Control Tutorials For MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Control Tutorials For MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
SYSTEM
PID of Simulink is the ability to take on initial conditions. When a transfer function is
FREQUENCY
Contents
STATE-SPACE
Starting Simulink
DIGITAL Model Files
Basic Elements
Running Simulations
MODELING
Building Systems
CONTROL
The idea behind these tutorials is that you can view them in one window while
running Simulink in another window. System model files can be downloaded
from the tutorials and opened in Simulink. You will modify and extend these
system while learning to use Simulink for system modeling, control, and
simulation. Do not confuse the windows, icons, and menus in the tutorials for
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 1/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
your actual Simulink windows. Most images in these tutorials are not live - they
simply display what you should see in your own Simulink windows. All Simulink
operations should be done in your Simulink windows.
Starting Simulink
Simulink is started from the MATLAB command prompt by entering the following
command:
simulink
Alternatively, you can hit the Simulink button at the top of the MATLAB window
as shown here:
When it starts, Simulink brings up a single window, entitled Simulink Start Page
which can be seen here.
Once you click on Blank Model, a new window will appear as shown below.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 2/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Model Files
simple.slx
Open this file in Simulink by entering the following command in the MATLAB
command window. (Alternatively, you can load this file using the Open option in
the File menu in Simulink, or by hitting Ctrl-O in Simulink).
simple
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 3/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
A new model can be created by selecting New from the File menu in any
Simulink window (or by hitting Ctrl-N).
Basic Elements
There are two major classes of items in Simulink: blocks and lines. Blocks are
used to generate, modify, combine, output, and display signals. Lines are used
to transfer signals from one block to another.
Blocks
There are several general classes of blocks within the Simulink library:
Blocks have zero to several input terminals and zero to several output terminals.
Unused input terminals are indicated by a small open triangle. Unused output
terminals are indicated by a small triangular point. The block shown below has
an unused input terminal on the left and an unused output terminal on the right.
Lines
Lines transmit signals in the direction indicated by the arrow. Lines must always
transmit signals from the output terminal of one block to the input terminal of
another block. On exception to this is a line can tap off of another line, splitting
the signal to each of two destination blocks, as shown below (right-click here
and then select Save link as ... to download the model file called split.slx).
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 4/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Lines can never inject a signal into another line; lines must be combined through
the use of a block such as a summing junction.
A signal can be either a scalar signal or a vector signal. For Single-Input, Single-
Output (SISO) systems, scalar signals are generally used. For Multi-Input, Multi-
Output (MIMO) systems, vector signals are often used, consisting of two or
more scalar signals. The lines used to transmit scalar and vector signals are
identical. The type of signal carried by a line is determined by the blocks on
either end of the line.
Simple Example
The simple model consists of three blocks: Step, Transfer Function, and Scope.
The Step is a Source block from which a step input signal originates. This signal
is transferred through the line in the direction indicated by the arrow to the
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 5/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Transfer Function Continuous block. The Transfer Function block modifies its
input signal and outputs a new signal on a line to the Scope. The Scope is a
Sink block used to display a signal much like an oscilloscope.
There are many more types of blocks available in Simulink, some of which will
be discussed later. Right now, we will examine just the three we have used in
the simple model.
Modifying Blocks
This dialog box contains fields for the numerator and the denominator of the
block's transfer function. By entering a vector containing the coefficients of the
desired numerator or denominator polynomial, the desired transfer function can
be entered. For example, to change the denominator to
(1)
[1 2 4]
and hit the close button, the model window will change to the following,
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 6/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
The Step block can also be double-clicked, bringing up the following dialog box.
The default parameters in this dialog box generate a step function occurring at
time = 1 sec, from an initial level of zero to a level of 1 (in other words, a unit
step at t = 1). Each of these parameters can be changed. Close this dialog
before continuing.
The most complicated of these three blocks in the Scope block. Double-clicking
on this brings up a blank oscilloscope screen.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 7/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
When a simulation is performed, the signal which feeds into the scope will be
displayed in this window. Detailed operation of the scope will not be covered in
this tutorial.
Running Simulations
Download and open this file in Simulink following the previous instructions for
this file. You should see the following model window.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 8/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Before running a simulation of this system, first open the scope window by
double-clicking on the scope block. Then, to start the simulation, either select
Run from the Simulation menu, click the Play button at the top of the screen, or
hit Ctrl-T.
The simulation should run very quickly and the scope window will appear as
shown below.
Note that the step response does not begin until t = 1. This can be changed by
double-clicking on the step block. Now, we will change the parameters of the
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 9/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
system and simulate the system again. Double-click on the Transfer Function
block in the model window and change the denominator to:
[1 20 400]
Re-run the simulation (hit Ctrl-T) and you should see the following in the scope
window.
Since the new transfer function has a very fast response, it compressed into a
very narrow part of the scope window. This is not really a problem with the
scope, but with the simulation itself. Simulink simulated the system for a full ten
seconds even though the system had reached steady state shortly after one
second.
To correct this, you need to change the parameters of the simulation itself. In the
model window, select Model Configuration Parameters from the Simulation
menu. You will see the following dialog box.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 10/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
There are many simulation parameter options; we will only be concerned with
the start and stop times, which tell Simulink over what time period to perform the
simulation. Change Start time from 0.0 to 0.8 (since the step doesn't occur until
t = 1.0). Change Stop time from 10.0 to 2.0, which should be only shortly after
the system settles. Close the dialog box and rerun the simulation. Now, the
scope window should provide a much better display of the step response as
shown below.
Building Systems
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 11/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
In this section, you will learn how to build systems in Simulink using the building
blocks in Simulink's Block Libraries. You will build the following system.
If you would like to download the completed model, right-click here and then
select Save link as ....
First, you will gather all of the necessary blocks from the block libraries. Then
you will modify the blocks so they correspond to the blocks in the desired model.
Finally, you will connect the blocks with lines to form the complete system. After
this, you will simulate the complete system to verify that it works.
Gathering Blocks
Create a new model (New from the File menu or hit Ctrl-N). You will get a
blank model window.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 12/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
This will bring up the Sources block library. Sources are used to generate
signals.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 13/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Drag the Step block from the Sources window into the left side of your
model window.
From this library, drag a Sum and Gain block into the model window and
place them to the right of the Step block in that order.
First, from this library, drag a PID Controller block into the model window
and place it to the right of the Gain block.
From the same library, drag a Transfer Function block into the model
window and place it to the right of the PID Controller block.
Drag the Scope block into the right side of the model window.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 14/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Modify Blocks
Double-click on the Sum block. Since you will want the second input to be
subtracted, enter +- into the list of signs field. Close the dialog box.
Double-click the Gain block. Change the gain to 2.5 and close the dialog
box.
Double-click the PID Controller block and change the Proportional gain to 1
and the Integral gain to 2. Close the dialog box.
Double-click the Transfer Function block. Leave the numerator [1], but
change the denominator to [1 2 4]. Close the dialog box. The model should
appear as:
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 15/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Similarly, change the name of the Transfer Function block to Plant. Now, all
the blocks are entered properly. Your model should appear as:
Now that the blocks are properly laid out, you will now connect them together.
Follow these steps.
Drag the mouse from the output terminal of the Step block to the positive
input of the Sum input. Another option is to click on the Step block and then
Ctrl-Click on the Sum block to connect the two togther. You should see the
following.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 16/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
The resulting line should have a filled arrowhead. If the arrowhead is open
and red, as shown below, it means it is not connected to anything.
You can continue the partial line you just drew by treating the open
arrowhead as an output terminal and drawing just as before. Alternatively, if
you want to redraw the line, or if the line connected to the wrong terminal,
you should delete the line and redraw it. To delete a line (or any other
object), simply click on it to select it, and hit the delete key.
Draw a line connecting the Sum block output to the Gain input. Also draw a
line from the Gain to the PI Controller, a line from the PI Controller to the
Plant, and a line from the Plant to the Scope. You should now have the
following.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 17/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
The line remaining to be drawn is the feedback signal connecting the output
of the Plant to the negative input of the Sum block. This line is different in
two ways. First, since this line loops around and does not simply follow the
shortest (right-angled) route so it needs to be drawn in several stages.
Second, there is no output terminal to start from, so the line has to tap off of
an existing line.
Drag a line off the negative portion of the Sum block straight down and
release the mouse so the line is incomplete. From the endpoint of this line,
click and drag to the line between the Plant and the Scope. The model
should now appear as follows.
Finally, labels will be placed in the model to identify the signals. To place a
label anywhere in the model, double-click at the point you want the label to
be. Start by double-clicking above the line leading from the Step block. You
will get a blank text box with an editing cursor as shown below.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 18/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Type an r in this box, labeling the reference signal and click outside it to end
editing.
Label the error (e) signal, the control (u) signal, and the output (y) signal in
the same manner. Your final model should appear as:
To save your model, select Save As in the File menu and type in any desired
model name. The completed model can be downloaded by right-clicking here
and then selecting Save link as ....
Simulation
Now that the model is complete, you can simulate the model. Select Run from
the Simulation menu to run the simulation. Double-click on the _Scope_block to
view its output and you should see the following:
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 19/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
K = 2.5
This variable can now be used in the Simulink Gain block. In your Simulink
model, double-click on the Gain block and enter the following the Gain field.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 20/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Close this dialog box. Notice now that the Gain block in the Simulink model
shows the variable K rather than a number.
Now, you can re-run the simulation and view the output on the Scope. The result
should be the same as before.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 21/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Now, if any calculations are done in MATLAB to change any of the variables
used in the Simulink model, the simulation will use the new values the next time
it is run. To try this, in MATLAB, change the gain, K, by entering the following at
the command prompt.
K = 5
Start the Simulink simulation again and open the Scope window. You will see
the following output which reflects the new, higher gain.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 22/23
2/22/2018 Control Tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink - Simulink Basics Tutorial
Besides variables and signals, even entire systems can be exchanged between
MATLAB and Simulink.
http://ctms.engin.umich.edu/CTMS/index.php?aux=Basics_Simulink 23/23