System Dynamics Simulation

Learn to model dynamic systems using block diagrams and  a visual tool that lets you build and test dynamic system models using blocks instead of code.

Understanding Control Concepts 

Discover dynamic system modeling, essential control concepts, and PI control modes

Hands-on Learning

Explore how different tuning methods affect system stability and performance using Scilab/Xcos simulations

About the Course

Build a strong foundation in PI tuning with this fully asynchronous, self-paced course—an essential first step in your journey toward mastering PID control and process control as a whole. Learn to model dynamic systems using block diagrams and define key control concepts such as setpoint, controlled variable, manipulated variable, and load disturbance. Understand the differences between open- and closed-loop control behaviors, and explore Proportional, Integral, and PI control modes through hands-on Scilab/Xcos simulations. Develop practical skills to enhance system stability and performance—at your own pace. Your comments and feedback are always welcome to help us improve the course—feel free to reach out at [email protected] . Enroll now to get started!

About the Creator

I am a graduate engineer from the University of Los Andes (Colombia), with a career in process control that began in 1984. Over the decades, I’ve built deep, hands-on expertise across oil refining, petrochemical, mineral processing, fossil power generation, and pulp and paper industries. I am also a registered Professional Engineer in Canada. As the founder and CEO of Summa Control Solutions Inc., I specialize in the design, implementation, and commissioning of advanced control strategies, field instrumentation, loop performance monitoring, and optimal PID tuning. My work has delivered measurable value—boosting energy efficiency, increasing throughput, improving product quality, and unlocking millions in annual savings for industrial clients. Beyond the field, I am passionate about education. I’ve taught university and industry courses on process control, authored technical papers for international conferences, contributed to trade journals, and co-authored a chapter in the Process/Industrial Instruments and Controls Handbook (6th Edition). I also serve as one of the lead authors of the ISA-5.9 technical report on PID control. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your expertise, I bring real-world insights, clear instruction, and structured learning to every lesson. Feedback is always welcome—together, we continuously improve.

Course Curriculum

15 Chapters · 27 Lessons

  1. 1
    1. Welcome to my first online course Free preview
  2. 2
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Terms of Service and Private Policy

  3. 3
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Learner Insight Survey – Introduction to PID Tuning

    2. Where it all started: My PID tuning story Free preview
  4. 4
    1. Introduction & Learning Outcomes Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz - Introduction

  5. 5
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Translating the Physical World Into Concepts

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz - Block Diagram & Nomenclature

  6. 6
    1. Scilab/Xcos Simulation Tools Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Scilab/Xcos Quiz

  7. 7
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      First Order plus Deadtime (FODT) model

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      FODT - Quiz

  8. 8
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      PI Control Algorithm

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      PI Algorithm - Quiz

  9. 9
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Proportional Band Intuition

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Proportional Band - Quiz

  10. 10
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      P+I Intuition

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      PI- Quiz

  11. 11
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      (Some) Tuning Rules - Ziegler-Nichols Closed Loop Testing

    2. Ziegler-Nichols Closed Loop - Quiz Free preview
  12. 12
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      (Some) Tuning Rules - Error-Integral Criteria

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Tuning Using Open Loop Model - Quiz

  13. 13
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Which Tuning Method is Best?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Best Tuning - Quiz

  14. 14
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Limits of Tuning

    2. Limits of Tuning - Quiz Free preview
  15. 15
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflecting on Your Readiness for PID Tuning

What People Are Saying

Discover how this course is making a difference—helping individuals get started on the path to mastering PI tuning with real-world insight and practical know-how

”
Title: A PI tuning foundation you can build on! Comment: The course was well executed. Great content. No long calculus equations just straight forward practical learning that can be applied to the real world. The use of Scilab/Xcos was a great addition. It’s was first for me and I enjoyed it. It allowed me to see how different parameters and methods reacted. This was different from most courses where a trend is presented. It encourages student participation. I enjoyed the final portion the most. I had never been exposed to the other tuning methods (HATZ, CHATZ, etc.). Most entry level courses never mention anything outside of ZN or Lambda. It’s a great base to build on. Experimenting with the methods was interesting. Sigi’s knowledge and real world experience is obvious. I look forward to future courses. The biggest take away from this course is to always understand what you are changing. It looks easy on a simulator or when done by a professional with experience but that experience was earned. Industrial equipment is powerful. One small change is a process loop can ripple throughout a facility and have undesired results. Rated 5 out of 5
Mark

Energy Industry

”
Title: Concise & to the point, engaging and content that come from field experience  1. The course was concise: It laid out a little bit of history, the key concepts & terminology without unnecessary content and with primary sources cited.  2. It promoted the student engagement during the course with quizzes and the use of Scilab/Xcos.  3. The warnings, advice and notes cited/mentioned by the instructor only can come of someone with proven experience on field and a sound theoretical foundation.  4. I really enjoyed the systematic & concise comparison between the different tuning methods.  5. The self-paced method gave me flexibility to manage my times. I really recommend this training; it is a best value option that helps to build upon it a safe and sound tuning strategy approach in any industrial plant.  Rated 5 out of 5
Luis Navas 

Bayer Crop-Science

”
"Great Material Really really good. Thank you"
J.

Instrument Technician

Ready to Start Learning About PI Tuning?

Enroll now to gain practical skills,  and elevate your control theory/practical knowledge

$399.99

Enroll Now Free preview