Hello Niccolò,
Here’s how you can approach PIL simulation in Simulink in your scenario:
1. Top Model Solver and Data Dictionary
- Solver: Since your "On Board" model is intended for code generation and will run in a PIL loop (which requires a fixed-step solver), the top model ("All Models") should also use a fixed-step solver. This ensures correct timing and compatibility with the PIL process.
- Data Dictionary: Link the top model to the OnBoardDD data dictionary. This keeps the simulation settings consistent with the code that will eventually run on your emulator.
2. Setting Up PIL Simulation with an Emulator
Since your board is not natively supported by Simulink and you have an emulator on your PC:
- Code Generation: Use Embedded Coder to generate code from your "On Board" model.
- Emulator Integration: Compile the generated code with your emulator toolchain, so the emulator can execute it.
- PIL Configuration: Since there is no official Simulink support for your emulator, you need to set up a custom PIL connection. This involves configuring Simulink to communicate with your emulator using a standard protocol (like serial).
3. Connecting Simulink to the Emulator with a Virtual Serial Link
Yes, it is possible and common to use a virtual serial port:
- Create a Virtual Serial Port Pair: Use tools like com0com (Windows) or socat (Linux/Mac) to create two linked virtual COM ports (e.g., COM5 and COM6).
- Simulink Side: Configure Simulink (using its PIL custom target options or via S-Functions/MATLAB scripts) to use one end of the virtual port (e.g., COM5).
- Emulator Side: Configure your emulator to use the other end (e.g., COM6) to send/receive data as if it were a physical board.
For more information, refer to the following MathWorks documentation links:
