Field simulator runs with Matlab and Simulink

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 20, 2003

The Cedrat Flux2D field simulator is now available as a component for use with The MathWorks' Matlab and Simulink packages.

The Cedrat Flux2D field simulator is now available as a component for use with The MathWorks' Matlab and Simulink packages.

The Flux2D to Simulink technology provides the first cosimulation of its kind, and addresses the need for system-level analysis of electromechanical components.

This advancement combines the strengths from each simulation tool.

The power for computing transient electromagnetic/electromechanical physics from Flux2D is now complemented by the strength of Simulink in system-level drive, control, and power electronics simulation.

"We are pleased to welcome Flux2D from Cedrat to the Matlab Connections Programme", said Jim Tung, Chief Market Development Officer of The MathWorks.

"Systems and controls engineers use Simulink to design, model, and simulate systems, and to automatically generate code for the embedded algorithms.

This interface enables those engineers to incorporate detailed models of electromagnetic and electromechanical devices easily in their Simulink simulations, leading to better understanding of system behaviour and faster testing of designs".

Flux2D is a finite element method (FEM) based CAE software package for the analysis and design of electromagnetic and electromechanical devices and processes.

It handles all the steps to simulate device behaviour: geometric preprocessing; physical properties, electrical inputs; meshing; solving the physics; and postprocessing simulation results.

Simulink is an interactive software package for modelling, simulating, and analysing dynamic systems.

It integrates seamlessly into Matlab and enables the user to: build graphical block diagrams; simulate dynamic systems; evaluate system performance; and easily refine designs.

Flux2D's leading edge technology fits seamlessly into Simulink block diagrams, becoming a component within the modelled system.

As the system runs, Flux2D takes specified inputs from Simulink and computes device response.

Flux2D then sends key parameters back to Simulink for a fully coupled system-level simulation.

Users can then evaluate the device response in Flux2D, or the system response in Simulink.

According to Marc Vilcot, Technical Sales Director at Cedrat, "The demands on manufactured components now require one to analyse a device in more depth than just a stand-alone component under static operation.

One must analyse a device within the nature of its system, and the transient response of the device in operation must also be considered.

We are very excited about the Flux2D to Simulink connection, and it will certainly allow our customers to expand how they evaluate their devices".

Flux2D offers a direct link to Simulink, enabling users to develop their control strategies directly in Simulink with the FEM model described in Flux2D.

During the computation, Flux2D and Simulink are run in transient cosimulation.

This coupling is the most advanced tool for systems simulation available now - a cornerstone for all motor, actuator, sensor, and transformer designers.