Is there a MATLAB simulation time command supported by Simulink Design Verifier?

I am working on a Simulink model with a MATLAB Function block. The function in the function block requires the current simulation time. At the moment this is solved via an input with a Digital Clock block.

Is there a MATLAB command that could do this and is compatible with the Simulink Design Verifier?

[Pat Canny]

Hi @Joshua,

I'll look into this for you.

If you're in a hurry, I recommend contacting MathWorks Technical Support.

Thanks.

[Joshua]

Hi

That woud be very helpful.

Thank you.

[Pat Canny]

Hi @Joshua,

I got several options from some internal experts:

• To get the simulation time at the MATLAB prompt: "get_param(bdroot,'SimulationTime')"
• To get the simulation time inside a MATLAB System block: matlab.system.getcurrenttime
• To get the simulation time inside a Stateflow chart (MATLAB action language): getSimulationTime();
• To get the simulation time inside a MATLAB Function block: we don't think there is a function for that. If the block is fixed-step discrete, the recommendation is to take the sample time as a parameter and count the time in the code.

Hopefully that helps. If so, let me know and I can submit this as an Answer.

[Joshua]

Hi

Yes that was very helpfull.

Thank you.

Answer 1

[TED MOSBY]

Hi @Joshua,

In a MATLAB Function block in Simulink, you can access the current simulation time without needing a “Digital Clock” block. You can do this by passing the simulation time as an input to your function.

Add a Clock Block:

• In your Simulink model, add a “Clock” block from the Simulink library (found under Sources).

Connect the Clock Block:

• Connect the output of the “Clock” block to the input of your MATLAB Function block. This will pass the current simulation time to the function.

Define the MATLAB Function:

• Edit your MATLAB Function block to accept the simulation time as an input. Here’s an example of how to define your function:

function output = myFunction(time) 
% Use the current simulation time 
currentTime = time;  

% Example operation using current time 
output = currentTime^2; % Replace with your desired computation 
end 

Hope this helps!

Here is the documentation for the “clock block”:

www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/slref/clock.html?searchHighlight=clock%20block&s_tid=srchtitle_support_results_1_clock%20block