Rapid Prototyping with Simulink: Quick Guide and Example

To do rapid prototyping with Simulink, create a model using blocks, then use Simulink Coder to generate code automatically. Deploy this code to your target hardware quickly for real-time testing and iteration.

Syntax

Rapid prototyping in Simulink involves these key steps:

• Create Model: Use Simulink blocks to build your system model visually.
• Configure Hardware: Set up your target hardware in Simulink's configuration parameters.
• Generate Code: Use Simulink Coder to convert your model into C/C++ code.
• Deploy & Test: Download the generated code to hardware and run tests.

matlab

model = 'rapidProtoExample';
new_system(model);
open_system(model);
add_block('simulink/Sources/Sine Wave', [model '/Sine Wave']);
add_block('simulink/Sinks/Scope', [model '/Scope']);
add_line(model, 'Sine Wave/1', 'Scope/1');
save_system(model);

Example

This example shows how to create a simple Simulink model, generate code, and prepare for rapid prototyping.

matlab

% Create and open a new Simulink model
model = 'rapidProtoExample';
new_system(model);
open_system(model);

% Add a Sine Wave block and a Scope block
add_block('simulink/Sources/Sine Wave', [model '/Sine Wave']);
add_block('simulink/Sinks/Scope', [model '/Scope']);

% Connect Sine Wave output to Scope input
add_line(model, 'Sine Wave/1', 'Scope/1');

% Save the model
save_system(model);

% Set hardware target for rapid prototyping (example: generic real-time target)
set_param(model, 'SystemTargetFile', 'ert.tlc');

% Generate code for the model
rtwbuild(model);

% Close the model
close_system(model, 0);

Output

### Starting build procedure for: rapidProtoExample
### Successful completion of build procedure for: rapidProtoExample

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when doing rapid prototyping with Simulink include:

• Not setting the correct SystemTargetFile for your hardware, causing code generation errors.
• Forgetting to connect blocks properly, leading to simulation or code generation failures.
• Ignoring solver settings that affect real-time execution.
• Not installing required toolboxes like Simulink Coder or hardware support packages.

Always verify model connections, hardware configuration, and toolbox availability before generating code.

matlab

%% Wrong: Missing hardware target setting
model = 'rapidProtoExample';
new_system(model);
set_param(model, 'SystemTargetFile', ''); % No target set
rtwbuild(model); % This will fail

%% Right: Set hardware target before build
set_param(model, 'SystemTargetFile', 'ert.tlc');
rtwbuild(model); % This succeeds

Quick Reference

Tips for rapid prototyping with Simulink:

• Use Simulink Coder for automatic code generation.
• Configure your hardware target in model settings before building.
• Test your model in simulation before code generation.
• Use scopes and displays to monitor signals in real-time.
• Iterate quickly by modifying the model and regenerating code.

Key Takeaways

Build your system visually in Simulink using blocks for fast model creation.

Set the correct hardware target in model configuration for successful code generation.

Use Simulink Coder to generate and deploy code quickly to your hardware.

Test your model in simulation before hardware deployment to catch errors early.

Iterate your design by updating the model and regenerating code for rapid improvements.