Simulink Subsystems as States
By using a Simulink® subsystem within a Stateflow® state, you can model hybrid dynamic systems or systems that switch between periodic or continuous time dynamics. In your Stateflow chart, you can use Simulink based states to model a periodic or continuous dynamic system combined with switching logic that uses transitions. You can access inputs and outputs from your chart within each Simulink based state. Simulink based states are supported only in Stateflow charts in a Simulink model.
To initialize Simulink blocks when switching between Simulink based states, use Stateflow textual notation or Simulink State Reader and State Writer blocks.
To create linked Simulink based states, use libraries to save action subsystems. When you copy an action subsystem from a library model into a Stateflow chart, it appears as a linked Simulink based state. When you update the library block, the changes are reflected in all Stateflow charts containing the block.
Using Simulink based states means that you do not have to use complex textual syntax in Stateflow to model hybrid systems.
When to Use Simulink Based States
Use Simulink based states when:
You want to model hybrid dynamic systems that include continuous or periodic dynamics.
The structure of the system dynamics change substantially between the various modes of operation, for example, modeling PID controllers.
For systems where you call logic intermittently, use Simulink functions.
When the structure of the Simulink algorithm remains substantially unchanged, but certain gains or parameters switch between various models, use Simulink logic outside of Stateflow. An example of this type of algorithm is gain scheduling. See Model Gain-Scheduled Control Systems in Simulink (Simulink Control Design).
Model a Pole Vaulter by Using Simulink Based States
This
Stateflow chart models a person moving
through the stages of pole vaulting by using Simulink based states. The first stage is the approach run of the vaulter,
which is modeled in the Simulink based state Run_up. In the second stage, the
vaulter plants the pole and takes off, which is modeled by the Simulink based state Take_off. The final stage happens when
the vaulter clears the bar and releases the pole, which is modeled by the
Simulink based state Fly.
The Stateflow chart contains this logic:
The states Run_up and Fly are easier to
model by using Cartesian coordinates. The state Take_off is
easier to model by using polar coordinates. To switch from one coordinate system to
another, use Simulink functions InitTakeOff and
InitFly.
Model the Approach of the Pole Vaulter
The Simulink based state Run_up contains this logic:
The default state in the chart PoleVaulter is
Run_up. This state models the pole vaulter traveling
along the ground toward the jump. The pole vaulter starts at -10 on the x-axis
and runs toward zero. As the pole vaulter moves along the ground, the position
of the pole vaulter in the xy-plane is continuously changing, but the state of
running remains the same. In this model, the integrator blocks
Position and Velocity are state owner
blocks for State Reader blocks in the Simulink function InitTakeOff. This subsystem outputs
the Cartesian coordinates of the pole vaulter.
Convert Cartesian Coordinates to Polar Coordinates
The Simulink function InitTakeOff contains this
logic:
Once the position of the pole vaulter along the x-axis,
Run_up.p(1), becomes greater than -4,
the transition from Run_up to Take_off
occurs. During the transition InitTakeOff is initialized, the
State Reader block connects to its owner block, and the
function is executed. This function converts the Cartesian coordinates from
Position and Velocity to polar
coordinates, r, theta,
rdot, and theta_dot. These coordinates
are output as State Writer blocks, which are connected to owner
blocks in the state Take_off.
Model the Take Off of the Pole Vaulter
The Simulink based state Take_off contains this
logic:
Once the position of the pole vaulter along the x-axis,
Run_up.p(1), becomes greater than -4,
the active state becomes Take_off. This Simulink subsystem models the pole vaulter during the take off phase of the
jump. The subsystem outputs the Cartesian coordinates of the pole
vaulter.
Convert Polar Coordinates to Cartesian Coordinates
The Simulink function InitFly contains this logic:
Once the angle of the pole vaulter, theta, becomes less
than pi/2, the transition from Take_off to
Fly occurs. During the transition
InitFly is initialized, the State Reader
block connects to its owner block, and the function is executed. This function
converts the polar coordinates from r,
theta, and theta_dot to Cartesian
coordinates, xy_integ and xydot. These
coordinates are output as State Writer blocks, which are
connected to owner blocks in the state Fly.
Model the Free Fall of the Pole Vaulter
The Simulink based state Fly contains this logic:
Once the angle of the pole vaulter, theta, is less than
pi/2, the active state becomes Fly.
This state models the pole vaulter after the jump has cleared and the pole
vaulter is falling to the ground. As the pole vaulter falls, the position of the
pole vaulter in the x-y plane is continuously changing, but the state of falling
remains the same. In this model, the integrator blocks xydot
and xy_integ are state owner blocks for State
Writer blocks in the Simulink function InitFly. This subsystem outputs the
Cartesian coordinates of the pole vaulter.
The results of this simulation are seen in the XY Graph.
Limitations
You cannot use Simulink based states with:
Moore charts
Discrete Event charts
HDL Coder
PLC Coder
Simulink Code Inspector
Super step transitions
Simulink based states do not support debugging.