ctrlX OS License - Model Connect

ctrlX OS - Model Connect

The Model Connect app acts as an intermediary for connecting ctrlX OS devices to powerful market toolchains for model-based software development (MBSD). By utilizing the ctrlX Data Layer, these toolchains directly benefit from data streams provided by other ctrlX OS apps, such as through the connection of fieldbus devices. This architecture also enables use cases beyond MBSD, such as simulation, virtual commissioning, and live condition monitoring – each leveraging the capabilities of the connected tools.

A first and highly requested connectivity product is the integration of MathWorks Simulink® models . This makes it possible not only to integrate Simulink® library elements and variables from the ctrlX Data Layer, but also to directly integrate MATLAB® functions and scripts into the model.

Why model-based software development (MBSD)?

MBSD uses descriptive design languages ​​to define system behavior and functionalities and to automatically generate control code from them. The code design process is simplified by the use of models, which can be in graphical or textual form, such as UML diagrams, state diagrams, or block diagrams in simulation environments. The goal of MBSD is to improve the quality, efficiency, and maintainability of software development.

MBSD promotes the use of templates and nested structures, as well as thinking in black-box models. This allows developers to focus on the functionality and behavior of the software instead of dealing with implementation details – a low-code alternative in software development.

ctrlX OS Target for Simulink®

Dive into model-based software development and leverage the power of MathWorks Simulink® via a Simulink® plugin specifically designed for ctrlX OS devices such as the ctrlX CORE.

Key functions

• A freely available MATLAB/Simulink® support package for modeling inputs and outputs of external components as well as variables from the ctrlX data layer. It also includes templates and sample projects.
• Convenient, automated and deterministic deployment of C++ code from MATLAB/Simulink® to ctrlX OS devices at the touch of a button (requires MATLAB Coder and Simulink or Embedded Coder).
• A runtime environment on the ctrlX OS device within the Model Connect app for compiling, running, and managing multiple real-time models. The enhanced "Synchronous Bundle" enables harmonization with the scheduler.
• A live and real-time data connection that allows the behavior of ctrlX OS to be manipulated and visualized from both MATLAB/Simulink® and the Model Connect app.

What is it like to work with Model Connect and Simulink®?

Software development – ​​even with MBSD – is a continuous process. Therefore, the workflow for generating, deploying, compiling, testing, and visualizing the modeled control behavior has been designed to be as simple as possible: at the push of a button . This allows developers to focus consistently on functionality, while changes to models and submodels can be implemented quickly and easily.

| NEW! | Real-time execution of FMUs on a ctrlX OS device

The Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) defines a standardized interface that allows different simulation software to be coupled together. Currently, more than 200 simulation systems on the market support this standard, including open-source tools such as openModelica . The direct execution of FMI 2.0 co-simulation FMUs on a ctrlX OS device offers users significantly more freedom in choosing tools to implement their own process chains for model-based software development. Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) are files containing a simulation model that conforms to the FMI standard.

The Model Connect app is currently available in two versions:

Basic License

The Basic license offers a streamlined range of functions for modeling control systems with limited direct intervention options in the model:

• A maximum of three new inputs and three existing data layer inputs per model.
• The executed model runs "freely" outside the scheduler context.
• Model outputs are unlimited

Performance License

The functionality of the performance license is not limited:

• Any number of new and existing data layer inputs per model
• Synchronization with other ctrlX OS apps is possible via the scheduler.
• Model outputs are unlimited