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The MathWorks Updates Simulink Control Design With Improved PID Tuning Features

New Capabilities Include Simplified Design and Tuning of PID Controllers

NATICK, Mass. - (23 Sep 2009)

The MathWorks today announced the availability of Simulink Control Design 3.0, equipped with new features that automate the process of tuning proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. These features are being released along with new PID Controller blocks in Simulink.

Engineers can use these blocks to quickly create PID controllers, select PID structure, include integrator anti-windup logic, convert from continuous-time to discrete-time domain, and prepare the controller for implementation on a processor using fixed-point arithmetic.

A new tuning algorithm in Simulink Control Design 3.0 automatically calculates PID controller gains based on desired phase margin and system bandwidth. A new user interface supports visual tuning of PID controllers for all types of plant models, without requiring expert knowledge of control theory. The resulting design can then be verified through simulation in Simulink, which reduces the amount of time needed for tuning and testing on expensive hardware prototypes. Engineers can then use Real-Time Workshop to automatically generate code for implementation on target microcontrollers.

Additional new features in Simulink Control Design 3.0 include:

• New functionality for advanced linear analysis. Users can now compute the frequency response of Simulink models using simulation. This helps engineers more easily linearize Simulink models that have strong discontinuities or event-based dynamics, with no model modification required.

• Ability to specify custom linearization for Simulink blocks and subsystems. Engineers can, for example, mark a Gain block as uncertain and linearize the model to create a corresponding uncertain system. Using Robust Control Toolbox with this system, users can then design a controller that meets stability and performance requirements in the presence of uncertainty.

Pricing and Availability

Simulink Control Design is immediately available for Microsoft Windows, Solaris, Linux, and Macintosh platforms. U.S. list prices start at US$1,000. More information, including international pricing, is available at www.mathworks.com/products/simcontrol.  

About The MathWorks

The MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, The MathWorks employs more than 2,000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Press Contacts

Dave Smith The MathWorks, Inc. Tel: (508) 647-7427 Fax: (508) 647-7001 E-mail: dave.smith@mathworks.com

Sean Audet Text 100 Tel: (617) 723-1044 E-mail: mathworks@text100.com Web: www.text100.com