VisSim is a Windows-based program for the modelling and simulation of complex nonlinear dynamic systems. VisSim combines an intuitive drag & drop block diagram interface with a powerful simulation engine.
VisSim provides a fully integrated control system design environment where all design and simulation tasks can be completed without writing a line of code. Furthermore, VisSim offers unprecedented ease-of-use and consequently a shorter learning curve than competitive systems. Less time training -- more time engineering!
The visual block diagram interface offers a simple method for constructing, modifying and maintaining system models. The simulation engine provides fast and accurate solutions for linear, nonlinear, continuous time, discrete time, time varying and hybrid system designs. With VisSim, users can quickly develop software or "virtual" prototypes of systems or processes to demonstrate their behaviour prior to building physical prototypes. Built-in integration tools allow users to communicate seamlessly with MATLAB and Mathcad. A VisSim/SIMULINK Translator allows SIMULINK users to import SIMULINK V2 or V3 block diagrams directly into VisSim.
The user builds his system model by selecting predefined blocks from a block library and simply wiring (graphically connecting) the blocks into a diagram. Each block of the diagram performs a mathematical or input/output function. These "blocks" may represent complex algorithms, input variables, or various outputs like graphs, charts, plots or data files. Users can also create custom blocks in C, Fortran or Pascal and add them to the VisSim block library. After the model is configured, a simulation is run and results of the simulation are displayed.
Once the behaviour of the system model is understood, often the next step is to develop a "software" controller that will control the behaviour of the model and eventually the physical system itself. In the above example, a motion control engineer developed a system model of an AC Induction Motor and then developed a "software" PID controller to control the torque, velocity and position of the motor.
VisSim Viewer
Professional VisSim includes the VisSim Viewer, a run-time, view only version of VisSim. The VisSim Viewer enables users to distribute VisSim models and simulations to individuals not licensed to use VisSim. Model integrity is preserved by prohibiting recipients from changing wiring and model structure. However, recipients of the Viewer are able to change block and simulation parameters, optimise gains, perform interactive "what -if " scenarios and customise histogram, plot and stripChart blocks.
VisSim options
The core product, VisSim, is used for general modelling, simulation and control system design applications. VisSim product options include VisSim/Analyze, for frequency domain analysis, and VisSim/Real-Time, for real-time hardware-in-the-loop validation.
The addition of a comprehensive library of communication blocks to the core VisSim product results in a product called VisSim/Comm - an integrated solution for the modelling and simulation of analog, digital or mixed-mode, end-to-end communication systems. Pre-built blocks like signal sources, encoders/decoders, modulators/demodulators, filters, channels, RF components and PLLs make it easy to build, maintain and modify even the most complex communication system models.
The VisSim/C-Code product option is available for VisSim, VisSim/Comm. VisSim/C-Code automatically generates ANSI C code for the model/controller/algorithm. The C code can be compiled and run on any platform that supports an ANSI C compiler.
Finally, integrated VisSim/DSP solutions enable users to model and simulate their control/communication/signal processing system, automatically convert their algorithm to ANSI C code and compile-link-download to an embedded system.
Features
Modeling Features
AudioIn and audioOut blocks read and write data from .WAV files or Windows audio devices.
DelayedSwitch block lets you control the delay for the‘on’ and ‘off’ commands found in process control.
TimeOfDay block provides hour, minute, second, day, month, year with interactive update.
MinElement and maxElement blocks find the value and location of matrix elements.
VisSim Browser lets you explore the VisSim menu hierarchy, making it very convenient to insert blocks from deeply nested menu trees.
Knobs and Gauges lets you specify high-quality graphical behavior of interactive gauges, meters, dials, switches, and knobs. This gives a ‘dashboard’ faceplate to drive and monitor your VisSim models.
Spectrum display displays the amplitude of vector elements with a vertical bar for each element.
Plots with many data points now repaint many times faster
Simulation Features
Subsystem superclocking allows all blocks within a Compound block to run at a user-defined rate faster than the overall simulation rate. It also allows for containment of high-frequency components, iterating through matrixes, or modeling of partial differential equations.
Adaptive Adams-Moulton and BDF integration algorithms are two new integration methods for solving adaptive step stiff systems.
Real-time scale factor lets you run real-time simulations at multiples or fractions of real time.
Auto check pointing lets your automatically save diagram states at given intervals to a unique file name composed of the original file name plus a time stamp suffix. The file contains the current state of all variables in the diagram, letting you re-run simulations from any check pointed state.
Start-up scripting allows C or Matrix initialisation syntax.
VisSim - Maple interface allows reading and writing of scalar and matrix data to the Maple workspace, as well as execution of Maple script. Brings a fast and smooth interface between VisSim and Maple.
Import block feature allows ‘,’ as decimal point, and allow ‘.’ as a field separator. The import block now understands hh:mm:ss.ff as a time specification format.
Export block feature allows ‘,’ as decimal point, and ‘.’ as a field separator.
Visualisation Features
VisSim Tutor lets you annotate a VisSim diagram with interactive help balloons so that others can read and understand it better.
General Features
Ctrl-TAB switches to the next window; Ctrl-F4 closes current window.
Block display ordering allows "Bring Forward" or "Send to back" of bezel blocks.
Block menu tree is an alternate method to insert blocks into diagram.