Simulink is a model-based simulation and design environment for dynamic and embedded systems integrated with MATLAB. MathWorks also develop Simulink. It is a graphical data flow programming language for modeling, simulation, and analyzing dynamic systems. It is a visual tool for building block diagrams with a customizable set of block libraries. This software is available for macOS devices.

Primary features

• An interactive graphical environment for building block diagrams;

• An extensible library of ready-made blocks;

• Convenient tools for building multi-level hierarchical multi-component models;

• Tools for navigating and configuring parameters of complex models called Model Explorer;

• Tools of integration of ready-made C/C++, FORTRAN, ADA, and MATLAB algorithms into the model and interaction with external programs for modeling;

• Modern tools for solving differential equations for continuous, discrete, linear, and nonlinear objects, including objects with hysteresis and discontinuities;

• Simulation modeling of non-stationary systems using variable and constant step solvers of MATLAB-controlled batch modeling;

• Easy interactive visualization of output signals, tools for configuration, and actions for specifying input;

• Model debugging and analysis tools;

• Complete integration with MATLAB, including numerical methods, visualization, data analysis, and graphical interfaces.

Integration with MATLAB

Simulink for Mac is an independent MATLAB tool, so you don't need to know MATLAB and its other applications. However, access to MATLAB functions and its different tools remains open, and you can use them in Simulink. Some of the included packages have tools embedded in Simulink (for example, LTI-Viewer of the Control System Toolbox application, a control system development package).

There are also additional block libraries for different applications, such as Power System Blockset (simulation of electrical devices), Digital Signal Processing Blockset (a set of blocks for developing digital devices), etc.

Functionality

When working with Simulink for Mac, users can upgrade library blocks, create their own blocks, and compile new ones.

During simulation, users can choose the method of solving differential equations and the way of changing the model time (with fixed or variable steps). It is possible to monitor the processes occurring in the system. Special observation devices, included in the Simulink library, are used to do this. Simulation results can be presented as graphs or tables.

Interface

The library browser of Simulink for Mac has the following elements:

• A title with the name of the window (Simulink Library Browser);

• A menu with the File, Edit, View, and Help commands;

• A toolbar with shortcuts to the most commonly used commands;

• A comment window for displaying an explanatory message about the selected block;

• A list of library sections implemented as a tree;

• A window with the library partition content (a list of nested library partitions or blocks);

• A status bar containing a hint for the action being performed.

The Simulink has the following primary elements:

• Continuous: a library of constant elements, such as an integrator, differentiator, a linear ODE system, etc.);

• Discrete: a library of discrete components, such as an integrator with discrete time, a discrete filter, etc.);

• Functions & Tables: functions and tables, such as Matlab functions call, S functions, a block mapping input vector to output vector (using linear interpolation of values, defined in block parameters), etc.;

• Math: mathematical functions, such as absolute value, combinatorial logic, extraction of real and imaginary components of a complex number, etc.;

• Nonlinear: nonlinear elements, such as relay link, switch, etc.;

• Signals & Systems: signals and systems, such as a composite unit, input signal, output signal, multiplexer, demultiplexer, etc.;

• Sinks: display tools, such as timing diagram, the output of results to a file, stopping the execution of the model, etc.;

• Sources: signal sources, such as pulse/sinusoidal signals generator, random number generator, sawtooth signal generator, etc.;

• Subsystems: blocks of subsystems.