Code Generation with MATLAB Function Block

Composing a MATLAB Language Function in a Simulink Model

The MATLAB Function block lets you compose a MATLAB^® language function in a Simulink^® model that generates embeddable code. When you simulate the model or generate code for a target environment, a function in a MATLAB Function block generates efficient C/C++ code. This code meets the strict memory and data type requirements of embedded target environments. In this way, the MATLAB Function blocks bring the power of MATLAB for the embedded environment into Simulink.

For more information about the MATLAB Function block and code generation, refer to the following:

• MATLAB Function block reference page in the Simulink documentation

• Implementing MATLAB Functions Using Blocks (Simulink)

• Code Generation Workflow (MATLAB Coder)

MATLAB Function Block with Data Type Override

When you use the MATLAB Function block in a Simulink model that specifies data type override, the block determines the data type override equivalents of the input signal and parameter types. The block then uses these equivalent values to run the simulation. The following table shows how the MATLAB Function block determines the data type override equivalent using

• The data type of the input signal or parameter

• The data type override settings in the Simulink model

For more information about data type override, see fxptdlg.

Input Signal or Parameter Type	Data Type Override Setting	Data Type Override Applies To Setting	Override Data Type
Inherited single	Double	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in double
	Single	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Floating-point	fi scaled double
Specified single	Double	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in double
	Single	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Floating-point	fi scaled double
Inherited double	Double	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in double
	Single	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Floating-point	fi scaled double
Specified double	Double	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in double
	Single	All numeric types or Floating-point	Built-in single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Floating-point	fi scaled double
Inherited Fixed	Double	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi double
	Single	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi scaled double
Specified Fixed	Double	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi double
	Single	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi single
	Scaled double	All numeric types or Fixed-point	fi scaled double

For more information about using the MATLAB Function block with data type override, see Using Data Type Override with the MATLAB Function Block (Simulink).

Fixed-Point Data Types with MATLAB Function Block

Code generation from MATLAB supports a significant number of Fixed-Point Designer™ functions. Refer to Functions Supported for Code Acceleration or C Code Generation for information about which Fixed-Point Designer functions are supported.

For more information on working with fixed-point MATLAB Function blocks, see:

• Specifying Fixed-Point Parameters in the Model Explorer

• Using fimath Objects in MATLAB Function Blocks

• Sharing Models with Fixed-Point MATLAB Function Blocks

Note

To simulate models using fixed-point data types in Simulink, you must have a Fixed-Point Designer license.

Specifying Fixed-Point Parameters in the Model Explorer

You can specify parameters for a MATLAB Function block in a fixed-point model using the Model Explorer. Try the following exercise:

1. Place a MATLAB Function block in a new model. You can find the block in the Simulink User-Defined Functions library.

2. Open the Model Explorer by selecting View > Model Explorer from your model.

3. Expand the untitled* node in the Model Hierarchy pane of the Model Explorer. Then, select the MATLAB Function node. The Model Explorer now appears as shown in the following figure.

   

The following parameters in the Dialog pane apply to MATLAB Function blocks in models that use fixed-point and integer data types:

Treat these inherited Simulink signal types as fi objects

Choose whether to treat inherited fixed-point and integer signals as fi objects.

• When you select Fixed-point, the MATLAB Function block treats all fixed-point inputs as Fixed-Point Designer fi objects.

• When you select Fixed-point & Integer, the MATLAB Function block treats all fixed-point and integer inputs as Fixed-Point Designer fi objects.

MATLAB Function block fimath

Specify the fimath properties for the block to associate with the following objects:

• All fixed-point and integer input signals to the MATLAB Function block that you choose to treat as fi objects.

• All fi and fimath objects constructed in the MATLAB Function block.

You can select one of the following options for the MATLAB Function block fimath:

• Same as MATLAB — When you select this option, the block uses the same fimath properties as the current default fimath. The edit box appears dimmed and displays the current default fimath in read-only form.

• Specify Other — When you select this option, you can specify your own fimath object in the edit box.

For more information on these parameters, see Using fimath Objects in MATLAB Function Blocks.

Using fimath Objects in MATLAB Function Blocks

The MATLAB Function block fimath parameter enables you to specify one set of fimath object properties for the MATLAB Function block. The block associates the fimath properties you specify with the following objects:

• All fixed-point and integer input signals to the MATLAB Function block that you choose to treat as fi objects.

• All fi and fimath objects constructed in the MATLAB Function block.

You can set these parameters on the following dialog box, which you can access through either the Model Explorer (Simulink) or the Ports and Data Manager (Simulink).

• To access this pane through the Model Explorer:

  • Select View > Model Explorer from your model menu.

  • Then, select the MATLAB Function block from the Model Hierarchy pane on the left side of the Model Explorer.

• To access this pane through the Ports and Data Manager, select Tools > Edit Data/Ports from the MATLAB Editor menu.

When you select Same as MATLAB for the MATLAB Function block fimath, the MATLAB Function block uses the current default fimath. The current default fimath appears dimmed and in read-only form in the edit box.

When you select Specify other the block allows you to specify your own fimath object in the edit box. You can do so in one of two ways:

• Constructing the fimath object inside the edit box.

• Constructing the fimath object in the MATLAB or model workspace and then entering its variable name in the edit box.

  Note

  If you use this option and plan to share your model with others, make sure you define the variable in the model workspace. See Sharing Models with Fixed-Point MATLAB Function Blocks for more information on sharing models.

The Fixed-Point Designer isfimathlocal function supports code generation for MATLAB.

Sharing Models with Fixed-Point MATLAB Function Blocks

When you collaborate with a coworker, you can share a fixed-point model using the MATLAB Function block. To share a model, make sure that you move any variables you define in the MATLAB workspace, including fimath objects, to the model workspace. For example, try the following:

1. Place a MATLAB Function block in a new model. You can find the block in the Simulink User-Defined Functions library.

2. Define a fimath object in the MATLAB workspace that you want to use for any Simulink fixed-point signal entering the MATLAB Function block as an input:

   F = fimath('RoundingMethod','Floor','OverflowAction','Wrap',...
       'ProductMode','KeepLSB','ProductWordLength',32,...
       'SumMode','KeepLSB','SumWordLength',32)
    
   F =
           RoundingMethod: Floor
           OverflowAction: Wrap
              ProductMode: KeepLSB
        ProductWordLength: 32
                  SumMode: KeepLSB
            SumWordLength: 32
            CastBeforeSum: true

3. Open the Model Explorer by selecting View > Model Explorer from your model.

4. Expand the untitled* node in the Model Hierarchy pane of the Model Explorer, and select the MATLAB Function node.

5. Select Specify other for the MATLAB Function block fimath parameter and enter the variable F into the edit box on the Dialog pane. Click Apply to save your changes.

   You have now defined the fimath properties to be associated with all Simulink fixed-point input signals and all fi and fimath objects constructed within the block.

6. Select the Base Workspace node in the Model Hierarchy pane. You can see the variable F that you have defined in the MATLAB workspace listed in the Contents pane. If you send this model to a coworker, that coworker must first define that same variable in the MATLAB workspace to get the same results.

7. Cut the variable F from the base workspace, and paste it into the model workspace listed under the node for your model, in this case, untitled*. The Model Explorer now appears as shown in the following figure.

   

   You can now email your model to a coworker. Because you included the required variables in the workspace of the model itself, your coworker can simply run the model and get the correct results. Receiving and running the model does not require any extra steps.