NCEES FE Electrical and Computer Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In control systems, PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative. This term refers to a type of controller that combines three fundamental control actions to improve the stability and performance of a control system.

The proportional component reacts to the current error, which is the difference between the desired setpoint and the measured process variable. It provides an immediate response based on the magnitude of that error. The integral component addresses any accumulated past errors, effectively eliminating the residual steady-state error that can occur if only proportional control is used. Finally, the derivative component predicts future errors based on the rate of change of the error, which helps to dampen the system's response and reduce overshoot, leading to a more stable control performance.

In summary, the involvement of all three components—proportional, integral, and derivative—enables the PID controller to adjust its output in a manner that can effectively manage complex systems requiring precise control. Each component plays a critical role in achieving both stability and responsiveness in automation and control applications.