use of other functions alongside analog input function - matlab

I have an analog input object (winsound) taking samples and performing a task on audio in MATLAB.
set(AI, 'SamplesAcquiredFcnCount',num_samples)
set(AI, 'SamplesAcquiredFcn',{#function1,AI,num_samples})
My understanding is that the analog input object just keeps taking samples, and hence function1 keeps being called when samples reach the set number. So it has 'priority'.
Now I have another function (function2), that I want to continuously process the (global) variables that the function1 updates. My problem is that in my current implementation function2 won't "come back" and look at the updated variables from the analog input.
I want to call function2 continuously up to a certain duration or condition, but how do I make it see the updated variables from the analog input function1? (they are already global, but once function2 has begun it doesn't get the updated variables, only as they were when it started).
I've tried to look into stuff in parallel computing toolbox to help me here, but haven't found anything. I really appreciate any help! This will really piece my project together

In the end the best way to ensure good side-by-side operation is just to call function2 inside function1. Since function1 is nicely controlled as a callback in the analog input object, this is the safest way to go about it.

Related

Solving an Algebraic Loop in Simulink using an Initial Value

I am building a circuit model for a transformer which models the effects of hysteresis. It does so using the Matlab function block on the right, and works successfully when tested in isolation. However, the value of the magnetising inductance Lm depends on calculations requiring the value of Im. But Simulink cannot determine the value of Im without the value of Lm, thus forming an algebraic loop.
However, I have the initial value for the inductance, Lm_initial loaded into the workspace. With this, I should be able to solve for the first Im value, which can be used to determine the next Lm, and so on. However, specifying Lm_initial in the variable inductor's properties doesn't work; Simulink tries to evaluate Lm with the nonexistent 'phi' and 'Im' values rather than trying to solve for an initial Im using the value of the initial inductance.
I have tried solutions involving commenting/uncommenting blocks and implementing further subsystems which activate/deactivate depending on the time step, as well as unit delays, but these run into issues regarding tracking time for calculating the derivatives or output very incorrect/noisy waveforms.
Is there a relatively simple solution for this case? The problem appears as if it'd be relatively simple to solve, but I cannot seem to find a workaround for this.
Transformer Equivalent Model
The exact placement of the unit delay in the loop might be the key here: try to place the unit delay between the [lm] GoTo block and the lm input of your MATLAB function block fcn, that should work. And set the initial condition parameter to Lm_initial.

How do I input variables into a Simulink model through MATLAB script (SimDriveline)

For my coursework project in MATLAB, I have decided to build a drive-line model within Simulink, using the SimDriveline toolbox. The idea is to get the user to input values for the various parameters that are associated with each part of the model, such as the engine or the transmission. I would like to able to write this in a MATLAB script, but I'm not sure how to assign the values that are input to the Simulink model. For instance, the stock sdl_vehicle example that comes with SimDriveline. I am aware of the sim() command, but I am still confused on how to use it properly.
Also at the end of the simulation, the program is supposed to display the graphs that are collected in the scope window. I know that in the window itself that the scope can be printed to a figure, but is it possible to print that scope to a figure through MATLAB script?
This is the first time I have ever used a program like MATLAB. I would appreciate any help I could get, many thanks in advance!
There is a simulink block called simin:
http://de.mathworks.com/help/simulink/slref/fromworkspace.html?searchHighlight=simin
I used it some days back and it worked quite well. You can use the block in your model and define some signals/varibles as input.
After that you may write a Matlab-Script with an input function to set all the previous defined input values.

Sampling time as an input-simulink

I am trying to make a library of functions that will allow me to parameterize filters and other function. In simulink standard blocks, I am only able to set a sampling time prior, rather than take an input. Is there any ideas on how I can create this? My first approach was to use conditionals and a clock to allow this parameter to exist, but the clock cannot be parameterized either.
Thanks in advance.
The only way to do this is to write each of your blocks as S-Functions.
If you are using m-code then within the setup method you'll need to define the block sample time as
block.SampleTimes = [-2 0];
then within the output method you'll need to set the next sample time (based on the value of the input signal) by assigning the new value into block.NextTimeHit.
An example of doing this can be found here: A Square Wave with Jitter
A similar thing can be done in a c-mex S-Function by using the mdlGetTimeOfNextVarHit method.

Change simulink parameters at runtime from the code/block flow

My initial problem is that I have a continuous transfer function which coefficients change with time.
Currently the TF's coefficients are expressed in function of the block mask parameters. These parameters are tunable, and if I change the value in the mask parameters dialog during a simulation the response seems to react appropriately.
However how can I do just that in the code/block flow? Basically, I
have the block parameter 'maskParam' which is set using the mask
parameters dialog, and in the mask initialization commands:
'param=maskParam'. 'param' is used in the transfer function and I
would like to change it in real time (as param=maskParam*f(t)).
I have already looked around and found relevant solutions but either it's unbelievably complicated; or the only transfer function which we are allowed to modify at runtime is discrete and 1) I would like to avoid z-transforming my quite complex TF (I don't have the control toolbox) 2) The sampling time seems to be fixed.. None uses this "dirty" technique of updating parameters, maybe that's the way around?
To illustrate:
I am assuming that you want to change your sim parameters whilst the simulation is running?
A solution is that you run your simulation for inf period and use/change a workspace variable during the simulation period to make the changes take effect.
for Example:
If you look at the w block, you can set it's value in runtime, by doing this:
set_param('my_model_name/w', 'value', 100); % Will change to 100 immediately
You can do similar things with arrays (i.e. a list of coefficients in your case).
HINT FOR YOU
You are using discrete transfer function block. Try the following:
1) Give your block a name e.g. fcn_1
2) In your script, type set_param('your_model_name/fcn_1', 'numerator', '[1 2]'); This will set the numerator value to [1 2]. Do the same for denominator.
3) You should be able to understand, through this exercise, how to handle the property names etc. so that you can change/get them using set_param/get_param.
I leave you to investigate further.
The short answer is that Simulink blocks are not really designed to do this. By definition, a transfer function is Liner-Time Invariant, meaning its characteristics (read coefficients) do not vary with time.
Having said that, there are some workarounds, such as the ones you mentioned in your question. These are the correct way to approach the problem I'm afraid, other than the set_param method suggested by #ha9u63ar. See also this blog on the subject on the MathWorks web site.

Any Tic Toc function in Simulink for embedded blocks

I have a system with some embedded Matlab blocks where I'd like to perform some actions after a certain amount of time, in this case turn on lights and switches in an interface to which I send signals from Simulink.
The problem is that I thought I'd use "tic"-"toc" and "while" in a Matlab function block to perform these actions, say one parameter becoming 1 after 5 seconds, the following parameter becoming 1 after 12 seconds and so on, but I noticed that tic-toc apparently doesn't work in Simulink for embedded functions.
Is there any similar functions that could be used in Simulink for embedded functions or is there any other way to do this?
Edit: I've tried to get the clock's time as well, but it's a growing value. Is there any way to "lock" the time as a parameter when the block's function is executed?
You shouldn't be using absolute time in an embedded system, which is at least one of the reasons why tic-toc and clock from MATLAB don't work with Simulink Coder.
You should create your own counter, which you start and stop when you need to.
This is pretty easy to do using a Unit Delay and Summation block.
If you need to be able to enable and/or reset the counter then use the appropriate block from the Additional Discrete library.