Connecting Simulink to USB and COM Ports: A Beginner's Guide

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Connecting a USB device to Simulink can be achieved through the MATLAB serial interface, which does not require the Instrument Control Toolbox or Data Acquisition Toolbox for basic serial communication. Users have encountered issues when attempting to connect devices on higher COM ports (like COM 11), as Simulink typically recognizes only COM ports 1 to 8. To resolve this, users can change the device's COM port number through the Control Panel by accessing the Device Manager and adjusting the port settings. After setting the COM port to a lower number, such as COM 2, users still faced challenges in establishing a successful connection. It is recommended to consult the MATLAB documentation for guidance on using the built-in serial functions, which provide examples and detailed instructions for proper setup and troubleshooting.
Gean
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Hello,

I'm new to working with MATLAB and simulink, but I'm trying to connect a USB device with Simulink. Is there any way to connect Simulink with either a USB-port or a COM-port?

Thanks in advance!
 
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You can make use of the built-in MATLAB serial stuff (navigate using the left-hand panel--this just links to the first page):
http://www.mathworks.com/access/helpdesk/help/techdoc/matlab_external/f105659.html

Note, as per the first page I linked to above, that you don't need the Instrument Control Toolbox (extended serial port features and graphical user interface) or Data Acquisition Toolbox if you're just looking to communicate via the serial port.
 
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I tried to make a connection with COM-port, but the problem was that Simulink "sees" only COM port 1 to 8 or something. The connected device is at COM 11.
 
You can change the port number of a device (well most devices)
control panel->system->hardware->device manager
Select the device (under Ports)->properties->port settings->click advanced

You might have to disable some other devices to free up a low numbered com port first
 
mgb_phys said:
You can change the port number of a device (well most devices)
control panel->system->hardware->device manager
Select the device (under Ports)->properties->port settings->click advanced

You might have to disable some other devices to free up a low numbered com port first

Allright, i have the com-port set to COM2, which allows me to select it from 'Query Instrument'. However, it does not seem to work.

MATLABdude said:
You can make use of the built-in MATLAB serial stuff (navigate using the left-hand panel--this just links to the first page):
http://www.mathworks.com/access/helpdesk/help/techdoc/matlab_external/f105659.html

Note, as per the first page I linked to above, that you don't need the Instrument Control Toolbox (extended serial port features and graphical user interface) or Data Acquisition Toolbox if you're just looking to communicate via the serial port.

Like i said, I'm new to the entire Matlab and Simulink thing. I really have no idea how to use the built-in Matlab stuff :(
 
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Gean said:
Allright, i have the com-port set to COM2, which allows me to select it from 'Query Instrument'. However, it does not seem to work.
Like i said, I'm new to the entire Matlab and Simulink thing. I really have no idea how to use the built-in Matlab stuff :(

Right: which is why I link to the documentation! Read through the stuff on the left hand side under serial interface and you'll be able to find some examples to help you with your application.

EDIT: Whoops! Didn't realize that link didn't autoload the left-hand menu. Click the first link (What is the MATLAB Serial Port Interface) under the "On This Page" box to have the left-hand menu open up the Serial Port I/O pages.
 
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