Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a process using a neural network which operates as part of a closed loop control system. The state of the control system is defined by one or more process condition signals and monitored for a predetermined set of controller parameters. The output of the control system is one or more device control signals, used by a control device to alter a process being controlled. The neural network uses normalized values of process condition signals in combination with a predetermined set of controller parameters to produce correction control signals. The correction control signals are then used to the create device control signals. Proper normalization of at least one of the process condition signals using the throttling range set by the controller parameters is necessary. The remaining input signals must be normalized as well, but the method of normalization is not as critical, except to create a common range for all process condition signals input to the neural network.

Abstract: A deadband control assistant, operating as part of a control system, eliminates oscillation of a controlled process output around a desired setpoint. The deadband control defines a deadband range, and steady-state-stabilization-time for the process being controlled. When the process output is within the deadband range and oscillation around the setpoint occurs for the steady-state-stabilization-time, the error is set to zero. The control signal may simultaneously be set, or may settle to a fixed value. The deadband control assistant thus allows the process output to stabilize as close as possible to the desired setpoint. Normal process control may resume once the process output strays outside the deadband range.