How do I run an exe written for Windows in Simulink

I have an application/exe that runs on Windows, which we use to communicate with ECUs in vehicles. I need to create a simulation system that we can use to test how our application interacts with virtual ECUs. I have seen examples of something similar in webinars but I cannot find anything now that explains what I need to create in Simulink to run our application on. I assume I'm using the wrong technical terms when I search for it. I'm basically looking for a way to create a virtual PC in Simulink on which I can run our application and control it's inputs. This does not need to be a real time system where timings are crucial.

Answer 1

[Gagan Agarwal]

Hi Hannes,

I understand that you are looking to execute a '*.exe' file within Simulink. To accomplish this, you can utilize a MATLAB function block inside Simulink to run the executable file using the 'system' function.

Additionally, I understand that you are interested in creating a virtual PC within Simulink. It's not possible to create a virtual PC directly in simulink, however as a way around you can establish a connection between Simulink and virtual PC which will enable you to send and receive messages between the virtual PC and the Simulink model using TCP/IP receive, thereby enabling you to run the application and control its inputs.

For additional information regarding 'system' function and TCP/IP receive please refer to the following documentation:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/system.html

https://www.mathworks.com/help/instrument/tcpipreceive.html

I hope it helps!