Experiment No: 01
Name of the Experiment: Introduction to Simulink
Objectives:
Objectives of this lab are to:
1. Analyze designs or models mathematically.
2. Plot the response of various parts of control systems.
3. To gain basic understanding of the Simulink.
4. To know about the basic functions related to control systems.
Required Software:
The following software package is required.
MATLAB/SIMULINK
Introduction:
Simulink is a graphical programming environment integrated with MATLAB, designed for
modeling, simulating, and analyzing dynamic systems. It provides a user-friendly, block diagram-
based interface that allows users to construct models of complex systems using predefined blocks,
making it especially useful in engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, and control
systems. This lab introduces the basic functionality of Simulink, including how to create, simulate,
and interpret simple models. By the end of the session, users gain hands-on experience in building
simulation models and understanding system behavior through graphical representation.
The block diagram-based GUI Simulink provides a wide range of libraries with an extensive set of
blocks. Those blocks are required for design, simulation and analysis of physical dynamic systems.
According to the classes of functions, the blocks are grouped into libraries:
Mathematical functions such as summers and gains in the Math library.
Integrators, derivatives, transfer function, state space etc. in the Continuous library.
Signal generator, input functions such as- sine wave, clock, step signal, ramp signal,
constants etc. in the Sources library.
Scope, to workspace blocks are in the Sinks library.
The libraries are found in library browsers.
In the graphical user interface Simulink, users create programs in the form of block diagram. Arrays
of variables, defined in Simulink, are created when the programs are run. For getting these variables
available in the MATLAB platform, an interfacing is required. This is done by identifying these
variables by Simulink using “To Workspace” block found in the Sinks library. The block “Scope” is
used for displaying the output of a dynamic system designed in Simulink in graphical form.
Some blocks from different libraries used in the experiment are shown below:
Sine wave:
Fig. 1.1: A sine wave block.
The amplitude of generated sine wave from block parameters option. It’s found in Sources
library.
Sum:
Fig. 1.2: A Sum block.
The block provides addition of two or more signals. The number of input ports and sign (+ or -)
can be changed by Block parameter option. It’s found in a commonly used blocks library.
Product:
Fig. 1.3: A product block.
This block is used for multiplying two or more signals. The number of input port can be
changed from Block parameter option. It’s found in commonly used blocks library
Mux:
Fig. 1.4: A Mux block.
This block is used for multiplexing scalar or vector signals. It is found in Signal Routing library.
To workspace:
Fig. 1.5: To workspace block.
This block is used for getting the variables created in Simulink available into MATLAB. It’s
found in Sinks library.
Scope:
Fig. 1.6: A Scope block.
This block is used for displaying the plotted signal of the output of the designed dynamic system.
It’s found in Sinks library.
Displaying output signal in Simulink:
Fig. 1.7: Block diagram for displaying sine wave in Simulink.
Sine wave block relates to both to workspace and Scope block. Scope acts as a medium for
displaying the plotted signal of sine wave block. To workspace block links the variable generated
in Simulink with MATLAB. Plot(Y) function is used for plotting the output.
Displayed plot is as below:
Fig.1.8: Output plot for block diagram of fig.1.7.
Here, it is noticed that the output signal is a sine wave having an amplitude of 10V which is
equal to the input signals. Hence, the output is displayed correctly.
Addition of two signals:
Fig. 1.9: Block diagram for adding two sine wave signals in Simulink.
Two sine waves have an amplitude of 10V and 5V respectively. These two sine wave blocks are
connected to sum block. The output is plotted in MATLAB using plot () function. To
workspace block links the variables of Simulink with MATLAB platform.
The plotted output is as below:
Fig.1.10: Output plot for block diagram of fig.1.9.
Here, it is noticed that the output signal is a sine wave having an amplitude of 15V which is the
sum of two input signals. Hence, the output is displayed correctly.
Subtraction of two signals:
Fig. 1.11: Block diagram for subtracting two sine wave signals in Simulink.
Two sine waves having an amplitude of 10V and 5V respectively are connected to the sum
block. The output is plotted in MATLAB using plot () function. To workspace block links the
variables of Simulink with MATLAB platform.
The plotted output is as below:
Fig.1.12: Output plot for block diagram of fig.1.11.
From fig.1.12 it is noticed that the output signal is a sine wave having an amplitude of 5V which
is the difference between the 10V input signal connected to ‘+’ terminal and 5V input signal
connected to -’ terminal of the sum block. Hence, the output is displayed as expected.
Multiplication of two signals:
Fig. 1.13: Block diagram for multiplication of two sine wave signals in Simulink.
In fig.1.13 two sine waves having an amplitude of 10V and 5V are connected to the Product
block. The output is plotted in MATLAB using plot () function. To workspace block links the
variables of Simulink with MATLAB platform. The output signal is expected to be a sine wave
having an amplitude of 50V.
The plotted output is as below:
Fig.1.14: Output plot for block diagram of fig.1.13.
Multiplexing:
Fig. 1.15: Block diagram for multiplexing two sine wave signals in Simulink.
In fig.1.15 two sine waves having amplitude of 10V and 5V are connected to the Mux block.
Both signals are transmitted to the output port without any change of the signal through Mux
block. That means multiplexing of two signals have been done. The output is plotted in
MATLAB using plot () function. To workspace block links the variables of Simulink with
MATLAB platform.
The plotted output is as below:
Fig.1.16: Output plot for block diagram of fig.1.15.
From fig.1.16 it is noticed that the output is both input sine waves having an amplitude of 5V
and 10V. Hence, the input signal is multiplexed to the output as expected.
Discussion & Conclusion:
During the lab, we explored the fundamental features of Simulink and learned how to construct
simulation models using various blocks such as sources, sinks, math operations, and signal
routing tools. By connecting these blocks appropriately, we were able to model simple dynamic
systems and observe their behavior over time. The simulation results helped us visualize the
effect of changing parameters, such as gaining values or initial conditions, on system
performance.
One of the key takeaways was the advantage of using Simulink for real-time visualization and
iterative design. Compared to writing complex code, the drag-and-drop interface allows for
faster prototyping and debugging. Additionally, we understood how different scopes and
displays can be used to monitor output effectively. Although the models used in this lab were
basic, the exercise laid the groundwork for more advanced simulations involving feedback
loops, controllers, and physical system models in future labs.
This lab provided a foundational understanding of Simulink as a powerful tool for system
modeling and simulation. Through hands-on practice, we learned how to build basic block
diagrams, simulate their behavior, and interpret output responses. Simulink’s intuitive
environment makes it an essential tool for engineers to design, test, and refine systems before
physical implementation. The knowledge gained in this session will be crucial for tackling more
complex simulations in upcoming labs and real-world engineering applications.