What Is PID Control? | Understanding PID Control, Part 1

Chances are you’ve interacted with something that uses a form of this control law, even if you weren’t aware of it. That’s why it is worth learning a bit more about what this control law is, and how it helps.
PID is just one form of feedback controller. It is the simplest type of controller that still uses the past, present, and future error, and it’s these primary features that you need to satisfy most control problems. That is why PID is the most prevalent form of feedback control across a wide range of physical applications.
However, often when learning something new in control theory, it’s easy to get bogged down in the detailed mathematics of the problem. So, this video skips most of the math and instead focuses on building a solid foundation.
Explore the fundamentals behind PID control.
Download Code Examples to Learn How to Automatically Tune PID Controller Gainshttps: bit.ly/2HKBh12
PID Control with MATLAB and Simulink: bit.ly/2Qg57y8
PID Control Made Easy: bit.ly/2Q7Hhor
Watch more MATLAB Tech Talks: bit.ly/2rTc8Yp
Check out more control system lectures on Brian's Channel: bit.ly/2IUlvkw
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[@symik3]

Holy shit, This 12minutes was much more useful than my 2 semester of Control systems.

[@ekanshsharma1507]

dang...i feel the same >

[@patrick0101]

Same here...

[@RupeshKumar-nw6cg]

I also in my 5th sem. Exam

[@muhammadnatsirrahman6720]

Yeach that's right... agree 👍

[@summerraiin90]

That’s usually the case if you heard of something before and someone comes by and explains in a little different way. Everything you heard in class just seems to finally connect. If you never heard of something before that video might be helpful but still leaves you with tons of questions for the actual details

[@76Raby]

Best PID explanation I ever heard.

[@alinarudkin5539]

So true!

[@zouzounada1338]

This is the greatest simple explanation of PID controllers that I have ever watched. It helps you to understand why there is a proportional and integral and derivative controllers. Thank you so much for this video .

[@nadiaakter9351]

Can anyone please explain, why after controlling it became walking speed? At first it was error between reference point and altitude. Then why it became speed after using PID controller. Please explain

[@alchandeck6471]

@@nadiaakter9351 The controller takes as input the "error signal" (which is the distance between the desired altitude and the actual drone altitude) and outputs the input to the drone (the propellers' speed). You need to think about what are the actuators of your plant and what can you control. Your plant (Drone) has 4 independent actuators (4 propellers) for which you can control their rpm/speed (via providing more current). So, your controller takes as input the difference in altitude ("error") and and tells each propeller how fast to spin in order to reach the desired altitude. Hope that helps.

[@ThomasFerguson22]

Learned more in these 11 minutes and 41 seconds than I did all semester in my Feedback Control Systems and Instrumentation classes

[@unsearchablethings8167]

I’ve got a M.Sc. in control theory. They don’t teach the practical part of it enough, particularly in undergraduate engineering. At least nowadays we can run simulations like with simulink and get a good idea of how to tune up a controller.

[@MrSlaughtematic]

Top comment is not hyperbole

[@suhaib1951]

Same here😂

[@letsgocamping88]

The video creator has his own channel with lots of great intuitive explanations

[@HolmbergarnSH]

Engineering classes seem to focus alot on math and little on conceptual understanding prior to math.

[@timsmit6685]

I spent a shit load of time studying control systems in college, always learning something but never really understanding what the actual f**k it's on about. If only someone made a video like this at the beginning, it would have been a lot different. TY for this very good explanation.

[@IMRANPATHAN-oy1yb]

I did master's in control systems, I fucked up 2 years. Better I would have learnt by self and online material 😂😂😂😂. So much pain in my heart 💔 😭😭 after doing time pass for 2 years

[@ericgilkey3549]

Videos like these are important, but you will never really learn control systems until you study and understand the "boring" theory and math.

[@carloscamargo624]

@@ericgilkey3549 Problem is, we get really good at the "boring" part with zero understanding or ability to apply the knowledge at all. We're karateka's who've never sparred.

[@sankarraj608]

Language

[@khalefmohamedamine1306]

totally agree

[@jacco9585]

I see a lot of people in the comments saying that this was more useful than all the lectures at school. My lecturer was smart. He gave us this video at the first lecture of the semester.

[@drumrocket99]

I am studying Electrical Engineering and after already passing Control Theory this is by far the best explanation to introduce this subject! Great Job!

[@jasperzoey1912]

With the help of..DR RORPOPOR HERBAL ON KZbin i have been cured totally from PID....

[@YMARihab]

I got B in my control systems course , my teacher hardly ever bought up any real life example , and I was just in it for passing grade , thank you for making this interesting again.

[@en.smiler2277]

I got my bachelor degree for almost 4 years still blurred but just only spend time within 11.41 minutes really made me truly understand about PID system. Whats a great such a explaination!Many thanks

[@kerimmoral]

Well that voice and black screen teaching couldn't be someone else! Thank you again Brian!

[@yosefstanton5470]

You're the only person in everything I've found who explains it! Saved my life!

[@AbrarShaikh2741]

Brian is on MATAB 😍😍😍

[@viniciussantana8737]

His explanations bout Control theory is gorgeous.

[@muhammadnawazawan5526]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbHkGljaseebMU

[@krishnaghadiyali6301]

Brain is MATLAB ,MATLAB is Brain

[@StemLabsOfficial]

"This PID controller video couldn't have come at a better time for me! I'm currently building a drone, and I was struggling to find clear guidance on how to implement altitude changes effectively. Surprisingly, there was little information on KZbin until I stumbled upon this gem. The explanations were crystal clear, and I now feel much more confident in tweaking the PID settings to achieve precise altitude control. Thanks a ton for making such an informative and easy-to-understand video! 🚁👏"

[@BrianBDouglas]

How is your drone coming along?

[@glasswhite3255]

Incredible. It only took 11minutes and 30 seconds to fully understand why P, I, D each stands for present, past, future errors. Thank you!

[@wiloberlies9598]

This is great Brian, congratulations on teaming up with MATLAB...I'll continue to support your Patreon work, and this is a really nice addition to that body of work. Thanks again.

[@madhavansudhakar3295]

Congrats on teaming up with MATLAB. The combination of your videos explains concepts with great clarity.

[@1722mayur]

The knowledge you have gained lets you explain this concept so easily rather than half minded KZbinrs how can't explain why PID is really used. This video is a great example of Feynman's technique.

[@caducoelho2221]

THIS IS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL, MADE ME SMILE OUT OF SATISFACTION OF GETTING IT!

[@vikasbansal4180]

Explaination is beyond excellent. I wrote it down all every word u say and all that. It take 14 pages and 2&half hour. 👏👏👏🙌🔥🔥

[@nathanmurfey4959]

Brian you are literally my hero. You're videos have been helping me for like 5 years now.

[@maximedesmarais-laporte]

I am a student in robotics engineering and this video was more relevant then 3 years of my university. Realy nice!

[@hirudora274]

Now THIS is teaching! I found this video more helpful than the two courses on controls engineering that I completed a while ago at my uni.

[@mustafapicak8345]

At the end of the video, you say thank you, thank you mainly for putting our 1-semester course into 12 minutes with such a simple explanation. As Einstein said, If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand the subject. I can set everything up simpler now. I am grateful to you.Yours truly.

[@alvaritosatu]

That must be first class for Computer Control students! A really intuitive approach to PID control

[@jean-luchoxha8365]

Glad to see this video before my exam tomorrow. I've never seen such a useful video. Thank you Brian!

[@chrischen5518]

The BEST explanation of PID controller for beginners I've found so far. Thank you!

[@ddskimmer]

Brian...I preach the Bible. I learned a little while ago...about infinity when looking at the exact point in the sine wave diagrams...that the one instance in a particular slice of time...the single point...is infinite...and it is a straight line...no matter what the shape is at any point in time it is a straight line. Newton was a minister of the Word of God...in case you didn't know this...he was a preacher as well. Now in the Bible we have John 1 verse 1; In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God; 2 The same was in the beginning with God. In Ezekiel we find something interesting...which blew my mind when I heard the explanation of the single point on the sine wave being straight line. Straight. This passage describes God as not only straight in all directions but where ever he moves...the universe gives way for Him to pass! He is Straight. Here: Ezekiel 1 4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. 6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. 12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. When Jesus Christ walked on earth, all the miracles He performed and all the marvels He did were all against the laws of nature...the walking on water, raising the dead, healing the sick...all against the laws of nature...for He was God Incarnate...is what the Bible teaches us...perfection. So, it is when you do an inverse operation in calculus...God's ways are opposite of ours...inverse of our wisdom, understanding and logic...for it is by Faith...His Faith where we live. God Bless and thank you.

[@StandforTr00th]

Brian!! Honestly, I was thinking of dropping out of my Controls course but because of you I'm staying. Keep it up

[@tayenjamjeneetaa494]

i wanna say If you want to be a control engineer and if you don't follow Brian's Channel, i bet you can only reach half the way to your dreams. You are Great Brian.

[@freggeskos]

Explaining something very good it means you know it 100x times even better. Lots of clueless teachers are in universities these days

[@andrewdatcu870]

Finally, someone explaining the theory behind PIDs and not just telling me a (seemingly) arbitrary set of steps to make my quad fly “good enough”. Very well explained, thanks for making this!

[@BrianBDouglas]

Thanks! Hopefully, your quad will fly "good enough" now :)

[@andrewdatcu870]

@@BrianBDouglas Very happy with how it flies now, thanks again!

[@kristoffergaard8648]

Greatest control systems content on the internet.

[@realkanavdhawan]

Brian Douglas is a phenomenal teacher His teaching reflect the amount of grip he has in the subject

[@Gravity_Ghost]

These videos are a national treasure.

[@MATLAB]

Agreed!

[@MrRabbit954]

great tutorial. Now I understand PID controllers. Thanks

[@BrianBDouglas]

Great! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@munyratanakbr]

Hello all Engineering students 👋

[@Siddhu_Pawar]

Heiii

[@sampathjoshi1054]

Salute to you! After spending very long time in trying to figure out the topic did so in astonishingly a short time! You are indeed a good teacher! From India.....Love you!

[@marcelb6214]

Finally I understand how a PID works. I really like the analogy with the hovering drone

[@joebloggs430]

Hi I've been through a few vids about this and this is the best explanation yet. In fact after watching the others I understood what it did but not how. Now I know. Thanks.

[@BrianBDouglas]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad this helped!

[@juninoamar]

Thanks Brian, now i do understand how PID controlled system works... thumbs up.

[@justinchang6763]

This is the best explanation that I have ever seen from by birth to 5/12/20!!

[@QnAAs89]

THIS IS THE BEST VID EVER THAT EXPLAINS THIS SH** !! A WHOLE SEMESTER WORTH OF TIME.

[@soufianattar4554]

Give this man a medal

[@rogerioantonio4134]

Cristal clear explanation!! Finally I was able to undestand where de PID came from!!

[@albertardanuy7468]

This is exactly what needs to be taught at the beginning of a control engineering course, not the endless "s formulas" that make students clueless about its real life meaning

[@douglasnavarro8156]

I've watched many videos from Brian Douglas at his own channel quite a few years ago and this seems to be an ultimate, distilled version of many videos and it is extremely didactic and clean. Congrats!

[@shubhamroy9438]

I hope they teach this way in my college. Thank you Brian. U r god for electrical and electronics engineers. Love from India. :)

[@1612ydraw]

Fantastic simple explanation of a quite complex idea. Great video series.

[@Space_Tour1]

One if the most informative videos on this matter in all youtube

[@pravallikayadav4283]

Whoever made this video, is awesome, love you, man. Thanks a lot for making such an informative video in layman language.

[@manuroller8]

Thank you so much for your work!! I am going to graduate as an electronic engineer this year and this is the first time I understand how a PID really works! Saludos desde España!

[@LPhill]

I wish i’ve had a teacher like Brian, congrats master!

[@micahcarrillo8281]

This has been the best PID summation I've seen so far and has helped me tremendously with 3d printer heat control problems! Well done. kept is simple for someone who's terrible with math. the Hover drone example was the best analogy. thank you!

[@controllaw3665]

We love this channel and it was one of the reasons to start our own. We are a very new channel and will bring content on control theory, linear systems and systems identification. Keep inspiring people, thank you very much!

[@InstrumentCalibration]

Good Luck

[@aaron9828]

I wish I watched this video before my first control class. I struggled a lot figuring this out

[@weiyanghou1451]

Great video! The PID controller is explained well from the perspective of actual engineering ，very useful!

[@parthnagve6953]

Best pid explanation I ever seen/heard . Good work !! ❤️

[@jasperzoey1912]

With the help of..DR RORPOPOR HERBAL ON KZbin i have been cured totally from PID....

[@soupe2000]

I swear I was understanding nothing to PID controllers in class, this video did such an excellent work at simplifying just for us to get the concept and understand the point of the PID This is absolutely amazing, I feel so better tnow

[@mnada72]

I am coming here after to follow Brian's videos after watching all the videos in Brian's channel. You are awesome .

[@markproulx1472]

Engineering education would be greatly improved if courses started with presentations like this. Context makes understanding subsequent details so much easier!

[@dosomethingdrones]

Best video I have seen on PID control yet !

[@5jkimmels]

Incredible job of imparting a meaningful understanding!!! Masterful job of conveying the basics of PID controllers ... and of showing the shortcomings of universities. Thanks!

[@raghavsrivastava2910]

BRILLIANT EXPLANATION IF NOT THE BEST. KEEP IT UP. THANK YOU SIR FROM THE CORE OF MY HEART.

[@emlmm88]

Excellent. Just excellent. Every engineering student should watch this.

[@domobrah2671]

A University education in the palm of my hands

[@bharatwajsridhar3983]

Never understood control systems so well. Thank you

[@amithshambu7181]

So much information in one less than 12mins :)

[@achuarjun07]

The best PID explanation video i have come across as well. Awesome man

[@kyung.lee.official]

Finally a good example for the scenario where the derivative comes in.

[@shanmughamr6262]

Fantastic ... crisply explained .... pinpointedly explained never ever understood PID as this did ... thank you

[@abhinavsixfaces]

Dude you're on Matlab. I'm so happy for you!!

[@surajitmondal6871]

The only explanation I have ever understood on PID controller

[@deshengwang3364]

Really the Best PID explanation I ever heard ！！！

[@etaifour2]

the way this is explained ... it's genius ..

[@Prasadkr1011]

Great explanation. You nailed it... Awesome. Nobody has explained so good. I was searching for the video with example and I found this. Simply awesome. Thanks alot.

[@sandeepsingh-ly9nh]

Thanks man! Cannot be better explained! Salute!

[@anshumansharma6758]

Can controls be this interesting? I am in awe. Thanks man! Awesome video.

[@ozyurtc]

This vıdeo literally sums up everything my prof's been trying to teach for this past two weeks

[@wearealive796]

Wish this way its taught in universities!!! So simple straight fitting in my 🧠.Thank you Brian &MATLAB for making it available to us!

[@MATLAB]

So glad it was helpful! 😊

[@j1112-q1w]

Simple, easy to understand example to explain PID.

[@kenlipper874]

Great explanation! I've been trying to get my head around PID tuning as applied to my racing quadcopters. This really helped!

[@simbol5638]

nice work. am learning better from you than from my professors in school. more power to your elbows

[@Brono25]

One of the best explanations on anything

[@MateuszPolkowski]

This is exactly what I needed presented exactly the way I needed it. Thank you!

[@felixcat4346]

I must say this is the first time I've seen a practical application for Calculus.

[@jayclawson123]

Calculus was invented to figure out how to fire a cannon

[@filledmug]

Brian... Dear Brian.. you are a gem

[@power3948]

This video gives me a concept about pid in a short time. Excellent video.

[@tomylim6022]

I had watched so much PID videos and this explained the best among all others with a very good example situation too

[@SW_EE1]

Great video for the Positional Form PID Algorithm, easy to get confused with the Velocity Form PID Algorithm

[@poppyblop484]

I LOVE YOU BRIANNNN, a true saviour

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Clearest explanation out there. Well done!

[@abderraouflalla]

This explanation is a masterpiece.

[@galaxymariosuper]

This video should be used as an introduction into control theory at any university.

[@wissalzaher4868]

It can't get better than this explanation quality ! THANK YOU :)

[@lapischicken]

That's genius. Thanks for making this absolute beauty of a video.

[@callumremington9981]

Best. Video. On. KZbin.

[@bentripn]

Excellent video explaining PID! Thank you!!!

[@aliaaarafa1666]

This is the best explanation I've ever seen thank you so much for this great video.

[@pedro449]

Thank you very much Brain for the clear explanation. I finally understood what PID really means and what it does. Really appreciate it 👍👍👍😊

[@sns_rulz]

This is the best explanation ever on PID.. wow!! Thanks a lot 😍😃😃

[@hermanvisser4034]

Just a minor error in your drone example. The PID output is propeller speed and the error is the difference between desired altitude and actual altitude. Very nice video.