Description   
3.4 Mode of operation 
  SIPART PS2 with and without HART 
26  Operating Instructions, 10/2013, A5E00074631-11 
 
Mode of operation 
Control loop 
The electropneumatic positioner forms a control loop with the pneumatic drive: 
●  The actual value x represents the position of the drive spindle for linear actuators or the 
position of the drive shaft for part-turn actuators. 
●  The control value w represents the positioning current of a closed-loop controller or a 
manual control station from 0/4 to 20 mA.  
The lifting or rotary movement of the actuator is transferred to a potentiometer using suitable 
attachments, positioner axis and a backlash-free, switchable gear drive, and then to the 
analog input of the microcontroller. The current position can also be forwarded to the 
positioner using an external sensor. A 
on-
ontacting Position 
ensor (NCS) is used to 
record the lifting or rotation angle directly on the actuator. 
The microcontroller: 
●  Corrects the angle error of the shaft pick-up if necessary. 
●  Compares the potentiometer voltage as actual value x with the setpoint w. The setpoint w 
is connected to terminals 6 and 7 by means of PROFIBUS communication. 
●  Calculates the manipulated variable increments ±∆y. 
The piezo-controlled inlet or exhaust air valve is opened depending on the magnitude and 
direction of the control deviation (x-w). The actuator volume integrates the controller 
increment for the actuating pressure y which is proportional to the drive rod or the drive 
shaft. This controller increment change the actuating pressure until the control deviation 
becomes zero.  
Pneumatic actuators are available in single and double-acting versions. In a single-acting 
version, only one pressure chamber is ventilated and depressurized. The pressure 
developed works against a spring. In a double-acting version, two pressure chambers work 
against each other. Ventilating the volume of one chamber simultaneously depressurizes the 
volume of the other.  
Block circuit diagram for signal-acting or dual-acting drives (Page 28)