Temperature and Process Control

What is PID Control

What is PID Control?

Understanding the principles of monitoring & controlling a thermal loop.

Basic block diagrams for a single PID control, & control with limit policing.

Typical Layout Single Phase PID only control 

Typical Layout Single Phase PID & Limit control 

Typical Layout 3 Phase 2 leg PID & Limit control 

Typical Layout 3 Phase 3 leg PID & Limit control 

PM PLUS™ PID & Integrated Limit Controller


Watlow’s PM PLUS™, the enhanced EZ-ZONE® PM, is now more intuitive and features an enhanced interface for easier programming and readability with a SMOOTH-TOUCH™ keypad creating an industry leading user experience. The PM PLUS is backwards compatible with legacy EZ-ZONE PM controllers but offers many user upgrades including an intuitive menu flow allowing the controller to be easily configured. It also continues to offer the industry leading Bluetooth® connectivity with the EZ-LINK™ mobile app for remote access capability and full descriptions of parameters and error codes. The PM PLUS improves the user experience by reducing the complexity at the front of the control while eliminating the dependency of cables when configuring the product.

Like the original EZ-ZONE PM, the PM PLUS can be ordered as a PID controller, or an integrated controller with multiple functions combined into one.

EZ-ZONE® PM Legacy

The Watlow® LEGACY SERIES panel mount controller is an industry-leading PID controller that allows optimal performance utilizing simple control and menu functionality without complex features. It is ideally suited for basic applications and usage levels.

The LEGACY includes one universal input and an option for up to two outputs and is available in 1/32, and 1/16 DIN panel mount packages. It can be ordered as a PID process controller or as a dedicated over and under-temperature limit controller.

F4T with INTUITION®


The F4T with INTUITION temperature & process controller from Watlow offers a wide range of field removable I/O modules for maximum design flexibility. Configurations can be custom tailored to meet the scaling needs of a tremendous range of equipment and applications while providing exactly the hardware types required for compatibility. The F4T controller also features a 4.3 inch, color, graphical touch panel. Combining power, flexibility and functionality, this new controller offers unmatched versatility, and its best-in-class ease of use could very well make user manuals a thing of the past.

EZ-ZONE® PM Panel Mount Controller


The EZ-ZONE PM panel mount controller offers control options that reduce system complexity and thermal loop ownership cost. It can be ordered as a PID controller, an over/under limit controller or its functions can be combined into an integrated controller. An option to integrate a high amperage power controller output with a high-performance PID controller and an over/under limit controller in one space-saving, panel mount package is also available. Many communications options are offered to support connectivity needs.

Because the EZ-ZONE PM panel mount controller is highly scalable, you pay only for what is needed. This controller is available in 1⁄32,1⁄16,1⁄8 and 1⁄4 DIN panel mount packages. The EZ-ZONE PM controller is easy to use and is ideal for PID controller, over/under limit controller or integrated controller needs.

The Watlow PM range of controllers are being phased out, available untill 31/12/22.

EZ-Zone PM Controller End Of Life Product Selection Map

The new range of PM Legacy & PM PLUS controllers, superseeding PM, are available for replacement.

EZ-ZONE® RM Rail Mount Controller


The EZ-ZONE RM controller simplifies thermal system management. The EZ-ZONE RM integrated controller family is comprised of six module types: an integrated on-off or PID control, monitoring and over/under temperature limit controller module, a high-density on-off or PID control module, a high-density limit-only module, an input/output (I/O) expansion module, a high-density monitor/scanner module and a data logging and field communications access module. A system is configured by connecting any combination of module types to address specific application needs. The EZ-ZONE RM is extremely flexible and scalable allowing mixing and matching of I/O to configure 1 to 152 control loops and up to 256 monitor points.

RMA PLUS Remote Access Module


Watlow’s new RMA PLUS remote access module supports Watlow’s powerful EZ-ZONE® RM temperature controller family by communicating with and providing access to all EZ-ZONE RM modules in a system.

EZ-ZONE RMA users have had to spend more time than desired to connect their entire system. Now the RMA PLUS offers standard state-of-the-art connectivity from the device to the entire system. Real-time communication is possible via a built-in Ethernet switch or USB. Users can also connect to third-party and legacy devices because the RMA PLUS acts as a gateway between Modbus® TCP and Modbus® RTU.

The device comes standard with a built-in managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet jacks. Up to three Modbus® TCP sessions, three Watbus over Ethernet sessions and one Watbus over USB session is available in a single device.

Users can also log up to 16 gigabytes of data standard or upgrade to a maximum of 32 gigabytes. Configuration and data logs are available as Windows® files so they can be easily accessed. In addition, discovery and transfer speeds have gone from minutes with the legacy EZ-ZONE RMA to just seconds with the RMA PLUS.

RMA PLUS USER GUIDE

SERIES CV Temperature Controller


Watlow's family of microprocessor-based temperature controllers offers an economical solution for applications that require simple, on/off control. The SERIES CV temperature controller incorporates a microprocessor-design that delivers the repeatability, accuracy and performance advantages you can count on from Watlow's basic temperature controllers.

The SERIES CV controller includes an operator interface for viewing and set point control. A red, four-character, seven segment LED displays the set point to show process options. The set point control selection is made with a continuous turn rotary encoder. Operating range temperature values are user definable as specified in the product configuration part number. SERIES CV controllers are UL® and C-UL® listed and carry CSA and CE approvals. Watlow's temperature controllers include industry-leading service and support and are protected by a three-year warranty.

SERIES C USER MANUAL

SERIES CF Set Point Controller


Watlow's family of microprocessor-based temperature controllers offers an economical solution for applications that require simple, on-off control. The SERIES CF temperature controllers and set point controllers incorporate a microprocessor design that delivers the repeatability, accuracy and performance advantages you can count on from Watlow's basic temperature controllers. Fixed set points are available and an indicating display is an option. SERIES CF controllers are UL® and C-UL® listed and carry CSA and CE approvals. Watlow's temperature controllers include industry-leading service and support and are protected by a three-year warranty.

SERIES EHG® SL10 Controller


The SERIES EHG SL10 integrated, multi-function controller is a key component to a powerful system that integrates a heater, an adjustable set point temperature controller, a high/low temperature alert, a power switching device and a high temperature safety limit. Its agency recognized controller/safety limit meets UL® 1998 and CE 60730 requirements.

An optional display/communications module can be easily added in the field to provide a digital display indication, adjustment of set point, RS485 Modbus® communications and other Human Machine Interface (HMI) features. As a scalable system, only what is needed can be purchased. The EHG SL10 controllers' easy to install, compact design, inherent reliability and integrated limit functions offer unmatched value. It is designed for easy integration with Watlow heaters to simplify engineering, reduce component count for new equipment and decrease ownership cost. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), CE, SEMI-S2 compliance and UL® recognition, the EHG controller reduces time and costs associated with global agency testing and validation.

Series EHG SL10 User Manual

SERIES EHG®


Many applications requiring a fixed temperature set point rely on a mechanical thermostat for thermal control. Thermostats have proven, however, to be inadequate for many applications due to long-term reliability issues, such as 100,000 cycle rating and poor temperature control. The SERIES EHG® thermal solution includes a compact temperature control, thermocouple sensor and power switching device integrated into the heater's power cord. The SERIES EHG temperature control and sensor reduces system costs and lasts substantially longer than a conventional thermostat solution.

The evolution of miniature microprocessor technology and Watlow switching technology fostered development of a small, versatile temperature control and thermocouple sensor that is integrated with Watlow silicone rubber heater products. This device senses the temperature via input from a thermocouple strategically placed on the heater mat. The microprocessor is programmed prior to shipment with an application specific set point. This results in quick delivery of a custom, integrated system.

EZ-ZONE® ST Solid State Controller


The EZ-ZONE ST integrated solid state controller from Watlow offers a complete thermal system control solution in a single package. Features include a PID temperature controller connected to a high-amperage solid state relay with the option of adding a properly sized heat sink, an over- and under-temperature limit, a power shut-down contactor and digital communications in one complete and professionally engineered product.

Because the solid state controller system is modular and scalable, a user only pays for what is needed. Stacking the EZ-ZONE ST integrated controller into multiple configurations enables flexibility to standardize the product platform to solve a wide range of application needs.

EZ Zone ST User Manual