Siemens Automation and MathWorks collaborate on simulation and model-based design

MathWorks has announced an expanded relationship with Siemens Automation Systems to make it easier for customers to take advantage of model-based design for developing and implementing complex control algorithms. Control engineers can now generate code from Simulink and deploy it to Siemens SIMATIC S7 modular PLC controllers and SIMATIC WinAC RTX software controllers. As a result, advanced control strategies can be designed and tested using simulation to prove out concepts before further validation is performed on PLC hardware.

To support this integration, Siemens Automation Systems has also joined the MathWorks Connections Program.

Model-based design enables the verification of critical and complex control functions using simulation. Conceptual errors are detected early and can be corrected before the control algorithms are implemented on machine hardware. By doing this, development time is reduced and production start-ups become more efficient - reducing costs throughout the project. MathWorks Simulink PLC Coder generates IEC61131-3 compliant SCL (Structured Control Language) code and can send it to the STEP 7 V5.5 engineering system for SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400 and STEP 7 integrated into the TIA Portal engineering framework for the latest generation of the SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers.

For more computationally intensive algorithms, MathWorks Embedded Coder generates ANSI/ISO C code that can be implemented on WinAC RTX using Siemens WinAC Target, a free add-on from Siemens for Simulink. WinAC Target automatically generates all the required files and program modules to run the Simulink algorithm on WinAC RTX, enabling process engineers without a deep knowledge of the Simulink language to receive and implement Simulink models on Siemens controllers.

"An increasing number of control engineers in the machinery and automation industries use simulation and automatic code generation to supplement programming industrial controllers, helping them to move faster from ideas to implementation and to expand their lead in innovation," said MathWorks Industry Manager, Industrial Automation & Machinery Philipp Wallner.