Components by Category

This chapter lists the blocks of the Component library by category.

System

Configurable Subsystem	Provide subsystem with exchangeable implementations
Display	Display signal values in the schematic
Dynamic Signal Selector	Select or reorder elements from vectorized signal depending on control signal
Enable	Control execution of an atomic subsystem
From File	Read time and signal values from file
Model Reference	Reference a subsystem or netlist from the same or another model
Pause / Stop	Pause or stop the simulation
Scalar Expander	Extend the input signal to the width of the reference
Scope	Display simulation results versus time
Signal Demultiplexer	Split vectorized signal
Signal From	Reference signal from Signal Goto block by name
Signal Goto	Make signal available by name
Signal Inport	Add signal input connector to subsystem
Signal Multiplexer	Combine several signals into vectorized signal
Signal Outport	Add signal output connector to subsystem
Signal Selector	Select or reorder elements from vectorized signal
Subsystem	Create functional entity in hierarchical simulation model
Switch Loss Calculator	Calculate the average sum of the switch losses of all probed components over the specified averaging period
Task Frame	Associate the enclosed components with a task in a multi-tasking environment
Task Transition	Transfer data between tasks using a double buffer
To File	Write time and signal values to file
Trigger	Control execution of an atomic subsystem
XY Plot	Display correlation between two signals

Assertions

Assert Dynamic Lower Limit	Check whether a signal stays above another signal
Assert Dynamic Range	Check whether a signal stays between two other signals
Assert Dynamic Upper Limit	Check whether a signal stays below another signal
Assertion	Check whether a condition is true
Assert Lower Limit	Check whether a signal stays above a constant
Assert Range	Check whether a signal stays within a constant range
Assert Upper Limit	Check whether a signal stays below a constant

Control

Sources

Clock	Provide current simulation time
Constant	Generate constant signal
Initial Condition	Output specified initial value in the first simulation step
Pulse Generator	Generate periodic rectangular pulses
Ramp	Generate constantly rising or falling signal
Random Numbers	Generate uniformly distributed random numbers
Sine Wave	Generate time-based sine wave with optional bias
Step	Generate constant signal with instantaneous step change
Triangular Wave Generator	Generate periodic triangular or sawtooth waveform
White Noise	Generate normally distributed random numbers

Math

Abs	Calculate absolute value of input signal
Algebraic Constraint	Enforce an algebraic constraint
Data Type	Cast the input signal to the specified data type
Gain	Multiply input signal by constant
Math Function	Apply specified mathematical function
Minimum / Maximum	Output input signal with highest resp. lowest value
Offset	Add constant to input signal
Product	Multiply and divide scalar or vectorized input signals
Rounding	Round floating point signal to integer values
Signum	Provide sign of input signal
Sum	Add and subtract input signals
Trigonometric Function	Apply specified trigonometric function

Continuous

Continuous PID Controller	Implementation of a continuous-time controller (P, I, PI, PD or PID)
Integrator	Integrate input signal with respect to time
PLL (Single-Phase)	Implementation of a single phase PLL
PLL (Three-Phase)	Implementation of a three phase PLL
State Space	Implement linear time-invariant system as state-space model
Transfer Function	Model linear time-invariant system as transfer function

Delays

Memory	Provide input signal from previous major time step
Pulse Delay	Delay discrete-value input signal by fixed time
Transport Delay	Delay continuous input signal by fixed time
Turn-on Delay	Delay rising flank of input pulses by fixed dead time

Discontinuous

Comparator	Compare two input signals with minimal hysteresis
Dead Zone	Output zero while input signal is within dead zone limits
Hit Crossing	Detect when signal reaches or crosses given value
Manual Signal Switch	Manually select one of two input signals
Multiport Signal Switch	Select one of multiple input signals depending on control signal
Quantizer	Apply uniform quantization to input signal
Rate Limiter	Limit rising and falling rate of change
Relay	Toggle between on- and off-state with configurable threshold
Saturation	Limit input signal to upper and/or lower value
Signal Switch	Select one of two input signals depending on control signal

Discrete

Delay	Delay input signal by given number of samples
Discrete Integrator	Calculate discrete integral of input signal
Discrete Mean Value	Calculate running mean value of input signal
Discrete PID Controller	Implementation of a discrete-time controller (P, I, PI, PD or PID)
Discrete State Space	Implement discrete time-invariant system as state-space model
Discrete Transfer Function	Model discrete system as transfer function
Zero Order Hold	Sample and hold input signal periodically

Filters

Fourier Transform	Perform Fourier transform on input signal
Moving Average	Continuously average input signal over specified time period
Periodic Average	Periodically average input signal over specified time
Periodic Impulse Average	Periodically average Dirac impulses over specified time
RMS Value	Calculate root mean square (RMS) value of input signal
Total Harmonic Distortion	Calculate total harmonic distortion (THD) of input signal

Functions & Tables

1D Look-Up Table	Compute piece-wise linear function of one input signal
2D Look-Up Table	Compute piece-wise linear function of two input signals
3D Look-Up Table	Compute piece-wise linear function of three input signals
C-Script	Execute custom C code
DLL	Interface with externally generated dynamic-link library
FMU	Use a model stored in an FMU model
Fourier Series	Synthesize periodic output signal from Fourier coefficients
Function	Apply arbitrary arithmetic expression to scalar or vectorized input signal

Logical

Combinatorial Logic	Use binary input signals to select one row from truth table
Compare to Constant	Compare input signal to constant threshold
D Flip-flop	Implement edge-triggered flip-flop
Edge Detection	Detect edges of pulse signal in given direction
JK Flip-flop	Implement edge-triggered JK flip-flop
Logical Operator	Combine input signals logically
Monoflop	Generate pulse of specified width when triggered
Relational Operator	Compare two input signals
SR Flip-flop	Implement set-reset flip-flop

Modulators

2-Pulse Generator	Generate firing pulses for H-bridge thyristor rectifier
3-Phase Index-Based Modulation	Generate the modulation index for a three-phase reference voltage
3-Phase Overmodulation	Extend linear range of modulation index for 3-phase inverters
6-Pulse Generator	Generate firing pulses for 3-phase thyristor rectifier
Blanking Time	Generate commutation delay for 2-level inverter bridges
Blanking Time (3-Level)	Generate commutation delay for 3-level inverter bridges
Peak Current Controller	Implement peak current mode control
Sawtooth PWM	Generate PWM signal using sawtooth carrier
Sawtooth PWM (3-Level)	Generate 3-level PWM signal using sawtooth carriers
Space Vector PWM	Generate PWM signals for 3-phase inverter using space-vector modulation
Space Vector PWM (3-Level)	Generate PWM signals for 3-phase NPC inverter using space-vector modulation
Symmetrical PWM	Generate PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carrier
Symmetrical PWM (3-Level)	Generate 3-level PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carriers
Variable Frequency PWM	Generate PWM signals with variable frequency
Variable Phase PWM	Generate PWM signals with variable phase shift

Transformations

Polar to Rectangular	Convert polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates
Rectangular to Polar	Convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates
Transformation 3ph->RRF	Transform 3-phase signal to rotating reference frame
Transformation 3ph->SRF	Transform 3-phase signal to stationary reference frame
Transformation RRF->3ph	Transform vector in rotating reference frame into 3-phase signal
Transformation RRF->SRF	Transform vector from rotating to stationary reference frame
Transformation SRF->3ph	Transform vector in stationary reference frame into 3-phase signal
Transformation SRF->RRF	Transform vector from stationary to rotating reference frame

State Machine

State Machine

Model a state machine

Small Signal Analysis

(PLECS Standalone only)

Small Signal Gain	Measure loop gain of closed control loop using small-signal analysis
Small Signal Perturbation	Generate perturbation signal for small-signal analysis
Small Signal Response	Measure system response for small-signal analysis

Electrical

Connectivity

Electrical Ground	Connect to common electrical ground
Electrical Label	Connect electrical potentials by name
Electrical Port	Add electrical connector to subsystem
Wire Multiplexer	Bundle several wires into bus
Wire Selector	Select or reorder elements from wire bus

Sources

Current Source (Controlled)	Generate variable current
Current Source AC	Generate sinusoidal current
Current Source DC	Generate constant current
Voltage Source (Controlled)	Generate variable voltage
Voltage Source AC	Generate sinusoidal voltage
Voltage Source AC (3-Phase)	Generate 3-phase sinusoidal voltage
Voltage Source DC	Generate constant voltage

Meters

Ammeter	Output measured current as signal
Meter (3-Phase)	Measure voltages and currents of 3-phase system
Voltmeter	Output measured voltage as signal

Passive Components

Capacitor	Ideal capacitor
Electrical Algebraic Component	Enforce an algebraic constraint in terms of voltage and current
Inductor	Ideal inductor
Mutual Inductor	Ideal mutual inductor
Pi-Section Line	Single-phase pi-section transmission line
Piece-wise Linear Resistor	Resistance defined by voltage-current pairs
Resistor	Ideal resistor
Saturable Capacitor	Capacitor with piece-wise linear saturation
Saturable Inductor	Inductor with piece-wise linear saturation
Transmission Line (3ph)	3-phase transmission line
Variable Capacitor	Capacitance controlled by signal
Variable Inductor	Inductance controlled by signal
Variable Resistor	Resistance controlled by signal
Variable Resistor with Constant Capacitor	Controlled resistance in parallel with constant capacitance
Variable Resistor with Constant Inductor	Controlled resistance in series with constant inductance
Variable Resistor with Variable Capacitor	Controlled resistance in parallel with controlled capacitance
Variable Resistor with Variable Inductor	Controlled resistance in series with controlled inductance

Power Semiconductors

Diode	Ideal diode with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Diode with Reverse Recovery	Dynamic diode model with reverse recovery
GTO	Ideal GTO with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
GTO (Reverse Conducting)	Ideal GTO with ideal anti-parallel diode
IGBT	Ideal IGBT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
IGBT with Diode	Ideal IGBT with ideal anti-parallel diode
IGBT with Limited di/dt	Dynamic IGBT model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off
IGCT (Reverse Blocking)	Ideal IGCT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
IGCT (Reverse Conducting)	Ideal IGCT with ideal anti-parallel diode
MOSFET	Ideal MOSFET with optional on-resistance
MOSFET with Diode	Ideal MOSFET with ideal anti-parallel diode
MOSFET with Limited di/dt	Dynamic MOSFET model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off
Thyristor	Ideal thyristor (SCR) with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Thyristor with Reverse Recovery	Dynamic thyristor (SCR) model with reverse recovery
TRIAC	Ideal TRIAC with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Zener Diode	Zener diode with controlled reverse breakdown voltage

Power Modules

3-Level Half Bridge (ANPC)	Single leg of a 3-level active neutral-point clamped half-bridge converter
3-Level Half Bridge (NPC)	Single leg of a 3-level neutral-point clamped voltage source inverter
3-Level Half Bridge (T-Type)	Single leg of a 3-level T-type half-bridge converter
3-Phase Current Source Inverter	3-phase 2-level current source inverter
3-Phase Voltage Source Inverter	3-phase 2-level voltage source inverter
5-Level Half Bridge (ANPC)	Single leg of a 5-level active neutral-point clamped half-bridge converter
Chopper (High-Side Switch)	Chopper used in buck converters
Chopper (High-Side Switch with Reverse Diode)	Chopper used in buck converters
Chopper (Low-Side Switch)	Chopper used in boost converters
Chopper (Low-Side Switch with Reverse Diode)	Chopper used in boost converters
Diode Pair	Diode rectifier module
Flying Capacitor Half Bridge	Multi-level inverter half bridge with flying capacitors
Full Bridges (Series Connected)	Series-connected inverter cells for modular multilevel converters
Half Bridge	Single leg of a 2-level voltage source inverter
Half Bridges (Low-/High-Side Connected)	Series-connected inverter cells for modular multilevel converters
Thyristor Pair	Thyristor rectifier/inverter module

Switches

Breaker	AC circuit breaker opening at zero current
Double Switch	Changeover switch with two positions
Manual Double Switch	Manual changeover switch with two positions
Manual Switch	Manual on-off switch
Manual Triple Switch	Manual changeover switch with three positions
Set/Reset Switch	Bistable on-off switch
Switch	On-off switch
Triple Switch	Changeover switch with three positions

Transformers

Ideal Transformer	Ideally coupled windings without inductance
Linear Transformer (2 Windings)	Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss
Linear Transformer (3 Windings)	Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss
Mutual Inductance (2 Windings)	Magnetic coupling between two lossy windings
Mutual Inductance (3 Windings)	Magnetic coupling between three lossy windings
Saturable Transformers	Single-phase transformers with two resp. three windings and core saturation
Transformers (3ph, 2 Windings)	3-phase transformers in Yy, Yd, Yz, Dy, Dd and Dz connection
Transformers (3ph, 3 Windings)	3-phase transformers in Ydy and Ydz connection

Machines

Brushless DC Machine	Detailed model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets
Brushless DC Machine (Simple)	Simplified model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets
DC Machine	Simple model of DC machine
Induction Machine (Open Stator Windings)	Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor and open stator windings
Induction Machine (Slip Ring)	Non-saturable induction machine with slip-ring rotor
Induction Machine (Squirrel Cage)	Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor
Induction Machine with Saturation	Induction machine with slip-ring rotor and main-flux saturation
Non-Excited Synchronous Machine	Non-excited synchronous machine configurable with lookup tables
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine	Synchronous machine excited by permanent magnets
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (Open Winding)	Synchronous machine excited by permanent magnets with open stator windings
Switched Reluctance Machine	Detailed model of switched reluctance machine with open windings
Synchronous Machine (Round Rotor)	Smooth air-gap synchronous machine with main-flux saturation
Synchronous Machine (Salient Pole)	Salient-pole synchronous machine with main-flux saturation
Synchronous Reluctance Machine	Synchronous reluctance machine configurable with lookup tables

Converters

Diode Rectifier (3ph)	3-phase diode rectifier
Ideal 3-Level Converter (3ph)	Switch-based 3-phase 3-level converter
Ideal Converter (3ph)	Switch-based 3-phase converter
IGBT 3-Level Converter (3ph)	3-phase 3-level neutral-point clamped IGBT converter
IGBT Converter (3ph)	3-phase IGBT converter
MOSFET Converter (3ph)	3-phase MOSFET converter
Thyristor Rectifier/Inverter	3-phase thyristor rectifier/inverter

Nanostep

3-Phase Dual Active Bridge	Simple 3-phase dual active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance
3-Phase NPC Voltage Source Inverter	3-phase neutral-point clamped voltage source inverter with filter inductors
3-Phase T-Type Voltage Source Inverter	3-phase T-type voltage source inverter with filter inductors
3-Phase Voltage Source Inverter	3-phase voltage source inverter with filter inductors
4-Phase Voltage Source Inverter	4-phase voltage source inverter with filter inductors
Bidirectional Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter	Bidirectional phase-shifted full-bridge converter with optional resonant capacitor
Boost Converter	Boost converter with filter inductance
Boost PFC Converter	Rectifier with boost converter for power factor correction
Boost PFC Converter with LC Filter	Rectifier with boost converter and LC input filter for power factor correction
Buck Converter	Buck converter with filter inductance
CLLLC Converter	Dual active bridge or resonant converter with magnetizing inductance
CLLLC Converter with NPC Half-Bridge	Dual active bridge or resonant converter with a primary-side NPC half-bridge
Flyback Converter with Snubber	Flyback converter with leakage inductance and snubber diode
Frequency-doubling LLC Converter	Frequency-doubling LLC converter
Full-Bridge Inverter	Full-bridge voltage source inverter with filter inductance
Full-Bridge Inverter with LCL Filter	Full-bridge voltage source inverter with LCL filter on the AC side
Full-Bridge LLC Converter	Full-bridge LLC resonant converter
Full-Bridge LLC Converter with Synchronous Rectification	Full-bridge LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification
Half-Bridge Inverter	Half-bridge voltage source inverter with filter inductance
Half-Bridge LLC Converter	Half-bridge LLC resonant converter
Half-Bridge LLC Converter with Synchronous Rectification	Half-bridge LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification
Matrix Bidirectional Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter	Bidirectional phase-shifted full-bridge converter with 3-phase matrix converter frontend
Matrix CLLLC Converter	CLLLC converter with 1/2/3/4-phase matrix converter frontend
Matrix Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter	Phase-shifted full-bridge converter with 3-phase matrix converter frontend
Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter	Phase-shifted full-bridge converter with optional resonant capacitor
Simple Dual Active Bridge	Dual active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance
Triple Active Bridge	Simple triple active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance
Vienna Rectifier	3-phase Vienna rectifier with filter inductors

Electronics

Op-Amp	Ideal operational amplifier with finite gain
Op-Amp with Limited Output	Ideal operational amplifier with limited output voltage

Model Settings

Electrical Model Settings

Configure settings for an individual electrical circuit

SPICE Components

Netlist	Netlist reader for importing a SPICE netlist defining a subcircuit
Netlist File Reference	Variant of the netlist reader for importing a SPICE netlist at runtime from a file

Thermal

Connectivity

Ambient Temperature	Connect to Heat Sink on which subsystem is placed
Thermal Ground	Connect to common reference temperature
Thermal Multiplexer	Combine several connections into one vector
Thermal Port	Add thermal connector to subsystem
Thermal Selector	Select or reorder elements from vector connection

Sources

Constant Heat Flow	Generate constant heat flow
Constant Temperature	Provide constant temperature
Controlled Heat Flow	Generate variable heat flow
Controlled Temperature	Provide variable temperature

Meters

Heat Flow Meter	Output measured heat flow as signal
Thermometer	Output measured temperature as signal

Components

Heat Sink	Isotherm environment for placing components
Thermal Capacitor	Thermal capacitance of piece of material
Thermal Chain	Thermal impedance implemented as RC chain
Thermal Package Impedance	Model thermal coupling in a semiconductor package
Thermal Resistor	Thermal resistance of piece of material

Model Settings

Thermal Model Settings

Configure settings for an individual thermal system

Magnetic

Connectivity

Magnetic Multiplexer	Combine several connections into one vector
Magnetic Port	Add magnetic connector to subsystem
Magnetic Selector	Select or reorder elements from vector connection

Sources

MMF Source (Constant)	Generate a constant magneto-motive force
MMF Source (Controlled)	Generate a variable magneto-motive force

Meters

Flux Rate Meter	Output the measured rate-of-change of magnetic flux
MMF Meter	Output the measured magneto-motive force

Components

Air Gap	Air gap in a magnetic core
Hysteretic Core	Magnetic core element with static hysteresis
Leakage Flux Path	Permeance of linear leakage flux path
Linear Core	Linear magnetic core element
Magnetic Permeance	Linear magnetic permeance
Magnetic Resistance	Effective magnetic resistance for modeling losses
Saturable Core	Magnetic core element with saturation
Variable Magnetic Permeance	Variable permeance controlled by external signal
Winding	Ideal winding defining an electro-magnetic interface

Mechanical

Translational

Connectivity

Translational Multiplexer	Combine several connections into one vector
Translational Port	Add translational connector to subsystem
Translational Reference	Connect to translational reference frame
Translational Selector	Select or reorder elements from vector connection

Sources

Force (Constant)	Generate constant force
Force (Controlled)	Generate variable force
Translational Speed (Constant)	Maintain constant linear speed
Translational Speed (Controlled)	Maintain variable linear speed

Sensors

Force Sensor	Output measured force as signal
Position Sensor	Output measured absolute or relative position as signal
Translational Speed Sensor	Output measured linear speed as signal

Components

Mass	Model sliding mass with inertia
Rack and Pinion	Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion
Translational Algebraic Component	Define an algebraic constraint in terms of force and speed
Translational Backlash	Ideal translational backlash
Translational Clutch	Ideal translational clutch
Translational Damper	Ideal viscous translational damper
Translational Friction	Ideal translational stick/slip friction
Translational Friction (Controlled)	Generate variable translational friction
Translational Hard Stop	Ideal translational single- or double-sided hard stop
Translational Spring	Ideal translational spring

Model Settings

Translational Model Settings

Configure settings for an individual mechanical system

Rotational

Connectivity

Rotational Multiplexer	Combine several connections into one vector
Rotational Port	Add rotational connector to subsystem
Rotational Reference	Connect to rotational reference frame
Rotational Selector	Select or reorder elements from vector connection

Sources

Rotational Speed (Constant)	Maintain constant angular speed
Rotational Speed (Controlled)	Maintain variable angular speed
Torque (Constant)	Generate constant torque
Torque (Controlled)	Generate variable torque

Sensors

Angle Sensor	Output measured absolute or relative angle as signal
Rotational Speed Sensor	Output measured angular speed as signal
Torque Sensor	Output measured torque as signal

Components

Gear	Ideal gear
Inertia	Model rotating body with inertia
Planetary Gear Set	Ideal planetary gear set
Rack and Pinion	Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion
Rotational Algebraic Component	Define an algebraic constraint in terms of torque and angular speed
Rotational Backlash	Ideal rotational backlash
Rotational Clutch	Ideal rotational clutch
Rotational Damper	Ideal viscous rotational damper
Rotational Friction	Ideal rotational stick/slip friction
Rotational Friction (Controlled)	Generate variable rotational friction
Rotational Hard Stop	Ideal rotational single- or double-sided hard stop
Torsion Spring	Ideal torsion spring

Model Settings

Rotational Model Settings

Configure settings for an individual mechanical system

Additional Simulink Blocks

(PLECS Blockset only)

AC Sweep	Perform AC sweep
Impulse Response Analysis	Perform impulse response analysis
Loop Gain Analysis (AC Sweep)	Determine loop gain of closed control loop
Loop Gain Analysis (Multitone)	Determine loop gain of closed control loop
Multitone Analysis	Perform a multitone analysis
Steady-State Analysis	Determine periodic steady-state operating point
Timer	Generate piece-wise constant signal

See also Simulink Blocks.