SimulationX Control Libraries

The domain Controls permits to model open- and closed-loop controls for physical systems, using modeling approaches common in control theory. Controller and plant can both be simulated within the same model, each using the best suiting modeling approach. The Controls domain contains a collection of libraries for block-oriented modeling of signal flow models and also provides a tool for the direct integration of UML state charts (Statechart Designer).

 

Additionally, controllers and control algorithms can be directly implemented in the Modelica^® modeling language. The functionality of the Controls domain is supplemented by specialized controller models in application domains such as Power Transmission.

SimulationX Control Libraries

 

Linear Signal Blocks

The Linear Signal Blocks library is used for the description of linear systems using signal flow diagrams. The linear signal blocks can be used, e.g., for implementing arbitrary continuous-time linear systems as well as complex analog control structures.

 

Nonlinear Signal Blocks

The Nonlinear Signal Blocks library contains elements for nonlinear signal processing. Apart from the application in purely signal-oriented models and substructures they can be used for modeling different kinds of nonlinearities.

 

Signal Sources

The Signal Sources library provides powerful means to describe arbitrary time-dependent signals (impulses, periodic signals, arbitrary transient signals) as well as multidimensional characteristic curves. The signals can be generated as functions of time, as well as functions of one or more input quantities. Curves can be specified manually (entering tables or placing points in a chart), or read from data files (such as measured time series). Thus the library serves as a powerful interface for data import into SimulationX too.

 

Special Signal Blocks

The Special Signal Blocks library extends the SimulationX possibilities for modeling nonlinear effects, for performing signal analysis, for observing and handling events and thus for the modeling of, e.g., sequential control structures and systems which structurally change during simulation. Thus, the library supplements the Signal Sources, the Linear Signal Blocks, and the Nonlinear Signal Blocks.

 

Time-Discrete Signal Blocks

The Time-Discrete Signal Blocks library is tailored for solving tasks in time-discrete (digital) signal processing. In particular, the model objects in the library are suited for the modeling of digital controllers and filters. The library elements seamlessly integrate into continuous-time simulation models. The library provides the necessary interfacing elements and the step size control in the simulation algorithm ensures that the sampling time instants are exactly met and processed during simulation.

 

Switches

The Switches Library is used for the modeling of structurally changing signal processing structures. Thus it allows to model control algorithms, logical conditions, and structurally variable systems on signal level.

 

Statechart Designer

The Statechart Designer can be used to comfortably model and simulate complex time-discrete and state-discrete control systems inside SimulationX. It supports the reliable modeling of physical effects or technical sub-systems with discrete states (e.g. friction, hysteresis, valves, and switches) as well. Based on a large subset of the UML Statechart standard models can be designed intuitively in a comfortable graphical editor.

Interfaces

ecICP and ecCST Interfaces

ecICP and ecCST, two software tools developed and distributed by ExpertControl are used for feedback-controled design applications. In order to significantly simplify and accelerate the design of control systems, the two tools are an integral part of SimulationX.

 

MATLAB^®/Simulink^® Interfaces

In industrial applications the tool MATLAB/Simulink is often used for the design, dimensioning, and testing of controllers. In order to support this process using SimulationX plant models, SimulationX incorporates several interfaces interacting with MATLAB/Simulink. These include the export of models to Simulink as C code, the import of Simulink models as C code, and co-simulation.