Ziegler-Nichols Method

The Ziegler-Nichols method is a way to tune a control system, like a thermostat, to work efficiently. It involves first increasing the controller's input until the system begins to oscillate steadily. The key measurements are the gain (how much input affects output) at this point and the oscillation period. Using these, specific formulas help set the controller parameters, balancing stability and responsiveness. This method provides a systematic approach for achieving good control performance without extensive trial-and-error.