MTS Acumen - Manual (Page 168)

Tune for Specimen
Quick access:
Explorer tab > Set Up > New Specimen > Tune for Specimen
About Tuning
Tuning refers to the process of adjusting your test system so that system performance matches specimen
characteristics. When you tune, you are setting the response and stability of the servo control loop.
While precise tuning is not usually necessary, inaccurate tuning increases the error and phase lag between
command and feedback. If the error is large, it can reduce control accuracy and repeatability, and prevent
the full program command from being applied to the specimen.
Improper tuning, especially for the force control mode, may cause the system to become unstable.
Warning :
Improper tuning may cause unintended actuator movement.
A moving actuator can injure anyone in its path.
Tune all control modes properly before using your system.
Recommended :
Before selecting Force or Displacement as the active control mode, always perform auto tuning
in stable displacement, verify the tuning response, and adjust as necessary.
Auto Tuning and Verification Is Adequate in Most Cases
Though MTS TestSuite software offers several tuning levels, most situations require that you perform only
the auto tuning and verification procedures. Higher levels of tuning involving manual control adjustments
are the exception. See
Auto Tune - Generate Specimen Characteristics (p. 172) and Verifying the Tuning
Set (p. 174).
Available Tuning Levels
MTS TestSuite software offers the following tuning levels:
• Auto tuning
• Verification
• Basic manual adjustment (using master gain controls)
• Advanced manual adjustment (using individual inner and outer-loop tuning controls)
• Expert manual adjustment (using all of the individual tuning controls and filter settings in the controller
software)
168 | MTS Acumen ™
Best Practices for Other System Configurations and Tests