A frequently used approach with PLCs to control tension is to change the speed of a roller or a winder. This means the tension controller increases or decreases the local web speed in a web line to influence the tension behavior. The feedback signal could be a tension signal from a load cell as well as an angular or position feedback of a rotational or a linear dancer. The change of the local web speed is mostly limited by 5-10%. Based on the definition of the web speed, with a master drive the local speeds are changed from a tension controller.

For most simulation cases, the usage of a Tension Control component together with a Speed Motor component is sufficient. If it is needed to analyze the behavior of the speed controller it is possible to replace the Speed Motor component with a Speed Control component and a Torque Motor component.