Units in Simulink

Unit specification and unit conversion functions for Simulink^® signals

Simulink enables you to specify physical units as attributes on signals at the boundaries of model components. By specifying, controlling, and visualizing signal units, you can ensure the consistency of calculations across the various components of your model. For example, this added degree of consistency checking might be useful if you are integrating many separately developed components into a large, overall system model. To get started with units, see Unit Specification in Simulink Models.

Blocks

Inport	Create input port for subsystem or external input
Outport	Create output port for subsystem or external output
Signal Specification	Specify desired dimensions, sample time, data type, numeric type, and other attributes of signal
Unit System Configuration	Restrict units to specified allowed unit systems
Unit Conversion	Convert units

Functions

`createCustomDBFromExcel`	Create custom units database file from Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (Since R2020a)
`rehashUnitDBs`	Refresh unit database files on MATLAB path (Since R2020a)
`showunitslist`	Show built-in units, physical quantities, and unit systems supported by Simulink

Topics

Unit Specification in Simulink Models
Specify physical units as attributes on signals at the boundaries of model components.
Displaying Units
Dynamically update port and signal labels to show any changes made to units.
Update an Existing Model to Use Units
Use a fuel control system example to learn how to update an existing model to use units.
Unit Consistency Checking and Propagation
Check unit consistency between components.
Converting Units
Configure Simulink to convert units between ports when discrepancies that have known mathematical relationships are detected.
Working with Custom Unit Databases
Create and load custom unit databases from Excel^® spreadsheets.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Units

Use Model Advisor checks to troubleshoot common issues with unit settings.

Related Information

Introduction to Simulink Units