Integrating MATLAB/Simulink with PLCs is essential for optimizing automation and control systems. It enables prototyping, plant simulation, and optimization across industries like manufacturing and automotive. There are several methods to integrate MATLAB/Simulink with PLCs, each suited to different needs and environments:
Desktop Simulation
MATLAB/Simulink provides toolboxes supporting a wide range of communication protocols commonly used with PLCs, for example:
- OPC UA, Modbus®: Industrial Communication Toolbox
- CAN: Vehicle Network Toolbox
- Serial-RS232*, TCP/IP, UDP: MATLAB & Instrument Control Toolbox.
* Configuring this Serial blocks to work with the Allan-Bradley DF-1 RS-232 protocol would require an understanding of the DF-1 messaging. This option would not work "out of the box".
Desktop simulations with MATLAB/Simulink operate in non-real-time. Use Simulation Pacing to slow down the Simulink simulation to approximate real-world time.
Real-Time Simulation
Simulink Real-Time can be used to run control algorithms and plant models on a dedicated Speedgoat real-time target machine, enabling Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing of PLCs. Speedgoat machines can communicate with PLCs through an extensive range of I/O modules and advanced fieldbus protocols, such as CAN, CANopen, EtherCAT®, EtherNet/IP™, Modbus (TCP and RTU), OPC UA, PROFINET®.
- Communication Protocols supported by Speedgoat
- Automated PLC Testing with Simulink Real-Time & Speedgoat
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Programming PLCs with MATLAB/Simulink
Simulink PLC Coder generates hardware-independent IEC 61131 structured text from Simulink models, compatible with PLCOpen XML and other file formats supported by widely used integrated development environments (IDEs). As a result, you can compile and deploy your application to numerous programmable logic controller (PLC) and programmable automation controller (PAC) devices. It also creates test benches that help you verify the structured text using IDEs and simulation tools. Support for industry standards is available through IEC Certification Kit. More information about Simulink PLC Coder and IEC Certification Kit is available here:
- Simulink PLC Coder
- IEC Certification Kit (for ISO 26262 and IEC 61508)
- IEC Certification Kit Supported Standards and Products
Some PLCs can be programmed using C code. Simulink Coder & Embedded Coder generates C code from Simulink and Stateflow models that has the clarity and efficiency of professional handwritten code. Support for industry standards is available through IEC Certification Kit (for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262) and DO Qualification Kit (for DO-178).
