The aim of the is lab is to gain knowledge and experience in using Simulink, its features and potential application areas.

Simulink, an acronym of simulation + link, is a graphical programming environment that sits on top of MATLAB and may be used for modelling, simulating, and analysing dynamic systems that can be described by differential equations, such as feedback control systems. Linear and nonlinear, continuous-time and discrete-time (or sampled) models may be developed to simulate, either analog or digital systems, or hybrid systems combining both.

The block diagramming graphical user interface (GUI) and customizable block libraries means that using Simulink to create a model is more like creating a pictorial engineering drawing; and because of the topographical similarity of this with a system’s block diagram description, it is easier to keep track of the parts of a complex systems model, understand signal flow and processing stages, monitor important signals; and, importantly, edit and expand them with ease at a future date when details may have been forgotten, or to pass on and share simulations with peers, who despite being less familiar with model details can quickly understand and use them.

Simulink is not only suited to modelling and investigating continuous and discrete control system designs. Once the Simulink Onramp Course has been completed, you will be able to quickly progress to more advanced, dedicated Simulink Toolboxes with more specialised modelling, simulation, and optimisation tools for other engineering topics, e.g. electronics, power electronics, wireless communications, electrical machines, power systems, signal processing. For each specialist Toolbox, there are further introductory courses which you may access via the Learn MATLAB option in the HOME/RESOURCES menu of the MATLAB command page.

This lab will facilitate your entry into more advanced, specialist simulation and design tools used in other courses and better prepare you to take on placement, group and individual final-year project work later. The systems built and measurements made during the lab may be recorded to evidence skills attainment.

To gain an appreciation of the use of Simulink in the modelling and simulation of dynamic continuous-time and discrete-time (i.e. sampled) control systems.

To become familiar with the schematic entry of continuous and discrete dynamic systems using Simulink’s block diagramming graphical user interface (GUI) and customizable block libraries through walking through the setting up, running and interpreting results of a number of simulation projects.

To complete the course and make a start on another, but also to be questioning of the simulation exercises to understand how they relate to and support the lectured Control Systems analysis and design work.

This lab will prepare you to claim the skill Dynamic system capture and simulation using Simulink. In completing it, experience will be gained in the use of the Simulink features of MATLAB to create models and examine the dynamic behaviour of a number of basic continuous-time and discrete-time systems, and prepare you to use more complex Simulink analysis and design Toolboxes – or indeed shareware equivalents - dedicated to specific engineering topics. The lab will take you through and present exercises and quizzes in the following:

• Learn about Simulink blocks and signals
• Visualize signal values during simulation
• Use maths and logic operators to write algorithms
• Access documentation from Simulink
• Practise working with maths and logic operators
• Use MATLAB variables and functions in Simulink
• Model discrete-time systems
• Model continuous-time systems
• Choose the simulation duration
• Practice your understanding of continuous dynamic systems

Open MATLAB and select Learn MATLAB within the top HOME/RESOURCES menu, as shown in .

From among the Self-Paced Online Courses, Select the Simulink Onramp if it is shown (), otherwise navigate to the course start link using the top right search tool.

Click Take course. This will ask you for your email address. You must enter your Bath email address ending in bath.ac.uk.

This will bring up the Single Sign On page. Enter your BUCS, Bath User id and password and accept the Online Services Agreement.

The course should take about 2 to 3 hours to complete. You are expected to finish it, so you are fully prepared for other Simulink courses.

If you finish and gain your completion certificate early, please start the Control Design Onramp with Simulink course to further develop your Simulink skills in modelling and understanding control systems.