Can I call a Simulink generated DLL file in a Simulink model (Matlab 2018b)?

I have created a .dll file (see fig: PID_win64.dll) and associated headers (see fig: in PID_ert_shrlib_rtw) with the aid of Simulink (see fig: PID.slx). I now want to call it in a simulink model (see fig: test_dll.slx) where I am going to test it. I have read in older posts that I have to use S-Function block. Please let me know if this is the proper route I should follow and if so could you please share with me the exact steps (where should I allocate the name of dll and headers - which headers) ?

The final aim is to import the created .dll file in DIgSILENT POWERFACTORY. If anyone can share any further information regarding this would be highly appreciated.

[Sebastian D.]

Hi Panagiotis,

I have the same use case: I generated a DLL file from a Simulink model (using the System Target File "ert_shrlib.tlc"). To test the generated DLL, I want to call the DLL in another Simulink model.

I also thought about using a S-Function to include the DLL. Did you find an appropriate solution to your problem?

Many thanks in advance!

Kind regards

[Ziyan Li]

hi, i have the same quesition. Have you solved your problem? I have a DLL (compiled from visual studio), i want to know, how can i call it in Simulink. This DLL was also used in Powerfactory.

[Rajat Ghare]

Hello,

I have the same question. I have generated a dll using embedded coder.I want to test this dll before I send it further to be used in Powerfactory. I tried some links from forum but didnt reach the goal. Can anyone help me on this if you have developed any solution that i can follow. thanks

Answer 1

[Mark McBroom]

Yes, creating an S-Function one possible approach. I presonally prefer the legacy_code tool, but S-Function builder will also work.

Note that you can also call C code in a DLL from a MATLAB Function block using the coder.ceval() function.

[Panagiotis Bountouris]

Thank you for your answer Mark. Are there any specific guidelines when using the above to import a dll?

[Mark McBroom]

No particular guidelines. There are a number of examples for each approach. Tricky part for either is specifying the layout of input/output buses to the Simulink model.

An altnerate appraoch is to put your entire model into a sub-system. Then, select the subsystem and pick the following from the Simulink menu:

Code => C/C++ code => Generate S-Function

This will generate an S-Function from the subsystem. You can now use this s-function in another Simulink model.

Finally, if your goal of creating an s-function is to hide the implementation details of the model before providing to someone else, you can use the Protected Model feature.

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/use-a-protected-model-in-simulation.html

[Panagiotis Bountouris]

Thank you Mark. The ultimate goal is to import the already generated dll to digsilent (another simulations program). Before that I wanted to import the dll in simulink, so I compare the dll with the actual model. I don't think creating an S-Function out of the initial model will help me at this stage. Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you for your help anyway!

[ESSALMI YOUSSEF]

Hi, I have the same issue, any solutions, or guidlines ? thank you in advance

[Lisette Joanne Cupelli]

Same here. Given the attention of this post, can Mathworks offer a target specifically for exporting DLLs from Simulink that are compatible with DigSILENT Power Factory?

[Mark McBroom]

Hi Lisette,

MathWorks has developed a solution specifically for PowerFactory. Please email me at [e-mail] for details.

Thanks.

Mark.

[Mark McBroom]

Powerfactor and Simulink now both support the FMU standard. See this link for details:

Knowledge Base PowerFactory - DIgSILENT

Thanks.

Mark.