How do I give constants as input to an executable generated in Simulink running on a Beaglebone Blue?

Hello!

I have developed an experimental wing section for wind tunnel testing of different control algorithms. Control is implemented using a BeagleBone Blue (BBBLue) single board computer and the Simulink Coder Support Package for BeagleBone Blue hardware.

Right now, if I implement a change to a constant value in any arbitrary control algorithm (simple example, a gain in a PID controller), I change its value in the Simulink model, recompile an redeploy the executable to the BBBLue again. This is not the quickest process however.

I would therefore like to store some constants in an external file or give them as input in the command prompt/terminal when running the executable on the BBBLue, such that I can compile and deploy a model once, and try different controller configurations without the need to recompile.

Is this possible and if so, what would be the best way to go about this?

Thanks,

Roderick

Answer 1

[Lokesh]

Hi Roderick,

I see you are looking for an efficient way to test different control algorithm configurations on your 'BeagleBone Blue' hardware without the need to recompile each time.

The 'External mode' in Simulink allows you to change parameters in real-time while your model is running on the hardware. This allows you to adjust constants like gains in your PID controller directly from the Simulink interface on your host computer without redeploying the code after each change.

Refer to the following documentation to setup and use 'External mode' on 'BeagleBone Blue' Hardware:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/supportpkg/beagleboneblue/ug/tune-and-monitor-an-executable-running-on-beaglebone-blue-hardware.html

I hope you find this helpful.