| Graphical Model Editing Extensive Library of Blocks NL-SIM comes with an extensive library of blocks. Each of the component blocks has an informative icon representation which identifies its function, important parameters, and timing information. NL-SIM’s block library includes: Linear Blocks - Constant
- Sum
- Gain
- Integrator
- Transfer function
- Derivative
Nonlinear Blocks - Backlash
- Hysteresis
- Dead zone
- Limiter
- Product
Discrete Time Blocks - Discrete transfer function
- Zero order hold
- Unit delay
- Unit delay with variable length
- Multiply by sample time
- Sample time as a constant
Source Blocks - Sine wave
- Pulse generator
- Step function
- White noise
- Sawtooth wave
- Null
- Square wave
Connection Blocks - Multiplexor
- Demultiplexor
- Import
- Export
- Conduit
- Tunnel
User Defined Functions - Quick function editor (1 line)
- Large function editor (300 lines)
- 7-D Look-up table
Customizable Blocks NL-SIM allows you to create your own library of blocks. Block functions can be built up from subsystems, the function editor or the algorithm editor. The Quick Function Editor allows you to type a one-line function and have that function appear graphically on the face of a block ready to connect to the rest of your model. This eliminates the problem of having hundreds of simple function blocks clutter up your library. The Large Algorithm Editor allows you to type in up to 300 lines of equations for more complex blocks using all of the mathematical and logical functions. Blocks can also contain full dynamics expressed in a continuous simulation language. Block pictures can be customized with a whole range of drawing tools. There is also the capability to bring in bit-mapped images and place them on your icons. back to top Hierarchical Modeling NL-SIM’s hierarchical modeling structure allows you to group portions of models into subsystems represented by a single block. This helps to organize large-scale models, makes them easier to understand, easier to test, and easier to divide among a project team. Subsystems allow you to build models in both a top-down and bottom-up manner. NL-SIM places no limits on the hierarchical levels. back to top Mix Algorithms and Blocks in the Same Simulation It is sometimes more convenient to write out the algorithms and differential equations than to represent them by blocks. NLSIM allows you to do both. A continuous simulation language has been built into the algorithm editor. This allows you to develop an entire model by writing out the differential and algebraic equations or mix the block language with the continuous simulation. back to top | Simulation Linear, Nonlinear, Continuous, and Discrete Systems NL-SIM can be used to simulate linear, nonlinear, discrete, and continuous systems all in the same model. Time responses and frequency response analysis can be performed on mixed system models. back to top Interactive Control Panels A built-in interactive control panel provides displays that can be customized by the user to adjust the parameters in the model during simulation and view the responses in real-time. This gives the user a feel for the simulation, makes it easy to test “what if” scenarios, accelerates the design and testing process, and is useful in presenting a concept or preparing a document. Hundreds of different panels can be easily set up with a palette of resizable icons that include: - Analog Sliders
- Oscilloscopes
- Text boxes
- Digital Panel Meters
- Alarm Lights
- Start SIM buttons
- Hold SIM buttons
- Stop SIM buttons
- Radio Buttons
- RT-SCRIPT activation buttons
- Vertical Bar Indicator
- LED type Indicators
- Switch Banks
- Bit-State Indicator “LED”s
For simulating large systems, you can build multiple panel windows and organize them by function or by model hierarchy. The interactive control panel can also be used with XANALOG’s hardware-in-the-loop real-time systems and rapid prototyping controllers to change parameters in real-time with real signals attached. back to top Multi Rate NL-SIM has the ability to run both continuous and discrete blocks at different rates. This permits multi-rate integration, useful with some stiff systems and multiple control loops each with its own rate. back to top Multiple Integration Rules The integration rules supported including Euler, Adams-Bashforth, Runge-Kutta. A unique feature of NL-SIM is the ability to assign different integration rules to each integrator block or to sub-models, allowing you to use a complex integration algorithm like Runge-Kutta for those parts of a model that require it for stability or accuracy, and a simpler algorithm like Euler for the rest of the model to maximize simulation speed. back to top Integration with MML The NL-SIM package is seamlessly linked with the MML software. You can run models from NL-SIM’s graphical interface from the MML command line, or from a control panel. back to top Automated Tests A new scripting capability allows a complex sequence of simulations to be implemented automatically in a large macro. Multiple simulations can be run overnight automatically, adjusting parameters between runs and then doing the appropriate data reduction and analysis on the results. Scripts can be activated from a push button on the control panel, making it easy to run complex simulations after initial set-up. back to top | |
