Glossary of Key Terms
Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| add_block() | A MATLAB API command used to add a block to a specified model. |
| add_line() | A MATLAB API command used to connect the ports of two blocks within a model. |
| API (Application Programming Interface) | A set of commands used in MATLAB script to programmatically create and automate tasks for Simulink models. |
| Block | The basic elements used to create models in Simulink. They are found in the Simulink Library Browser. |
| Continuous Library | A Simulink library that provides blocks related to continuous systems, such as derivatives, integrations, and transport delays. |
| For Iterator Subsystem | A specialized subsystem block used to implement for-loops within a Simulink model. |
| Graphical Programming Language | A type of programming language where users create programs by manipulating graphical elements (like blocks and lines) rather than by writing text-based code. Simulink is described as a data flow graphical programming language. |
| Library Browser | The interface in Simulink that contains a collection of all available libraries and blocks that can be used to build a model. |
| Line | A graphical connector with an arrow used to link the input and output connectors of blocks, defining the path of data flow. |
| Logical Operator Block | A block that can be configured to perform logical operations such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, NXOR, and NOT. |
| MATLAB | The software environment with which Simulink is integrated. MATLAB algorithms can be incorporated into Simulink models, and simulation results can be exported to MATLAB. |
| MATLAB Function Block | A block found in the User Defined Functions library that allows a user to write a custom MATLAB function to be executed as part of the Simulink model. |
| Math Operations Library | A Simulink library containing blocks for mathematical operations like Add, Subtract, Divide, and Absolute. |
| MathWorks | The computer software company that developed Simulink and MATLAB. |
| Model-based Design | An approach to system development where a graphical model is central to the process, used for simulation, analysis, and automatic code generation. |
| new_system() | A MATLAB API command used to create a new, blank Simulink model. |
| Scope Block | A block from the Sinks library used to display or export signal data, typically by plotting the signal’s value over time. |
| Signal Generator Block | A block from the Sources library that can generate various types of waveforms, including sine, square, sawtooth, and random signals. |
| sim() | A MATLAB API command used to run the simulation of a specified model. |
| Simulink | A simulation and model-based design environment for dynamic and embedded systems, integrated with MATLAB. |
| Sinks Library | A Simulink library containing blocks that help to display or export signal data, such as the Scope and To Workspace blocks. |
| Sources Library | A Simulink library containing blocks that help to generate or import data, such as the Sine Wave and Signal Generator blocks. |
| Subsystem | A collection of blocks within a model that are grouped together into a single block, used to manage complexity and improve model readability. |
| Switch Block | A block from the Signal Routing library used to implement conditional logic by passing one of two inputs based on a comparison of a third input against a defined threshold. |
| Threshold | A value set within the Switch block that is used as the basis for comparison to determine which input signal is passed to the output. |
| Transport Delay Block | A block from the Continuous library used to add a specific time delay to a signal passing through it. |