When to use Data Acquisition Toolbox vs. Simulink Real-time

For what applications should I use data acquisition tools like Data Acquisition Toolbox vs. real-time testing tools like Simulink Real-time?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Data Acquisition Toolbox Team]

Data Acquisition Toolbox is typically used for the following applications:

• Data Acquisition and Analysis: Data Acquisition Toolbox is designed for acquiring, logging, and analyzing data from a variety of sensors, instruments, and hardware devices. It provides a comprehensive set of functions and tools for configuring, controlling, and reading data from data acquisition hardware.
• Offline Data Processing: If you need to perform post-acquisition data analysis, signal processing, or visualization, Data Acquisition Toolbox, Signal Processing Toolbox and MATLAB would be a recommended solution. Together, they offer a range of functions for data manipulation, filtering, spectral analysis, and more.
• Custom Data Acquisition Applications: If you require flexibility in developing custom data acquisition applications using MATLAB, Data Acquisition Toolbox provides the necessary functions for building tailored solutions. You can even deploy a custom application using MATLAB Compiler.

Simulink Real-Time is typically used for these applications:

• Real-Time Testing and Simulation: Simulink Real-Time is specifically designed for real-time testing, simulation, and rapid prototyping of control systems. It allows you to run Simulink models in real-time on dedicated hardware targets, providing accurate and time-critical simulations.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Simulink Real-Time is commonly used for HIL testing, where the control system under development is tested against a physical plant or hardware components in real-time. It enables the integration of real-world hardware with Simulink models for thorough testing and validation.
• Rapid Control Prototyping: If you need to quickly iterate and test control algorithms on real hardware, Simulink Real-Time offers a streamlined workflow for rapid control prototyping, reducing development time and enabling efficient algorithm refinement.

There are applications where both Data Acquisition Toolbox and Simulink Real-Time could be utilized, such as closed-loop control or audio processing. For these applications, algorithm update rate and timing requirements can help determine which tool is appropriate.

• Simulink Real-Time can run real-time simulations of the control algorithm, while Data Acquisition Toolbox can acquire real-time feedback signals from sensors and provide control signals to actuators, enabling closed-loop control and system monitoring.
• Use Simulink Real-Time for applications where the algorithm update rate is fast, has deterministic timing requirements, and requires a real-time operating system (RTOS)
• Use DAQ Toolbox where the algorithm update rate is slow and has less stringent timing requirements.
• If unsure about which tool to use, reach out to MathWorks for guidance.

Refer to this answer for guidance on key differences between the products.