Defining and Managing Signals and Parameters

Simulink enables you to define and control the attributes of signals and parameters associated with your model. Signals are time-varying quantities represented by the lines connecting blocks. Parameters are coefficients that help define the dynamics and behavior of the system.

Signal and parameter attributes can be specified directly in the diagram or in a separate data dictionary. Using the Model Explorer, you can manage your data dictionary and quickly repurpose a model by incorporating different data sets.

You can define the following signal and parameter attributes:

1. Data type - single, double, signed or unsigned 8-, 16-, or 32-bit integers; fixed-point; and Boolean

2. Dimensions - scalar, vector, or matrix

3. Complexity - real, imaginary, or complex number

4. Minimum and maximum range, and engineering units

You can also specify the signal sampling mode as sample-based or frame-based, to enable faster execution of signal processing applications in Simulink and the Signal Processing Blockset (available separately).

Using Simulink data objects, you can define bus signals, data structures, and user-defined data types. Bus signals let you define interfaces between design components. Simulink lets you determine the level of signal specification. If you do not specify data attributes, Simulink determines them via propagation. You can specify only component interfaces or all data for your model. In all instances, Simulink conducts consistency checking to ensure data integrity.

You can restrict the scope of your parameters to specific parts of your model through a hierarchy of workspaces, or share them across models via a global workspace.

Using the Model Explorer, you can navigate, create, configure, and search all signals, parameters, and properties of your model. Click on image to see enlarged view.