Analyzing Simulation Results in Simulink
Once your Simulink model has run, the real power lies in understanding the simulation output. This module focuses on two key methods for analyzing your results: using Scopes to visualize data in real-time and during post-simulation, and implementing Data Logging to save simulation data for further offline analysis.
Visualizing Data with Scopes
Simulink's Scope blocks are your primary tool for visualizing signals as they are generated during a simulation. They provide an interactive way to observe signal behavior, identify trends, and detect anomalies.
Scopes offer real-time and post-simulation visualization of signal data.
Scope blocks allow you to see how your signals change over time. You can configure them to display multiple signals, adjust axes, and even annotate plots.
Scope blocks are essential for understanding the dynamic behavior of your system. During a simulation, they provide a live view of signal trajectories. After the simulation completes, you can revisit the Scope window to examine the recorded data. Key features include the ability to zoom, pan, and select specific time ranges. Advanced configurations allow for multiple axes, signal legends, and the addition of cursors for precise measurements. You can also save Scope data to the MATLAB workspace for further processing.
To visualize signal data during and after a simulation.
Data Logging for Offline Analysis
While Scopes are great for immediate visualization, Data Logging is crucial for saving extensive simulation data for detailed post-processing, comparison, and reporting. This involves configuring your model to save signal data to the MATLAB workspace or to a file.
Data Logging captures simulation outputs for comprehensive offline analysis.
You can log signal data directly to the MATLAB workspace or to files like .mat. This allows for detailed examination, manipulation, and comparison of results.
Data Logging in Simulink is typically configured through the Model Configuration Parameters. You can select specific signals to log, choose the destination (MATLAB workspace or file), and specify the format. Logging to the workspace creates variables that can be directly accessed and manipulated in MATLAB. Logging to a file is beneficial for large datasets or when you need to share results. This data can then be plotted, analyzed statistically, or used as input for other MATLAB functions or scripts.
Consider logging only the essential signals to manage memory usage and simulation time, especially for long or complex simulations.
Comparing Visualization and Logging
| Feature | Scopes | Data Logging |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Real-time and interactive visualization | Saving data for offline analysis and reporting |
| Data Access | Directly within the Scope window | MATLAB workspace or saved files (.mat) |
| Data Volume | Can be limited by Scope buffer size | Can handle large datasets efficiently |
| Interactivity | High (zoom, pan, cursors) | Low (data is static after saving) |
| Configuration | Block properties | Model Configuration Parameters |
This diagram illustrates the workflow of analyzing simulation results. Data flows from the model's output signals to either a Scope for immediate visual inspection or to a Data Logging mechanism for storage. The logged data can then be further processed and visualized using MATLAB's extensive plotting and analysis tools. This separation allows for both quick checks during simulation and in-depth analysis afterward.
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Best Practices for Analysis
Effective analysis involves a combination of real-time monitoring and thorough post-simulation investigation. Use Scopes to get a feel for your system's behavior during the run, and then leverage Data Logging to capture the precise data needed for detailed examination, validation against requirements, and generating reports.
When you need to save large amounts of data for detailed offline analysis, comparison, or reporting.
Learning Resources
Official MathWorks documentation detailing the functionality and configuration of Simulink Scope blocks.
Comprehensive guide from MathWorks on how to configure and manage data logging for Simulink simulations.
A video tutorial demonstrating practical techniques for analyzing simulation outputs using Scopes and data logging.
Essential documentation for visualizing and manipulating data once it has been logged from Simulink.
Learn about the Data Inspector, a powerful tool for viewing, comparing, and analyzing logged simulation data.
Specific guidance on analyzing simulation results within the context of control system design in Simulink.
Practical advice and best practices for optimizing data logging to improve simulation performance and manage data effectively.
An article discussing the fundamental concepts of signals in Simulink and how they relate to visualization and analysis.
Details on accessing and modifying various simulation settings, including those related to data logging.
A community-contributed resource or example demonstrating methods for saving and loading simulation data from Simulink.