Updated Discussions

The MATLAB Online Training Suite has been updated in the areas of Deep Learning and traditional Machine Learning! These are great self-paced courses that can get you from zero to hero pretty quickly.
Deep Learning Onramp (Free to everyone!) has been updated to use the dlnetwork workflow, such as the trainnet function, which became the preferred method for creating and training deep networks in R2024a.
Machine Learning Onramp (Free to everyone) has been updated with the following enhancements:
  • Content streamlined to reduce the focus on data processing and feature extraction, and emphasize the machine learning workflow.
  • Course example simplified by using a sample of the original data.
  • Classification Learner used in the course where appropriate.
The rest of the updates are for subscribers to the full Online Training Suite
The Deep Learning Techniques in MATLAB for Image Applications learning path teaches skills to tackle a variety of image applications. It is made up of the following four short courses:
Two more deep learning short courses are also available:
The Machine Learning Techniques in MATLAB learning path helps learners build their traditional machine learning skill set:
Frank
Frank
Last activity on 1 Feb 2025

AI chat Playground - your opinion?

Hi
If you have used the playground and are familiar with its capabilities, I will be very interested in your opinion about the tool.
Thank you in advance for your reply/opinion.
At
What is the side-effect of counting the number of Deep Learning Toolbox™ updates in the last 5 years? The industry has slowly stabilised and matured, so updates have slowed down in the last 1 year, and there has been no exponential growth.Is it correct to assume that? Let's see what you think!
releaseNumNames = "R"+string(2019:2024)+["a";"b"];
releaseNumNames = releaseNumNames(:);
numReleaseNotes = [10,14,27,39,38,43,53,52,55,57,46,46];
exampleNums = [nan,nan,nan,nan,nan,nan,40,24,22,31,24,38];
bar(releaseNumNames,[numReleaseNotes;exampleNums]')
legend(["#release notes","#new/update examples"],Location="northwest")
title("Number of Deep Learning Toolbox™ update items in the last 5 years")
ylabel("#release notes")
Manfred Kreidl
Manfred Kreidl
Last activity on 27 Jan 2025

Connection stability problem?

Hello,
could it be that there is currently is a stability problem with the MQTT-Broker? I can establisth a connection successfully using the MQTTX client (web and win64 installation). I tried all possible ports an connection types. It disconnects all the time after a few seconds of establishing a connection successfully. So it was not possible to subscribe any item. I do not think the problem is in my side... By the way, protocol verision 3.1.1 ist supported, 5.0 not, am I right?
Maybe you could give me a hint,
Best regards,
Manfred
Currently, according to the official documentation, "DisplayName" only supports character vectors or single scalar string as input. For example, when plotting three variables simultaneously, if I use a single scalar string as input, the legend labels will all be the same. To have different labels, I need to specify them separately using the legend function with label1, label2, label3.
Here's an example illustrating the issue:
x = (1:10)';
y1 = x;
y2 = x.^2;
y3 = x.^3;
% Plotting with a string scalar for DisplayName
figure;
plot(x, [y1,y2,y3], DisplayName="y = x");
legend;
% To have different labels, I need to use the legend function separately
figure;
plot(x, [y1,y2,y3], DisplayName=["y = x","y = x^2","y=x^3"]);
Error using plot
Value must be a character vector or a string scalar.
% legend("y = x","y = x^2","y=x^3");
Bernard P S
Bernard P S
Last activity on 27 Jan 2025

Water flow sensor using ESP8266

Need code to collect data of waterflow sensor using ESP 8266 and to stoe it in ThingSpeak cloud
In one of my MATLAB projects, I want to add a button to an existing axes toolbar. The function for doing this is axtoolbarbtn:
axtoolbarbtn(tb,style,Name=Value)
However, I have found that the existing interfaces and behavior make it quite awkward to accomplish this task.
Here are my observations.
Adding a Button to the Default Axes Toolbar Is Unsupported
plot(1:10)
ax = gca;
tb = ax.Toolbar
Calling axtoolbarbtn on ax results in an error:
>> axtoolbarbtn(tb,"state")
Error using axtoolbarbtn (line 77)
Modifying the default axes toolbar is not supported.
Default Axes Toolbar Can't Be Distinguished from an Empty Toolbar
The Children property of the default axes toolbar is empty. Thus, it appears programmatically to have no buttons, just like an empty toolbar created by axtoolbar.
cla
plot(1:10)
ax = gca;
tb = ax.Toolbar;
tb.Children
ans = 0x0 empty GraphicsPlaceholder array.
tb2 = axtoolbar(ax);
tb2.Children
ans = 0x0 empty GraphicsPlaceholder array.
A Workaround
An empty axes toolbar seems to have no use except to initalize a toolbar before immediately adding buttons to it. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that an axes toolbar that appears to be empty is really the default toolbar. While we can't add buttons to the default axes toolbar, we can create a new toolbar that has all the same buttons as the default one, using axtoolbar("default"). And then we can add buttons to the new toolbar.
That observation leads to this workaround:
tb = ax.Toolbar;
if isempty(tb.Children)
% Assume tb is the default axes toolbar. Recreate
% it with the default buttons so that we can add a new
% button.
tb = axtoolbar(ax,"default");
end
btn = axtoolbarbtn(tb);
% Then set up the button as desired (icon, callback,
% etc.) by setting its properties.
As workarounds go, it's not horrible. It just seems a shame to have to delete and then recreate a toolbar just to be able to add a button to it.
The worst part about the workaround is that it is so not obvious. It took me a long time of experimentation to figure it out, including briefly giving it up as seemingly impossible.
The documentation for axtoolbarbtn avoids the issue. The most obvious example to write for axtoolbarbtn would be the first thing every user of it will try: add a toolbar button to the toolbar that gets created automatically in every call to plot. The doc page doesn't include that example, of course, because it wouldn't work.
My Request
I like the axes toolbar concept and the axes interactivity that it promotes, and I think the programming interface design is mostly effective. My request to MathWorks is to modify this interface to smooth out the behavior discontinuity of the default axes toolbar, with an eye towards satisfying (and documenting) the general use case that I've described here.
One possible function design solution is to make the default axes toolbar look and behave like the toolbar created by axtoolbar("default"), so that it has Children and so it is modifiable.
Three former MathWorks employees, Steve Wilcockson, David Bergstein, and Gareth Thomas, joined the ArrayCast pod cast to discuss their work on array based languages. At the end of the episode, Steve says,
> It's a little known fact about MATLAB. There's this thing, Gareth has talked about the community. One of the things MATLAB did very, very early was built the MATLAB community, the so-called MATLAB File Exchange, which came about in the early 2000s. And it was where people would share code sets, M files, et cetera. This was long before GitHub came around. This was well ahead of its time. And I think there are other places too, where MATLAB has delivered cultural benefits over and above the kind of core programming and mathematical capabilities too. So, you know, MATLAB Central, File Exchange, very much saw the future.
Listen here: The ArrayCast, Episode 79, May 10, 2024.
I am curious as to how my goal can be accomplished in Matlab.
The present APP called "Matching Network Designer" works quite well, but it is limited to a single section of a "PI", a "TEE", or an "L" topology circuit.
This limits the bandwidth capability of the APP when the intended use is to create an amplifier design intended for wider bandwidth projects.
I am requesting that a "Broadband Matching Network Designer" APP be developed by you, the MathWorks support team.
One suggestion from me is to be able to cascade a second section (or "pole") to the first.
Then the resulting topology would be capable of achieving that wider bandwidth of the microwave amplifier project where it would be later used with the transistor output and input matching networks.
Instead of limiting the APP to a single frequency, the entire s parameter file would be used as an input.
The APP would convert the polar s parameters to rectangular scaler complex impedances that you already use.
At that point, having started out with the first initial center frequency, the other frequencies both greater than and less than the center would come into use by an optimization of the circuit elements.
I'm hoping that you will be able to take on this project.
I can include an attachment of such a Matching Network Designer APP that you presently have if you like.
That network is centered at 10 GHz.
Kimberly Renee Alvarez.
310-367-5768
Hi everyone
The R2025a pre-release is now available to licensed users. I highly encourage you to download, give it a try and give us some feedback.
The first thing I tried was switching to Dark mode. Here's the magic
>> s = settings;
>> s.matlab.appearance.MATLABTheme.PersonalValue = "Dark";
Mike Croucher
Mike Croucher
Last activity on 20 Jan 2025

Multiple AIs in the chat playground

When I want to understand a problem, I'll often use different sources. I'll read different textbooks, blog posts, research papers and ask the same question to different people. The differences in the solutions are almost always illuminating.
I feel the same way about AIs. Sometimes, I don't want to ask *THE* AI...I want to ask a bunch of them. They'll have different strengths and weaknesses..different personalities if you want to think of it that way.
I've been playing with the AI chat arena and there really is a lot of difference between the answers returned by different models. https://lmarena.ai/?arena
I think it would be great if the MATLAB Chat playgroundwere to allow the user to change which AI they were talking with.
What does everyone else think?
Steve Eddins
Steve Eddins
Last activity on 16 Jan 2025

Thoughts about TIMEIT

I just published a blog post called "The Story of TIMEIT." I've been thinking about writing something like this ever since Mike Croucher's tic/toc blog post last spring.
There were a lot of opinions about TIMEIT expressed in the comments of that blog post, including some of mine.
My blog post today gives a more full history of the function, its design goals, and how it works. I thought it might prompt more discussion, so I'm creating this thread as a place for it.
If you are an interested user of TIMEIT, feel free to weigh in here with your thoughts. Perhaps the thread will influence MathWorks regarding what to do with TIMEIT, or with related performance measurement capabilities.
Overview
Authors:
  • Narayanaswamy P.R. Iyer
  • Provides Simulink models for various PWM techniques used for inverters
  • Presents vector and direct torque control of inverter-fed AC drives and fuzzy logic control of converter-fed AC drives
  • Includes examples, case studies, source codes of models, and model projects from all the chapters.
About this book
Successful development of power electronic converters and converter-fed electric drives involves system modeling, analyzing the output voltage, current, electromagnetic torque, and machine speed, and making necessary design changes before hardware implementation. Inverters and AC Drives: Control, Modeling, and Simulation Using Simulink offers readers Simulink models for single, multi-triangle carrier, selective harmonic elimination, and space vector PWM techniques for three-phase two-level, multi-level (including modular multi-level), Z-source, Quasi Z-source, switched inductor, switched capacitor and diode assisted extended boost inverters, six-step inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), brushless DC motor (BLDCM) and induction motor (IM) drives, vector-controlled PMSM, IM drives, direct torque-controlled inverter-fed IM drives, and fuzzy logic controlled converter-fed AC drives with several examples and case studies. Appendices in the book include source codes for all relevant models, model projects, and answers to selected model projects from all chapters. 
This textbook will be a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in electrical and electronics engineering, power electronics, and AC drives. It is also a hands-on reference for practicing engineers and researchers in these areas.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-62784-2
  
I want to share a new book "Introduction to Digital Control - An Integrated Approach, Springer, 2024" available through https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-66830-2.
This textbook presents an integrated approach to digital (discrete-time) control systems covering analysis, design, simulation, and real-time implementation through relevant hardware and software platforms. Topics related to discrete-time control systems include z-transform, inverse z-transform, sampling and reconstruction, open- and closed-loop system characteristics, steady-state accuracy for different system types and input functions, stability analysis in z-domain-Jury’s test, bilinear transformation from z- to w-domain, stability analysis in w-domain- Routh-Hurwitz criterion, root locus techniques in z-domain, frequency domain analysis in w-domain, control system specifications in time- and frequency- domains, design of controllers – PI, PD, PID, phase-lag, phase-lead, phase-lag-lead using time- and frequency-domain specifications, state-space methods- controllability and observability, pole placement controllers, design of observers (estimators) - full-order prediction, reduced-order, and current observers, system identification, optimal control- linear quadratic regulator (LQR), linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) estimator (Kalman filter), implementation of controllers, and laboratory experiments for validation of analysis and design techniques on real laboratory scale hardware modules. Both single-input single-output (SISO) and multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems are covered. Software platform of MATLAB/Simlink is used for analysis, design, and simulation and hardware/software platforms of National Instruments (NI)/LabVIEW are used for implementation and validation of analysis and design of digital control systems. Demonstrating the use of an integrated approach to cover interdisciplinary topics of digital control, emphasizing theoretical background, validation through analysis, simulation, and implementation in physical laboratory experiments, the book is ideal for students of engineering and applied science across in a range of concentrations.
Kevin
Kevin
Last activity on 14 Jan 2025

Alternative publisher?

I had originally planned on publishing my book via a traditional publisher, but am now reconsidering whether to use Amazon.com. I use Matlab and Latex in my book. It appears that it is not possible to publish is with Amazon due to this. Advice? Thanks. Kevin Passino
I am excited to share my new book "Introduction to Mechatronics - An Integrated Approach, Springer, 2023" available through https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-29320-7.
This textbook presents mechatronics through an integrated approach covering instrumentation, circuits and electronics, computer-based data acquisition and analysis, analog and digital signal processing, sensors, actuators, digital logic circuits, microcontroller programming and interfacing. The use of computer programming is emphasized throughout the text, and includes MATLAB for system modeling, simulation, and analysis; LabVIEW for data acquisition and signal processing; and C++ for Arduino-based microcontroller programming and interfacing. The book provides numerous examples along with appropriate program codes, for simulation and analysis, that are discussed in detail to illustrate the concepts covered in each section. The book also includes the illustration of theoretical concepts through the virtual simulation platform Tinkercad to provide students virtual lab experience.
Chen Lin
Chen Lin
Last activity on 14 Jan 2025

MATLAB Central 2024 In Review

Let's celebrate what made 2024 memorable! Together, we made big impacts, hosted exciting events, and built new apps.
Resource links:
This is not a question, but a point of discussion for the entire community. I am aware that every 1/2 months this theme comes out, but until this is not fixed it is totally necessary that this comes, indeed, out. And I said "fix" because Mathworks has to understand that a dark theme is not only a visual/aesthetic matter, it is a substantial part of the game. Most of the OS, GUIs, programs are actually in dark mode, and a vast majority of the users makes indeed use of a global dark mode. How much one does like it is personal, but the benefits to power savings and eye health is instead a fact. Mathworks being ignoring this for years is nothing but ridiculous. Of course it is not an easy task, but every minute of committment for it is worthy. And nope, Schemer is not helpful because it does not provide a real fix to this question.
I feel free to suggest something similar to the Spyder's dark theme, which came out like 2 years ago if I remember correctly.
Of course, my point is not being disrespectful (I am instead very respectful to the huge efforts of Mathworks for making this wonderful program run). But, form a user's point of view, the fact that not a single word has so far come out from Mathworks about a dark theme (meaning that for sure we will not see it in a timing of months) requires us to put a strong pressure on this.
Mathworks, please: it's time for a dark theme.
Welcome to MATLAB Central's first Ask Me Anything (AMA) session! Over the next few weeks, I look forward to addressing any questions or curiosities you might have about MATLAB, the forum, sasquatches, or whatever's on your mind. Having volunteered as a contributor to this community before joining MathWorks, I'm excited to act as a bridge between these two worlds. Let's kick things off by sharing a little-known fact about the forum’s staff contributors!
A couple of years ago, before I joined MathWorks as a developer on the Graphics and Charting team, I often wondered who were the MathWorkers with the [staff] moniker answering questions in the Answers forum. Is their MATLAB Central activity part of their day-to-day job expectations? Do they serve specific roles on some kind of community outreach team? Is their work in the forum voluntary in the same way that non-staff contributors volunteer their time?
Now that I'm on the inside, I'd like to share a secret with my fellow MATLAB users and MATLAB Central enthusiasts: with the exception of the MathWorks Support Team, staff participation in the Answers forum is completely voluntary! The staff contributions you see in the forum arise from pure intrinsic motivation to connect with users, help people out of ruts, and spread the word about our product!
For example, Steven Lord has contributed 20-150 answers per month for 9 years! Steven is a quality engineer for core MATLAB numerical functions. Cris LaPierre develops training material and has been a faithful contributor in the forum for almost 6 years! Kojiro Saito and Akira Agata have been tackling Japanese content for more than 7 years! There are many others who have inspired me as a user, and I am honored to now call colleagues: Peter Perkins, Michio, Joss Knight, Alan Weiss, Jiro Doke, Edric Ellis, and many others who deserve appreciation.
The forum's success hinges on the invaluable contributions from the majority of non-staff volunteers, whose dedication and expertise fuel our community. But I know I wasn't alone in wondering about these staff contributors, so now you're in on the secret!
I'm curious to know what other topics you're interested in learning about. Ask me anything!

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