Simulink Requirements Toolbox: Overview and Usage

The Simulink Requirements Toolbox is a tool in MATLAB that helps you create, manage, and trace requirements for your Simulink models. It connects requirements directly to your design and tests, making it easier to verify that your system meets its goals.

How It Works

The Simulink Requirements Toolbox works like a digital notebook where you write down what your system should do, called requirements. Imagine you are building a car model: you list requirements like "the car must stop within 5 meters." This toolbox lets you link each requirement to parts of your Simulink model and tests, so you can see if the design meets those needs.

It helps keep everything organized by tracking changes and showing how requirements relate to your model components and test results. This way, if you change a requirement, you can quickly find what parts of your model or tests are affected, just like updating a recipe and knowing which ingredients to adjust.

Example

Here is a simple example showing how to create and link a requirement to a Simulink model using MATLAB commands.

matlab

import slreq.*

% Create a new requirements document
reqDoc = slreq.requirements.create('MyRequirements');

% Add a requirement
req1 = reqDoc.add('ID', 'REQ001', 'Text', 'The system shall stop within 5 meters.');

% Link the requirement to a model block (example block path)
modelName = 'myCarModel';
blockPath = [modelName '/BrakeController'];
req1.linkTo(blockPath);

% Display the requirement text and linked block
disp(['Requirement: ' req1.Text]);
disp(['Linked to block: ' blockPath]);

Output

Requirement: The system shall stop within 5 meters.
Linked to block: myCarModel/BrakeController

When to Use

Use the Simulink Requirements Toolbox when you need to clearly define and manage what your system must do, especially in complex projects. It is very helpful in industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics where safety and standards require strict documentation and verification.

It is ideal when you want to connect requirements directly to your design and tests, making it easier to track progress and ensure compliance. For example, if you are developing a control system for a drone, this toolbox helps you keep track of flight safety requirements and verify them through simulation.

Key Points

• Helps create, organize, and manage system requirements.
• Links requirements directly to Simulink models and tests.
• Tracks changes and impact across design and verification.
• Supports compliance with industry standards.
• Improves communication between engineers and stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

Simulink Requirements Toolbox connects system requirements to your Simulink models and tests.

It helps organize and track requirements changes and their impact on your design.

Use it to ensure your system meets specifications and industry standards.

It is especially useful in complex, safety-critical projects.

You can create and link requirements programmatically using MATLAB commands.