Can I use MATLAB classes in Simulink?

I am trying to define a class in a MATLAB ('.m') file. Then, I am using an instance of one of that class in a Simulink "MATLAB function" block to execute one of the methods of the class. However, I am having trouble launching it in Simulink. 

How can I use classes written in MATLAB in Simulink? Ultimately, I would like to generate code from my model.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

You can use MATLAB classes in Simulink for code generation through MATLAB Function block.

For best practices when creating MATLAB classes for code generation: https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2022b/simulink/ug/how-working-with-matlab-classes-is-different-for-code-generation.html

Not all MATLAB functions are supported for code generation. Refer to this page for a list of supported functions: https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/functions-and-objects-supported-for-cc-code-generation.html

In addition, this page discusses best practices for defining variables for code generation: https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2022b/simulink/ug/best-practices-for-defining-variables-for-c-c-code-generation.html

The MATLAB Function documentation page include links to various examples and useful articles that explains the limitations and best practices for writing MATLAB code for code generation:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/slref/matlabfunction.html

These example uses MATLAB system object class in Simulink:

https://blogs.mathworks.com/simulink/2013/09/11/the-matlab-system-block/

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/define-system-object-for-use-in-simulink.html

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/specify-sample-time-for-matlab-system-block-system-objects.html

[宇鹏 程]

Dear MATLAB Support team,

I searched the same question and jumped to here. Unfortunately, most of the links above are not available for now. Could you help to update the URL of each? Thanks a lot

[Walter Roberson]

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/slref/matlabfunction.html

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/define-system-object-for-use-in-simulink.html

[Andres Adam]

Hi @宇鹏 程, links updated! Thanks for the heads up.

As a tip, note the part of "releases/R2022b/" in some of the URLs? You can change the "R2022b" to another release name (e.g. "R2020a") to go to that version's documentation, if it exists. Or you can delete the "releases/R2022b/" section altogether to go to the the latest release's version of that page.

[Walter Roberson]

URL-hacking of the help information does not always work, but it is a good first step.