Parallel structure and tuning of a fuzzy PID controller

In this paper, a parallel structure of fuzzy PID control systems is proposed. It is associated with a new tuning method which, based on gain margin and phase margin specifications, determines the parameters of the fuzzy PID controller. In comparison with conventional PID controllers, the proposed fuzzy PID controller shows higher control gains when system states are away from equilibrium and, at the same time, retains a lower profile of control signals. Consequently, better control performance is achieved. With the proposed formula, the weighting factors of a fuzzy logic controller can be systematically selected according to the plant under control. By virtue of using the simplest structure of fuzzy logic control, the stability of the nonlinear control system can be analyzed and a sufficient BIBO stability condition is given. The superior performance of the proposed controller is demonstrated through an experimental example. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.