In this paper, we discuss the implementation and tuning algorithms of a variable-, fractional-order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller based on Grünwald-Letnikov difference definition. All simulations are executed for the third-order plant with a delay. The results of a unit step response for all described implementations are presented in a graphical and tabular form. As the qualitative criteria, we use three different error values, which are the following: a summation of squared error (SSE), a summation of squared time weighted error (SSTE) and a summation of squared time-squared weighted error (SST2E). Besides three types of error values, obtained results are additionally evaluated on the basis of an overshoot and a rise time of the output signals achieved by systems with the designed controllers.
Keywords: PID control; fractional differences; variable-order.