8.1 The SIMULINK Library browser

To create a new SIMULINK model, first open the SIMULINK library browser be typing in the MATLAB command window:

>> simulink

This will open a window as shown below:

The toolbar of the Simulink library browser offers the following features (from left to right):

• Create a new model. Opens a new empty worksheet where a simulink model can be constructed.

• Open a model . Opens a dialog box where you can specify an existing model to be opened.

• Stay on top. Forces the library browser window to always stay on top on your desktop.

• Find a block in the library browser. When you specify a block name in the entry field next to the icon, clicking the icon will bring you to the location of this block

The SIMULINK library is divided into several categories. On top we always have the Simulink 3 (standard) library containing, most of the standard blocks. The categories listed below the Simulink library depend on the locally installed features. Important for Control Theory is of course Control System Toolbox.

A library category can be expanded by clicking the + sign, which will then show the underlying hierarchy. At the lowest level you find the blocks that can be dragged to your worksheet.

When you select a block (left mouse click) in the library browser you can read a short description and view it’s appearance in your worksheet, at the bottom of the library browser window (see figure below)