How to Select Components for Circuit Design in MATLAB Given Limited Library Options?

Hello MATLAB Community,

I'm currently working on a circuit design and am using MATLAB/Simulink for simulation. However, I'm finding that MATLAB's library has a limited selection of components, and it only includes specified designs that may not meet my exact requirements. I would appreciate any guidance on how to address this:

1. Are there recommended methods for adding custom components or modifying existing ones to fit specific design needs?
2. Are there third-party libraries or tools that integrate well with MATLAB/Simulink for more extensive component options?
3. For components not available in the library (e.g., specific transistors, diodes, inductors), what are best practices for approximating them within the limitations of the MATLAB environment?

Any advice on handling these limitations or suggestions for alternative approaches to component selection would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[Jakub]

Hi Naveen

There are plenty of electrical blocks within Simscape Foundation > Electrical & Simscape Electrical libraries.

Simscape

Simscape Electrical

Here you may find the reference demos.

Getting Started with Physical Modeling Using Simscape - MATLAB & Simulink

Moreover, there is a library of SPICE components.

If these blocks in Simscape Electrical and Simscape Foundation Libraries are not sufficient for you, you may define your owen custom blocks by using Simscape Language.

Simscape Language: Electronic Example - MATLAB & Simulink

If you are interestend in steady-state circuit simulations in MATLAB, you may go for MATPOWER

MATPOWER – Free, open-source tools for electric power system simulation and optimization

I hope it would be helpful for you.

Answer 1

[Antonino Riccobono]

Hi Naveen Sai,

The Simulink library blockset is strictly speaking not specialized for physical modeling in the electrical domain. Simscape Electrical is and it is a product to simulate electronic, mechatronic, and electrical power systems.

Some Simscape Electrical blocks (e.g. Diode, IGBT, MOSFET, and other power electronic semiconductor devices and bridges, and several motor blocks) support specific parameterization workflows that allow you to simulate real-world devices connected to your electrical networks. See Parameterization Methods and from that page you can follow the links under “Topics”. A relevant example that goes into that directions is: Optimize an Inverter Liquid Cooling System.

If you consider learning about this technology, please consider the Power Electronics Control Design training course I authored. See calendar, venues, and pricing at the View Schedule and Enroll link.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Antonino