SimElectronics

Modeling Mechatronic Systems

SimElectronics provides libraries of motors, actuators, drivers, and sensor components. You can connect components, such as H-bridges, servomotors, and potentiometers, to model mechatronic systems. The models you create can be grouped into subsystems, enabling you to build libraries of mechatronic components, such as those used in robotics, aircraft actuation, and active vehicle systems. Connecting these systems with control systems modeled in Simulink^® lets you test integrated mechatronic systems in a single environment.

SimElectronics libraries of actuators, drivers, and sensors for modeling mechatronic systems.

In addition to the traditional input-output or signal flow connections used in Simulink, SimElectronics uses physical connections that permit the flow of power in any direction. Models of mechatronic systems built using physical connections (or acausal models) closely resemble the physical system they represent, and are easier to understand and share.

Many of the component models in SimElectronics let you adjust the level of fidelity. You can either include or neglect certain effects, such as temperature-dependent behavior. For systems using pulse-width modulation (PWM), you have the option of setting the simulation mode to Averaged for faster simulation or to PWM to see the effects of switching on your system.

SimElectronics model (top left) of a controlled DC motor. Changing the simulation mode in the Parameters dialog box (right) balances the tradeoff of simulation speed and model fidelity, as seen in the graphs showing the results for simulations using Averaged mode (bottom left) and PWM mode (bottom right).

To help you specify realistic parameter values, various parameterization methods are provided for many components. You can read parameter values directly from data sheets or assign equivalent circuit parameters.