Log and Visualize Data

This example shows how to log variables and interact with the results to visualize the data. You can use different MATLAB and Simulink tools to visualize and interact with the simulation data that you generate.

To open the model, enter:

openExample('sdl/SimpleGearExample')

Model that represents a simple gear.

Logging data allows you to capture and store simulation results for later use. After you log data, you can analyze it to understand the system behavior, validate your models, or optimize system performance.

Visualize with Scope Blocks

The model contains the Sensor(base) and Sensor(follower) Subsystem blocks. Inside the subsystems are sensor blocks that track physical properties in the network. Scope blocks display the Simulink signals from these subsystems. You can output physical signals from Simscape sensor blocks to the Scope block using a PS-Simulink Converter block. This model uses Motion Sensor blocks and Torque Sensor blocks to output physical signal data to the Scope block.

Motion Sensor block connected to PS-Simulink Converter block.

Run the model and open the Scope block to view the output.

Baseline Scope block results for the model.

You can also use the Probe block to select block variables and output them to a Scope block. For example, you can bind the Probe block to the Simple Gear block in the model and output the base and follower velocity variables, B.w and t.B, to a Scope block.

Log and Visualize Select Block Variables

Simscape selective logging lets you select individual block variables that you want to log. You can display the logged data using the Data Inspector tool.

To log selected block variables in the Simple Gear block, Gear, and the Inertia block, Inertia2:

Select the Gear block.
In the Simscape Block tab, click Instrumentation Table.
In the Model Data Editor pane, select the B.w and tB variables for the Gear block. Then, select the w and t variables for the Inertia2 block.

Model with Gear and Inertia2 blocks enabled for selective logging.

Selective logging uses Simulink data logging. The gray logging badge on a Simscape block indicates that Simulink data logging is disabled. To enable Simulink logging, first open the Configuration Parameters dialog by clicking Model Settings in the Modeling tab. Then, in the Data Import/Export section, select Signal logging. Confirm the logging badge on both blocks changes to blue.

To view the results, run the model and under the Simulation tab, click Data Inspector.

Select B.w and w under SimpleGear, which are the base and follower velocities of the Simple Gear block, respectively. You can use the Visualizations and layout button to add a second plot window below the first. Highlight the bottom plot window and select tB and t under SimpleGear, which are the base and follower torque values of the Simple Gear block. The signals are consistent with the Scope block results.

The Simulink Data Inspector shows the same results as the Scope block.

Log and Visualize All Model Data

Simscape data logging logs all block variables in a model or in selected blocks. To enable Simscape data logging, in the Simscape section of the Configuration Parameters dialog, select Signal logging. To learn more about Simscape data logging, see Log, Navigate, and Plot Simulation Data.

The data saves to a workspace variable, and you can view the results in the Simscape Results Explorer. To view the results, under the Simulation tab, click the Simscape Results Explorer button. You can select any block variable from the model.

The Simscape Results Explorer shows the same speed data as the Scope block.

The figure displays the base and follower speed of the Simple Gear block in the Simscape Results Explorer tool. However, all variable data for each Simscape block in the model is available in the tool.