How to send data to a block continuously, like through clock block in simulink.

I am working on traffic simulation in Simulink. trying to show movement using coordinate system i am trying to makeup. I am facing following problem in that.

For now just consider x axis

For translation of car on x axis tried using FOR loop in embedded MATLAB function but it doesn`t give values of intermediate iterations.

When For Subsytem is used it gives out array on N size if N iterations are done.

But the desired Output should be scalar so as to feed it to VRsignal Expander(consider set to 1)

now How can i send values from that N sized array one by one by using another for loop ? n get the same problem again

well i think i m applying wrong Logic to this problem

If there is totally different and simpler way out to solve the problem of sending data continuously. i`ll appreciate the help.

[Paulo Silva]

I posted an answer but wasn't working properly, I will try to find a way

[Paulo Silva]

Just tested a new way, see answer below, it's working here.

Answer 1

[Paulo Silva]

here's a simple way, insert a Constant block in your model, start the simulation from 0 to inf

Now in one m file put a loop with this line of code inside

set_param('MyModelName/Constant','Value',num2str(DataToModel))

Change MyModelName with the name of your model file and DataToModel with the data you want to send, here's a simple example

Make a model with the Constant connected to a Display, run it to inf

Put the next code in one m file and run it

for a=1:0.1:10
set_param('MyModelName/Constant','Value',num2str(a)) %send a to the model
pause(1) %pause for 1 second
end

Now see the value in the display changing

[Piyush]

thanx alot.

i just learnt a new technique with ur method. When i read ur answer i thought yes it will work definitely.

but as i tried the Value in Constant block is changing as expected but same is not reflected in display..or in my vrmodel..

i have to click Run button again n again to see updated result..

any way out for this?

[Paulo Silva]

are you running the simulation with inf in the simulation stop time?

[Piyush]

well gr8 it worked indeed.thanks.

i had set the time to 10 secs.

this mechanism is giving me complete control over variables.

it would be nice if we can manage to intiate n Run then .m file from Model only.

[Paulo Silva]

you can control simulink models from m files and vice versa, just read the documentation and use your imagination :)

[Piyush]

well thanx sir. u solved my week long problem...

[Piyush]

it took long to figure out already known solution.

used Embedded Matlab Function Block(with no output variable) now it is changing the value of Constant Block only..its not coming to Display Sink.

simulation is set to inf.i also tried making subsystem of this loop function. but no use.

Answer 2

[Kaustubha Govind]

The 'From Workspace' block is specifically designed to allow you to do this sort of thing. (If you have your data in a .mat file, you can use the 'From File' block).

Note that, Simulink needs you to provide time-stamps with your data, so it can determine what data-sample to use at the current time-step.

[Piyush]

yes From Workspace block requires timestamps along with data. But i will have no idea at what time the m file is to be called so i cant assume timestamps in advance. also i want to send arguments to the loop in m file

so i m avoiding From Workspace Block.

i Have plans of using Level2 Matlab S-function Block.

Please alert me n guide if u feel I m going in wrong direction.Thnx

[Kaustubha Govind]

In that case, you may find it useful to use the Selector (http://www.mathworks.com/help/toolbox/simulink/slref/selector.html) block in "Index vector (port)" mode, with the "index vector" input as a scalar value sweeping from 1 to N. The Counter Limited (http://www.mathworks.com/help/toolbox/simulink/slref/counterlimited.html) block can be used to generate that kind of sweep.

Answer 3

[Erçin]

Is there any opposite way send data to M-File with Simulink?

[Walter Roberson]

'To Workspace' block. http://www.mathworks.com/help/toolbox/simulink/slref/toworkspace.html