What type of controller integrates proportional, integral, and derivative actions?

The controller that integrates proportional, integral, and derivative actions is known as a PID controller. This type of controller combines three fundamental control actions to effectively manage process control systems.

The proportional action provides an output that is proportional to the error signal, which is the difference between the desired setpoint and the actual process variable. The integral action addresses the accumulation of past errors by integrating the error over time, helping to eliminate steady-state errors. The derivative action predicts future error based on the rate of change of the process variable, which can improve the system's stability and response time by dampening any oscillations.

Together, these three components enable the PID controller to perform more effectively across a range of operating conditions, making it a versatile choice for controlling various systems, such as temperature, pressure, and flow levels in plants.

Other types of controllers, like open-loop and proportional controllers, do not utilize all three actions and may be less effective at minimizing steady-state errors or providing stable and responsive control. Feedback controllers generally incorporate some form of feedback but do not inherently specify the combination of proportional, integral, and derivative actions, distinguishing the PID controller's comprehensive approach to control.