Version 9.0, part of Release 2017b, includes the following enhancements:

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Simulation Manager: Monitor, inspect, and visualize simulation progress and results

Simulink Editor

• Hidden ​Block Names: Improve model appearance by hiding default block names
• Signal Tracing: Highlight and navigate a signal from its source to a destination

Component-Based Modeling

• Schedulable Components: Explicitly schedule models for simulation and adaptation to your software environment​
• Tables in Masks: Present and sort your mask parameters in a searchable table
• ​Simulink Variants: Create more customizable variant models by using improved Variant Subsystem and variant condition propagation capabilities

Project and File Management

• ​Simulink Project Upgrade: Update all models and library blocks used in your project to the latest release​
• ​Automatic Project Creation: Easily turn a folder into a project and manage your files, data, and environment in one place​
• ​Model Compare and Merge: Identify differences between model elements, Stateflow charts, and MATLAB Function blocks

Data Management

• Model Data Editor: Easily view, filter, group, and edit more data used by a model including signals, states, and referenced variables
• Signal Editor: Create and edit input signals that can be organized for multiple simulations​​
• Defining Missing Variables: Identify and easily fix missing, deleted, or renamed variables

Block Enhancements

• Scoped Simulink Functions: Create Simulink Functions that can now cross model boundaries for reusable software components​

Connection to Hardware

• Simulink Support Package for PARROT Minidrones: Deploy flight control algorithms on PARROT minidrones​​
• Support for Arduino MKR1000 Hardware: Run Simulink models on Arduino MKR1000 boards

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 8.9, part of Release 2017a, includes the following enhancements:

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Parallel Simulations: Directly run multiple parallel simulations from the parsim command​
• Simulink Cache: Get simulation results faster by using shared model artifacts
• Inport File Streaming: Stream large input signals from MAT-files without loading the data into memory​​​​
• Unified Streaming and Logging: Mark a signal once to stream it to the Simulation Data Inspector and log it to the MATLAB workspace​
• Simulation Data Inspector: Run simulation comparisons with a new UI, time tolerance support, and faster performance
• Dashboard Block Connection Indicators: Easily determine which block in your model is associated with a given Dashboard block​

Simulink Editor

• Automatic Port Creation: Add inports and outports to blocks when routing signals​
• Model Block Masking: Customize the parameter dialog boxes for referenced models

Component-Based Modeling

• Reduced Bus Wiring: Quickly group signals as buses and automatically create bus element ports for fewer signal lines between and within subsystems

Project and File Management

• Simulink Project Upgrade: Easily update all the models in your Simulink Project to the latest release
• Missing Product Identification: Fix models with unresolved library links and unknown block types by finding and installing missing products

Data Management

• Simulation Data: Easily access simulation output data in the MATLAB Variable Editor and MATLAB Command Window

Connection to Hardware

• Wireless Connectivity: Use UDP and TCP/IP blocks to let Simulink hardware targets communicate with each other

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Just-in-Time Acceleration Builds: Quickly build the top-level model for improved performance when running simulations in Accelerator mode watch video (1:21)
• Dataset Signal Plot: View and analyze dataset signals directly from the MATLAB command line watch video (1:19)

Simulink Editor

• Property Inspector: Edit parameters and properties of model elements using a single interface watch video (3:14)
• Edit-Time Checking: Detect and fix potential issues in your model at design time​

Component-Based Modeling

• Initialize and Terminate Function Blocks: Respond to events to model dynamic startup and shutdown behavior watch video (3:12)
• Variant Subsystem Condition Propagation: Automatically assign variant conditions to blocks outside the subsystem for improved performance watch video (2:01)

Project and File Management

• Default Model Template: Use your own customized settings when creating new models watch video (3:12)
• Upgrade Advisor API: Automate the process of upgrading large model hierarchies watch video (1:37)

Data Management

• Model Data Editor: Configure model data properties using a table within the Simulink Editor

Connection to Hardware

• Raspberry Pi 3 Support: Run Simulink models on Raspberry Pi 3 hardware watch video (0:56)
• Google Nexus Support: Run Simulink models on Google Nexus Android devices

Block Enhancements

• State Reader and Writer Blocks: Reset and record states during model execution watch video (3:12)

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Automatic Solver Option: Set up and simulate your model more quickly with automatically selected solver settings (watch video 0:57)
• One-Click Display: Click a signal line when the simulation is running to view the current value (watch video 0:39)
• Simulation Metadata Diagnostics: Understand why a simulation has stopped in batch or individual runs
• Multi-Input Root Inport Mapping: Connect multiple sets of input signals to your Simulink model for interactive or batch simulation (watch video 1:54)
• Simulation for Mixed Targets: Simulate system-level designs that integrate referenced models targeting an assembly of heterogeneous embedded devices

Component-Based Modeling

• Variant Source and Sink Blocks with Condition Propagation: Design variant choices and automatically remove unneeded functionality based on block connectivity (watch video 2:34)
• Scoping Simulink Functions: Call Simulink Function blocks within a subsystem hierarchy (watch video 2:34)
• Simulink Units: Specify, visualize, and check consistency of units on interfaces (watch video 2:09)
• Mask Dialogs: Create masks with flexible layout options and new control parameters

Project and File Management

• Start Page: Get started or resume work faster by accessing templates, recent models, and featured examples (watch video 1:49)
• Automatic Renaming: Update all references in a project when you rename models, libraries, or MATLAB files

Simulink Editor

• Single-Selection Actions: Access commonly used editing actions when clicking a block or signal line (watch video 1:06)

Data Management

• Signal and State Logging to File: Log data directly to a MAT-file for long simulations

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 8.5.1, part of Release 2015aSP1, includes bug fixes.

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulink Editor

• Signal Line Healing: Click once to repair broken signal lines after deleting blocks
• Multilingual Names and Comments: Use any language to write block names, signal names, and MATLAB Function comments

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• New Interface for Scopes: View and debug signals with cursors and measurements
• Fast Restart API: Programmatically run consecutive simulations more quickly

Project and File Management

• Referenced Projects: Create reusable components for large modeling projects
• Configuration Parameters List View: List, edit, and search all configuration parameters within your model

Data Management

• Interval Logging: Specify start and stop time intervals to log only the data you need
• Always-On Tunability: Tune all block parameters and workspace variables during a simulation

Connection to Hardware

• Raspberry Pi 2 Support: Run Simulink models on Raspberry Pi 2 Model B hardware Block Enhancements
• Waveform Generator Block: Define and output arbitrary waveform signals

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulink Editor

• Bus Smart Editing Cue: Automatically create a bus from a set of signals
• Area Annotations: Call out and separate regions of interest in model
• Perspectives Controls: Access alternative views of your model, such as harness and interface views

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Dashboard Block Library: Tune and test simulations with graphical controls and displays
• Algebraic Loop Highlighting: Find and remove algebraic loops in the model to boost simulation speed
• Faster Simulations with Accelerated Referenced Models: Run faster consecutive simulations and step back and forth through simulations

Component-Based Modeling

• Consistent Data Support for Testing Components: Load input and log data of a component from buses and all data types

Project and File Management

• Simulink Project Sharing: Share a project using GitHub, email, or a MATLAB toolbox

Data Management

• Data Dictionary API: Automate the creation and editing of data dictionaries with MATLAB scripts
• Rename All: Change the name of a parameter and all its references

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Simulink Support Package for Apple iOS Devices: Create an App that runs Simulink models and algorithms on your Apple iOS device

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulink Editor

Simulation Analysis and Performance

Component-Based Modeling

Project and File Management

• Block Dependencies in Impact Graph: Highlight the blocks affected by changes made to project files

Connection to Educational Hardware

• More Arduino Support: Run your model on Arduino Leonardo, Mega ADK, Mini, Fio, Pro, Micro and Esplora boards

See the Release Notes for details.

Simulink Editor

• Annotations with rich text, graphics, and hyperlinks
• Diagnostic Viewer to collect information, warnings, and error messages
• Option to bring contents of a hierarchical subsystem into the parent subsystem with one click
• Support for native OS touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom and panning
• Sliders, dials, and spinboxes available as parameter controls in masks

Component-Based Modeling

• Option to choose default variants
• Option to choose variants that differ in number of input and output ports
• Advisor-based workflow for converting subsystems to Model blocks
• Single-model workflow for algorithm partitioning and targeting of multicore processors and FPGAs
• Easier MATLAB System block creation via autocompletion and browsing for System object names

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Reduced setup and build time for Model blocks when using Rapid Accelerator mode
• Performance Advisor checks that validate overall performance improvement for all suggested changes and set code generation option for MATLAB System block

Project and File Management

• Branching support through Git source control
• Comparison of project dependency analysis results
• Impact graph layout algorithm improved for easier identification of top models and their dependencies

Data Management

• Data dictionary for defining and managing design data associated with models
• Rapid Accelerator mode signal logging enhanced to avoid rebuilds and to support buses and referenced models
• Simplified tuning of all parameters in referenced models
• Simulink.findVars supported in referenced models
• Frame-based signals in the To Workspace block

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Support for Arduino Due hardware
• Support for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 hardware
• Support for Samsung Galaxy Android devices

Block Enhancements

• Enumerated data types in the Direct Lookup Table (n-D) block
• Improved performance and code readability in linear search algorithm for Prelookup and n-D Lookup Table blocks
• System object file templates

Model Advisor

• Improved navigation of the Model Advisor report, including a navigation pane, collapsible content, and filters based on check status
• Option to run Model Advisor checks in the background

See the Release Notes for details.

New Simulink Editor

• Ability to add rich controls, links, and images to customized block interfaces using the Mask Editor
• Content preview for subsystems and Stateflow charts
• Comment-through capability to temporarily delete blocks and connect input signals to output signals
• Visual cues for signal lines that cross
• UTF-16 character support for block names, signal labels, and annotations in local languages

Component-Based Modeling

• MATLAB System block for including System objects in Simulink models
• Variant Manager that manages all the variants in a model in one place
• Improved componentization capabilities for modeling scheduling diagrams with root-level function-call inports
• Array of buses signal logging in model reference accelerator mode
• Ability to add, delete, and move input signals within Bus Creator block
• Streamlined approach to migrating from Classic to Simplified initialization mode

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• LCC compiler included on Windows 64-bit platform for running simulations
• Signal logging in Rapid Accelerator mode
• Performance Advisor checks for Rapid Accelerator mode and data store memory diagnostics
• Long long integers in simulation targets for faster simulation on Win64 machines

Project and File Management

• Impact analysis by exploring modified or selected files to find dependencies
• Option to export impact analysis results to the workspace, batch processing, or image files
• Identification of requirements documents during project dependency analysis
• Simplified label creation by dragging a label onto files in any view
• Shortcut renaming, grouping, and execution from any view using the Toolstrip

Data Management

• Streamlined selection of one or more signals for signal logging
• Simplified modeling of single-precision designs
• Connection status visualization and connection method customization for root inport mapping

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Ability to run models on target hardware from the Simulink toolbar
• Support for Arduino hardware available on Mac OS X
• Support for Arduino Ethernet Shield and Arduino Nano 3.0 hardware

Model Advisor

• Collapsible content within Model Advisor reports

See the Release Notes for details.

New Simulink Editor

• Reordering of tabs in tabbed windows
• Scalable vector graphics for mask icons

Component-Based Modeling

• Direct active variant control via logical expressions
• Live update for variant systems and commented-out blocks
• Masking of linked library blocks
• Target profiling for concurrent execution to visualize task execution times and task-to-core assignment

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Support for Gumstix^® Overo^® hardware
• Support for Raspberry Pi™ hardware

Project and File Management

• Simplified scripting interface for automating Simulink Project tasks
• Option to use elements from multiple templates when creating a new project
• Saving and reloading of dependency analysis results

Data Management

• Fixed-Point Advisor support for model reference workflows
• Arrays of buses loading and logging

Simulation Analysis and Performance

• Simulation Performance Advisor report that shows both check results and actions taken
• Improved simulation performance when stepping back is enabled
• Simulation Data Inspector run-configuration options for names and placement in run list
• Arrays of buses displayed in Simulation Data Inspector

See the Release Notes for details.

New Simulink Editor

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Support for Arduino and PandaBoard hardware

Performance

• Simulation Performance Advisor that analyzes your model and provides advice on how to increase simulation performance

Project and File Management

• Simulink default file format SLX that uses the OPC standard
• Simulink Upgrade Advisor to help migrate files to the current release
• Built-in SVN adapter for Simulink Projects that provides connectivity to SVN and support for server-based repositories
• Simulink Project Tool dependency graph that provides highlights by file type, dependency type, and label
• Redesigned graphical tool for efficient Simulink Projects workflow
• Batch operation support for files in a Simulink Project

Block Enhancements

• Menu item to convert configurable and normal subsystems to variant subsystems
• Masking improvements, including the ability to reuse masks, delete existing masks on blocks, and use the shortcut operator || in mask callback code

Data Management

• Variable Editor access from within Model Explorer
• Logged simulation data from Simulation Data Inspector accessible from Simulink toolbar

See the Release Notes for details.

Connection to Educational Hardware

• Built-in support to run models on target hardware, including Arduino^®, LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^® NXT, and BeagleBoard

Project and File Management

• Export to Zip capability to package and share project files
• Dependency analysis graph view to visualize project file dependencies
• Simulink Projects enabled for MATLAB workers (using Parallel Computing Toolbox™)
• Extended source control support using the Source Control Adapter SDK for developing integrations with third-party tools
• Next-generation Simulink file format SLX (optional in R2012a)

Component-Based Modeling

• Enhanced signal label propagation, including propagation out of Model blocks
• Signal Hierarchy Viewer to graphically display signal hierarchies at edit time
• Improved data transfer for concurrent execution, including a minimum delay mode
• Live library links that update with changes to library

Data Management

• Simulink data classes extendable using MATLAB class syntax
• Control over default package for data classes in Model Explorer and other GUIs
• Improved traceability of workspace variables in Configuration Sets with Simulink.findVars

Block Enhancements

• Support for bus signals in To File, From File, To Workspace and From Workspace blocks
• Bus and variable-size signal support for the Delay block data input port
• External reset and time-varying filter coefficients for the Discrete Filter and Discrete Transfer Fcn blocks

User Interface

• In-model reporting of Model Advisor results, indicating which blocks did not pass specific checks
• Simulation Data Inspector enhanced to optionally show details of both model and data structure
• Legends for identification of displayed signals in Scope
• Dockable MATLAB Function editor window

Performance

• Port Values highlighting, with improved simulation performance

Version 7.8, part of Release 2011b, includes the following enhancements:

Project Management

Component-Based Modeling

• Enable Port input at root level of models
• Continuous states in For Each Subsystem block for efficient modeling of system-of-systems
• Modeling of concurrent execution effects for multicore embedded systems
• Lockable library links that enable control of editing by end users
• Model reference accelerator mode build process for reduced memory usage by libraries

Data Management

• Specification of design ranges for individual signals in a bus for improved model checking and analysis
• Display of design ranges on signals to enhance model inspection

Block Enhancements

• Delay block that supports variable delay length, external reset, initial condition port, circular buffers, and state attributes
• Boolean output data type for the Edge Detection blocks in the Logic and Bit Operations library
• Explicit specification of intermediate data type for Sqrt and Reciprocal Sqrt blocks
• Single-precision floating point in the Discrete Zero-Pole block
• Array of bus signals in Data Type Duplicate block and all unit delay blocks in the Additional Discrete library

Performance

• Accelerator mode support for models with algebraic loops
• Model Explorer list view that improves performance when displaying large data sets

User Interface Enhancements

• Freeze columns in Model Explorer that keep the type and name of an object always visible
• Report generation and an API for comparing signals and simulation runs for Simulation Data Inspector tool
• Built-in block masks that provide custom icons and dialogs using the Mask Editor
• Graphical property editor for setting Scope block colors and line properties

See the Release Notes for details.

Component-Based Modeling

• Modeling of interrupt-driven processes extended to Model Reference via asynchronous function-call inputs
• Latch block, enabling reusable function-call components in feedback loops
• Signal Logging Selector to centralize data logging selection across multiple models
• Model block that now displays model names of all variant choices in the Model Reference Parameter dialog box
• Creation of protected models via right-click on Model block (requires Simulink Coder)

Model Management

• Merge capability for Simulink models from the XML text comparison report (using Simulink Report Generator)
• Comparison Tool that highlights and merges differences in MAT-file variable values and excludes specified files, folders, and unchanged text

Data Management

• New signal logging format using MATLAB timeseries class, with simplified access to large-scale simulation data
• Data Stores that are compatible with bus signals, including access from Stateflow® and MATLAB Function blocks
• Creation and editing of Simulink.Parameter objects with bus types and MATLAB structures from the Bus Editor
• Bus output for signal groups in Signal Builder block for easy routing of test cases
• Improved data export of N-D arrays and saving of export preferences

Block Enhancements

• Expanded feature set across 1-D, 2-D, and N-D lookup tables, including option to exclude data range checking in generated code
• Shift Arithmetic block that supports shift amount as a signal
• Zero-crossing in the From File block, providing more accurate simulations by capturing discontinuities
• Complex exponential option in Trigonometric Function block with optimized run-time performance
• Sign block that supports complex floating-point input

Performance

• Single-precision computation for faster simulation on all simulation targets
• Restoration of a simulation state created in a previous release

User Interface Enhancements

• Model Explorer interface that remembers the current tab view in the property dialog pane
• Filter option in all bus-capable blocks to quickly find a member signal of the bus
• View menu items that control visibility of checks in Model Advisor
• Active signal group display on the Signal Builder block

Component-Based Modeling

User Interface Enhancements

Data Management

• Expanded support for defining root-level, input-port signal data using MATLAB structures and timeseries objects
• Enhanced Signal Builder block with ability to import multiple test cases from Excel^®, MATLAB, and CSV files
• Enhanced From File block, providing additional interpolation control and support for enumerated data
• Expanded enumerated data-type support to define multiple enumerated types in a single MATLAB file
• Expanded signal data-type specification to include bus objects

Model Management

• Enhanced Simulink Manifest Tools to identify data used in models, but not defined by files in the manifest
• Comparison Tool enhanced, allowing comparison among ZIP files, folders, and Simulink manifests, and improving MAT-file comparisons
• Ability to back up Simulink models when upgrading to a newer release

Block Enhancements

• Array-of-buses support in blocks, including Vector and Matrix Concatenation, Assignment, Selector, and in bus-capable blocks
• Multiport Switch block support for specification of the default case and diagnostic option for out-of-range control input
• Bus data-type support for Constant block and Signal Specification block
• Prelookup block and Interpolation Using Prelookup block support for specification of dynamic breakpoint and table data
• Switch block support to display criteria and threshold values
• Trigonometric Function block support for expanded input range for CORDIC algorithm
• Repeating Sequence Stair block support for enumerated data types

Embedded MATLAB

• Support for Embedded MATLAB^® Function blocks with distinct data types, sizes, and complexities in Simulink libraries
• Support for MATLAB linear algebra functions sqrtm, linsolve, and schur
• Support for creation and processing of arrays of buses

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 7.5, part of Release 2010a, includes the following enhancements:

Component-Based Modeling (2:56)

Data Management (1:46)

Model Management

• Enhanced File and Folder Comparison Tool, highlighting changes within lines in file comparisons, and sorting results by name, type, size, or timestamp in folder comparisons

Block Enhancements

• Enhanced To File and From File blocks for reduced data memory use and efficient support of large file sizes
• New Second-Order Integrator block for efficient and accurate modeling of second-order systems with limits
• Enhanced enumeration support for Multiport Switch block, including data-port ordering specification and icon display of enumerated values
• New block, Find Nonzero Elements, to obtain indices and values of nonzero elements of a signal
• New Square Root Function block to perform square root, signed square root, and reciprocal square root operations
• Enhanced Direct Lookup Table (n-D) block, supporting multidimensional input signals, fixed-point data types, and explicit specification of table data types
• Trigonometric Function block support for CORDIC approximation

Embedded MATLAB

• Support for global data and data store memory
• Support for logical indexing
• Support for MATLAB set functions, including ismember, intersect, and union
• Automatic renaming of a reused MATLAB variable name in generated C code
• Support for CORDIC approximation of trigonometric and complex exponential functions

Simulation Performance

• Parallel builds of model reference hierarchies that leverage MATLAB® Distributed Computing Server™ for faster update diagram
• Improved performance and accuracy of implicit solvers for models with large numbers of continuous states, by computing the Jacobian matrix in analytical and sparse form

User Interface Enhancements

• New customizable views in Model Explorer for enhanced control over columns displayed in the Contents pane
• New data store memory grouping inside the Model Advisor, including a new check to detect potential read/write issues without needing to simulate the model
• New MaskDisplay callback that supports creation of MATLAB variables, improving simulation speed

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 7.4, part of Release 2009b, includes the following enhancements:

Component-Based Modeling

• Ability to configure model variants for efficiently managing design alternatives
• Enhanced library link management, making it easier to visualize and restore edited library links
• Model reference protected mode, enabling the sharing of models for simulation without exposing contents (requires Real-Time Workshop)
• Enhanced Simulink Manifest Tools to discover and analyze model variants, protected models, and Simscape files
• Enhanced S-Function Builder that supports bus signals for managing complex signal interfaces

Variable-Size Signals

• New ability to change signal sizes during execution, facilitating modeling of systems with varying environments, resources, and constraints
• Support for variable-size inputs and outputs in over 40 Simulink blocks, including many blocks from the Math Operations library

Data Management

• Enhanced sim command that saves all simulation results to a single object for easier management of simulation results
• New Simulink.saveVars function to save workspace variables to a MATLAB file
• Enhanced simulation restart capability with SimState feature, supporting common model configuration changes

Block Enhancements

• New turnkey PID Controller blocks with expanded simulation capabilities and automated tuning (requires Simulink Control Design)
• New EnumeratedConstant block and enhanced Switch-Case block that support enumerated variables
• Enhanced Relational Operator block that efficiently detects infinite, NaN, or finite signals for floating-point arithmetic
• Enhanced Lookup Table (n-D) block, supporting parameter data types that are different from signal data types
• Reduced parameter memory use for evenly spaced breakpoints in Prelookup and Lookup Table (n-D) blocks
• Enhanced Math Function block that directly supports reciprocal square root, 1/sqrt(u), for efficient computation

Embedded MATLAB

• Ability to create dynamically sized data in Embedded MATLAB Function blocks
• New report for analyzing compilation errors, array sizes, and target hardware compatibility of compiled data types in Embedded MATLAB Function blocks
• Ability to eliminate run-time checks from simulation code for faster simulation of Embedded MATLAB Function blocks and Stateflow charts

Simulation Performance

• Enhanced sim command improves compatibility with parfor-loops
• Enhanced timing resolution of fixed-step simulations by applying integer arithmetic to sample hit computations
• Enhanced Simulink Accelerator mode to support SimState feature for continuing simulations from a saved state
• Expanded Rapid Accelerator mode support for enumerations for root inputs and all fixed-point word lengths for parameters

User Interface Enhancements

• Enhanced Mask Editor that supports tabs and specification of data type, min, and max parameters
• New Frequently Used Blocks tab in Library Browser and context menu item for adding commonly used blocks to models
• New Model Advisor Configuration Editor to manage and deploy Model Advisor configurations and custom checks (requires Simulink Verification and Validation)

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 7.3, part of Release 2009a, includes the following enhancements:

Simulation Performance

• Ability to save, restore, and restart the complete simulation state using the SimState feature
• Ability to save Simulink Profiler results for subsequent viewing

Component-Based Modeling

• Ability to display port values during simulation for referenced models in Normal mode
• Parallel builds enabling faster update diagram times for large model reference hierarchies when configured in Accelerator Mode (requires Parallel Computing Toolbox)

Embedded MATLAB

• Support for enumerated data types in Embedded MATLAB™ Function blocks
• Support for Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (BLAS) libraries to speed up low-level matrix operations in simulation

Data Management

• Ability to specify custom storage class on the Signal Properties dialog box without creating a Simulink signal object in the workspace

File Management

• Ability to specify a project root folder in the Simulink manifest, making manifests easier to share, compare, and read

Block Enhancements

• Support for parameter data types different from signal data types in Prelookup and Interpolation Using Prelookup blocks
• Lookup Table (n-D) and Interpolation Using Prelookup blocks now performing more efficient fixed-point interpolations
• Lookup Table (n-D) block now supporting faster calculation of index and fraction for power of 2 evenly spaced breakpoint data
• Discrete Filter block now supporting fixed-point data types
• MinMax block now performing more efficient and accurate comparison operations for mixed floating-point and fixed-point data types

User Interface Enhancements

• Ability to customize the Library Browser by adding, hiding, or disabling menu items and selecting which libraries and blocks appear in the browser
• New Smart Guides option facilitating dynamic block alignment when editing a block diagram
• Physical port rotation option for masked blocks to synchronize port rotation with block rotation and enable new Flip Block Up-Down and Left-Right options
• New block rotation option to rotate counter clockwise
• New programmatic methods for creating subsystems from selected blocks and accessing the compiled block sample time data, color, and annotations
• New option to print the Sample Time Legend from the legend or from the block diagram print dialog box
• Enhanced status bar progress indicator now showing additional information during update diagram for Windows® platforms

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 7.2, part of Release 2008b, includes the following enhancements.

Simulation Performance

• New capability to run parallel simulations in rapid accelerator mode using parfor on prebuilt Simulink models (requires Parallel Computing Toolbox)
• Enhanced tuning of solver and logging parameters in rapid accelerator mode without the need to rebuild
• Fixed-point and integer word size limit extended from 32 to 128 bits for Embedded MATLAB code, accelerated simulation modes, and automatic code generation

Component-Based Modeling

• New Model block simulation mode for Processor-in-the-Loop (PIL) verification of generated code (requires Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder)
• Enhanced handling of initial conditions for conditionally executed subsystems, Merge blocks, and Discrete-Time Integrator blocks, improving consistency of simulation results
• Model block inputs can now be local and reusable for more efficient Real-Time Workshop® generated code, and reduced memory usage during simulation

Data Management

• Support for enumerated data types
• Filtering of displayed bus objects by name or relationship in bus editor
• Fully customizable export and import functionalities in bus editor

File Management

• Enhanced Simulink Manifest Tools additionally finds system target files, analyzes STF_make_rtw_hook functions, and analyzes all config sets

Block Enhancements

• Enhanced Trigonometric Function block to support sincos
• Enhanced Math Function and Trigonometric Function blocks to provide more floating-point consistency

User Interface Enhancements

• Unified simulation and custom code options in the Configuration Parameters dialog for Embedded MATLAB Function blocks, Stateflow charts, and Truth Table blocks
• New Model Advisor model and data restore point, providing ability to revert to changes made in response to advice fromModel Advisor
• Context-sensitive help available for Model Advisor
• Context-sensitive help available for Simulink Commonly Used block parameters
• New Sample Time Legend that defines the Sample Time Colors and new color-independent annotations
• New ultracompact display mode for library contents in Library Browser
• Independent setting for Log signal data and Test point options in the Signal Properties dialog box

See the Release Notes for details.

Version 7.1.1, part of the Simulink product family update for Release 2008a, resolves several key customer-reported issues.

• Fixed-Point Toolbox 2.2.1
• Real-Time Workshop 7.1.1
• Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder 5.1.1
• Simulink 7.1.1
• Simulink Design Verifier 1.2.1
• Simulink Fixed Point 5.6.1
• Simulink Report Generator 3.3.1
• Simulink Verification and Validation 2.3.1
• Stateflow 7.1.1
• Stateflow Coder 7.1.1

Version 7.1, part of Release 2008a, includes the following enhancements.

Simulink Library Browser Enhancements

• Now runs on all platforms supported by Simulink software
• Improved performance for browsing and searching of libraries, by allowing these operations to proceed without actually loading the libraries
• Enhanced search finds all blocks and displays search results in a separate tab
• New option to display library blocks in a compact grid layout that conserves screen space

Simulation Performance

• Improved Rapid Accelerator sim command performance when running long simulations of small models on Windows platforms
• Additional zero-crossing algorithm with adaptive detection and adjustable threshold limits improves simulation performance

Component-Based Modeling

• Accelerator mode now supports an unlimited number of referenced models on all platforms, including 32-bit Windows
• Improved model compilation time when using models referenced in accelerator mode by rebuilding parent models only when the interface to a referenced model changes

Embedded MATLAB™

• Support for nontunable MATLAB structure parameters in Embedded MATLAB Function blocks

Data Management

• Enhanced Data Type Assistant display of status and details of fixed-point data type
• Enhanced signal range checking for both real and imaginary parts of a complex number
• Enhanced Bus Editor importing/exporting of data from MAT-files and M-files, defining bus elements with the Data Type Assistant, and expanding bus hierarchies
• Simulink Editor graphical indication of signals that must resolve to signal objects
• In models with asynchronous function calls, correct assignment of generic sample times instead of triggered sample times by some virtual blocks
• Changes to nontunable parameters during simulation ignored, matching the behavior in generated code
• Enhanced data logging on 64-bit platforms, providing the ability to save more than 2 GB of simulation data

File Management

• New autosave option for automatically saving models before updating or simulating
• New option to notify when loading a model saved in a previous version of Simulink
• Enhanced model dependencies manifest tools now also detect TLC files required by S-functions, .fig files created by GUIDE, and files referenced by common data loading functions

Block Enhancements

• New Discrete FIR Filter block replaces the Weighted Moving Average block for faster simulation and improved code generation
• Rate Transition block output port sample time now can be specified as multiple of input port sample time
• Enhanced auto-insertion options for the Rate Transition block to control the level of data transfer determinism, allowing reduced latency for models that do not require determinism
• Auto-insertion of Rate Transition block now supported for additional rate transitions, such as sample times with nonzero offset, and between non-integer-multiple sample times
• Enhanced Lookup Table (n-D) block supports all data types, complex table data, and nonscalar inputs
• Expanded Sum block dialog box displays new parameters for specifying the accumulator data type and its minimum and maximum values

User Interface Enhancements

• New unified Simulink Preferences window for configuring default settings
• Enhanced controls in the Solver pane of the Configuration Parameters dialog box
• Enhanced Model Advisor with improved GUI navigation and report production
• Context-sensitive help available for Configuration Parameters dialog box

See the Release Notes for details.

Getting Started with Simulink (2:02)