLC-5,
SLC 500, FlexLogix, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix.

Features
Simple setup
Normalized data: Easily compare statistics between loops
using the normalized option all values are normalized
between 0% and 100%
Versatility: RSTune can be used for both a quick and dirty fix
and for complex analysis
Toolbars on the time plot: Make zooming, editing, averaging,
or filtering your real-time data a snap
RSLogix 5000 PID function block interface
Archiving: Manual archiving of multiple sets of data allows
simple before-and-after analysis
Pre-download setting analysis: Allows you to see the

Automatic Tuning
Using RSTune at even the simplest level will help you improve
process efficiency. To help you achieve quick results, RSTune

performance of your loops before actually downloading them

includes the AutoTune sequence. Your answers to the AutoTune

to the controller

questions and the data it automatically gathers from your controller

Data optimization: Data can be zoomed, filtered, averaged,

and line-edited
Control loop testing: RSTune includes powerful analysis plots
that provide critical performance information on your loops

allow RSTune to calculate new PID tuning parameters for your

control loop automatically.
The AutoTune sequence reduces the amount of time required to
tune a loop and minimizes product waste and rework. This feature

Tuning reports: Tuning reports include data, notes, and graphics

also helps ensure that you have optimal data when calculating

Supports RSLinx Gateway remote connection to a PID loop

new tuning parameters.

OPC support: RSTune is an OPC client

AutoTune will gather data in either Automatic or Manual mode.

from only one bump or pulse (such as a setpoint change) in

Data collection in Manual mode allows you to collect data for

Automatic or Manual mode.

loops that may require special control techniques. You can also

Depending on your application and the types of changes to which

change the setpoint or the controller output during AutoTune to

the system might need to respond, there are two types of tuning

meet the needs of your application.

that RSTune can provide:

Load tuning: This is appropriate for most systems. It provides the
best response to load upsets; however, it can cause overshoot.
Setpoint (Lambda) tuning: If your system cannot tolerate
overshoot, RSTune can provide setpoint tuning. With this type of
tuning, RSTune matches the setpoint response to a first-order
time constant (lag time) that you enter.
You can check the results of load tuning or setpoint tuning from the
RSTune software simulation tool. This shows you the performance
of the loop with either type of tuning.
After you select load tuning or setpoint tuning, using the advanced
analysis methods, you can also test various settings prior to

Easy Communications Setup

downloading them to the controller.

RSTune connects seamlessly to your control loops through RSLinx

for all supported processors.

Observe and Document Process Dependencies

In RSLinx, you need to have an RSLinx DDE/OPC topic defined for

RSTune displays control loop parameters in faceplates that display

each processor with which RSTune will communicate. To do this in

the process variable, controller output, and setpoint. You can display

RSTune, you will:

multiple faceplates to see the effects of one control loop on another.

1. Define a new loop.

The faceplates also display the performance increase that will

2. Choose the type of processor.

result from new tuning parameters. This shows you the improvement

3. Browse to the loop configuration that you want to tune.

that tuning your loop will have on your process.

4. Tune your loop!

To optimize your data before calculating new tuning parameters,

you can zoom in on any portion of the data and edit out unwanted

Offline Control Loop Simulation

information. In addition, loop notes may be added for each PID

The software simulation tool in RSTune helps you improve your

loop, including those that have been filtered or edited.

control loop tuning skills offline. Using the software simulation file,
you can perform all functions of RSTune, including filtering, editing,
advanced analysis, and simulated downloading of new tuning
parameters. You can run the simulator on your desktop computer
without a connection to an actual processor.
You can easily expand or shrink the range on the simulation plot so
that you can view the part of the simulation that interests you most.

Choose the Tuning That Is Right for Your System

RSTune uses an advanced frequency response method coupled
with an expert system to determine the best tuning parameters for
your control loops. RSTune can tune the loop from data collected
2

Analyze Your Data and Tuning Parameters

comparison of both the current and new PID parameters.

RSTune provides analysis tools that help you analyze your data and

This allows you to see the potential improvements in the new

tuning parameters, both in the real world and as what if tests of

PID values generated by RSTune.

tuning settings before downloading them to your processor.

Robustness Plot

The analysis tools include the Process Model window, the Process

The Robustness Plot shows how sensitive your loop is to process

Frequency Response Plot, the Control Loop Simulation Plot, the

gain or process deadtime changes. This is a powerful tool that

Robustness Plot, and the Hysteresis check.

graphically shows the trade-off between tight tuning and stability.

Process Model window

Hysteresis check

The Process Model window shows the process model type that

The Hysteresis check allows you to determine whether your

RSTune identified for your control loop, as determined from your

control elements (such as valves) are suffering from hysteresis.

process frequency response. There are two models available:

For example, when a valve has to change direction, it has to

overcome static friction to make the change. The pressure moving
the valve has to increase to an amount equal to the hysteresis
before the valve can change direction.
The Hysteresis check automatically calculates the amount of
hysteresis present and indicates any possible problems with valve
sizing or transmitter spans.

Allow the gain to float. With this process model, RSTune ignores
steady-state information and instead fits the model based on
higher frequencies. Higher frequencies are more important to
optimal and stable closed-loop control.
Force steady-state gain. RSTune forces the steady-state gain to
be equal to the amplitude ratio at the lowest frequency.
The Process Model window includes a table that lists the process
gain, deadtime, and time constant, as identified from data
collected from your loop.
Process Frequency Response Plot
The Process Frequency Response Plot shows both the actual and
model process frequency responses for comparison purposes.
RSTune uses this information to calculate new tuning parameters.
Control Loop Simulation Plot
The Control Loop Simulation Plot shows the system response to a
load upset or a setpoint change. It graphs the responses for

Computer Requirements
IBM-compatible Pentium or greater recommended
Minimum of 15 MB of hard disk space
3 1/2" floppy disk drive for software activation
Minimum 16-color VGA graphics adapter 640 x 480
(recommended: 256-color or higher, 800 x 600)
Any Microsoft Windows-compatible pointing device
Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000,
or Windows XP
If the reporting function will be used,

Monitor Your Data

The Faceplate and Trend window in RSTune is where you begin the
process of tuning and testing your control loops. From this window,
you can view your process variable, setpoint, and controller output
as displays or graphic values. On the trend display, you can see the

Microsoft Word 2000 or higher

Communications software: RSLinx 2.3 (or higher).
RSLinx packages that can be used with RSTune include Single
Node, OEM (OPC only), Professional, or RSLinx Gateway.
RSLinx Lite cannot be used with RSTune.

real-time process variable, setpoint, and controller output values

charted over time. To see the actual value of the process variable,
setpoint, or controller output at a point in time, simply hold the cursor
over the point the value is displayed as a tool tip.

Catalog Numbers
9323-1003ENE RSTune PID Loop Tuner
9323-TRL1303ENE RSTune PID Loop Tuner and
RSLinx Professional Bundle

You can also add an extra trend so you can watch another variable
in relation to the process variable, setpoint, or controller output.

Need More Diagnostic Features?

If you need more diagnostic functions than RSTune offers, you
might be interested in RSLoop Optimizer. RSLoop Optimizer
includes a pH loop linearizer, ProcessLogix support, time
simulations, and much more! For more information, please see
http://www.software.rockwell.com/rsloopoptimizer/ or contact your
local Rockwell Automation sales office or Allen-Bradley distributor.

Rockwell Software
For more information on the latest pricing or a demonstration of any Rockwell Software
package, please contact your local Rockwell Automation sales office or Allen-Bradley
distributor. For the very latest on Rockwell Software products, visit us at:

www.software.rockwell.com

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Copyright 2004 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.