MathWorks Newsletters

Prototyping Algorithms and Testing CUDA Kernels in MATLAB

Thu, 18 April 2013 00:00:00 GMT

MATLAB supports CUDA kernel development by providing a language and development environment for quickly evaluating kernels, analyzing and visualizing kernel results, and writing test harnesses to validate kernel results.

Making All the Right Noises: Shaping Sound with Audio Beamforming

Wed, 17 April 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Using MATLAB and Signal Processing Toolbox, Philips Research engineers develop audio beamforming technology that varies the TV sound levels for two people in the same room.

Cybergenetics TrueAllele Technology Enables Objective Analysis of Previously Unusable DNA Evidence

Wed, 17 April 2013 00:00:00 GMT

TrueAllele technology uses MATLAB, Signal Processing Toolbox, and Statistics Toolbox to mathematically separate mixed DNA data into individual contributors and their respective genotypes.

Applied Project-Based Learning: Building Applications for Low-Cost Hardware

Fri, 29 March 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Three project-based learning activities demonstrate how MATLAB and Simulink make it easy for students to implement their algorithms on low-cost hardware platforms.

Accelerating Sensor Development with Rapid Prototyping and Model-Based Design

Fri, 22 March 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With a custom rapid control prototyping platform and Model-Based Design, Hella engineers produce a real-time prototype incorporating 80% of the final product's functionality in a few months.

Accelerating MATLAB Algorithms and Applications

Wed, 20 March 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Topics covered include assessing code performance, adopting efficient serial programming practices, working with System objects, performing parallel computing, and generating C code.

Keeping Everyone in the Loop: Designing a Better Analog-to-Digital Converter

Mon, 18 March 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A single system-level environment enabled geographically separated teams to develop different parts of the mixed-signal system separately and then demonstrate that they worked together.

A Next-Generation Workflow for System-Level Design of Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuits

Wed, 13 March 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Using system-level design, the Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center (STARC) halved design time and eliminated costly respins.

Motor Control with Arduino: A Case Study in Data-Driven Modeling and Control Design

Tue, 29 January 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Identify a plant model from input-output data, use the identified model to design a controller, and implement the controller on an embedded microprocessor.

Downloading a Custom Waveform to an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Fri, 25 January 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A simple interface lets you download a custom waveform to an instrument without programming with an IVI-driver or using SCPI commands.

Modeling and Simulating Mechanical Systems on a Transforming Dicycle

Wed, 23 January 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Using Simulink, BPG engineers can simulate aspects of the Uno dicycle that would be too costly, dangerous, or time-consuming to experiment with on the actual hardware.

Accelerating Model Verification with Model Advisor

Tue, 22 January 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Use the Model Advisor exclusion capability to speed up verification of Simulink and Stateflow models.

Simplified Modeling of Dynamic Systems with Simulink

Wed, 02 January 2013 00:00:00 GMT

An interview with a senior Simulink development team lead and an example showing how Simulink R2012b simplifies model navigation, simulation analysis, and model editing.

Teaching Model-Based Design at Politecnico di Torino

Fri, 21 December 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Model-Based Software Design, an elective course for fifth-year students, prepares future engineers by combining lectures and practical exercises with seminars conducted by local industry experts.

Writing Apps in MATLAB

Fri, 21 December 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A simple guide to writing apps from scratch using object-oriented programming.

Simulating Earthquakes by Combining Analytical Models with Physical Structures

Mon, 17 December 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Using Simulink models and physical structures, Lehigh University researchers test reactions to seismic activity in ships' hulls, bridge decks, shear walls, and four-story buildings.

Improving Software Quality with Static Code Analysis

Mon, 17 December 2012 00:00:00 GMT

To improve code quality, development teams complement traditional software verification activities with static code analysis using Polyspace code verifiers, which use formal methods with abstract interpretation to verify C, C++, or Ada code.

Verifying High-Integrity Control Software for Mission-Criticial Emergency Diesel Generators

Wed, 28 November 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Polyspace� code verifiers help MTU meet IEC 60880 standards.

Modeling and Simulating Advanced Catalysts to Reduce Non-Road Vehicle Emissions

Wed, 21 November 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Simulations in MATLAB and Simulink enable Johnson Matthey engineers to understand the complex interactions taking place within a catalyst, see which parameters most affect the output, and make design tradeoffs based on the results.

Integrating MATLAB into the Physics Curriculum at Siena College

Wed, 21 November 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With MATLAB integrated into the physics curriculum, Siena College students develop practical skills�starting in their first year�that they will use throughout their studies and beyond.

Automating Communications Measurement

Mon, 29 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Control instruments, analyze and display data, and produce written reports�all in a single application.

Accelerating SERDES Simulation

Fri, 26 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

By using a Simulink behavioral model to simulate system performance, designers quickly evaluate design alternatives and reduce simulation time.

Optimization of Hydroelectric Flow with MATLAB

Tue, 23 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Three techniques for finding a control strategy for optimal operation of a hydroelectric dam: using a nonlinear optimization algorithm, a nonlinear optimization algorithm with derivative functions, and quadratic programming.

Third-Party Products: Model-Based Design for Renewable Energy Systems

Fri, 12 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Third-party solutions enhance Model-Based Design for system engineering and embedded-system development in renewable energy applications.

Tips and Tricks: Writing MATLAB Functions with Flexible Calling Syntax

Mon, 01 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You can greatly reduce the amount of code needed to handle input arguments by using the inputParser object.

Teaching and Learning Resources: Project-Based Learning

Mon, 01 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Overview of resources for project-based learning, including books, a webinar, and Simulink support for interfacing with low-cost hardware.

Simulating Blackjack with MATLAB

Mon, 01 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Cleve Moler presents MATLAB code for simulating basic strategy, and explains why simulating blackjack play in MATLAB is both an instructive programming exercise and a useful parallel computing benchmark.

MATLAB and Simulink in the World: Financial Services

Mon, 01 October 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Examples of how financial professionals from more than 2300 organizations worldwide use MATLAB to develop and implement financial models, analyze substantial volumes of data, and operate under tightening regulation.

Using Image Processing and Statistical Analysis to Quantify Cell Scattering for Cancer Drug Research

Wed, 05 September 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MATLAB image processing and statistical analyses give researchers an objective computational method for measuring the ability of drugs in development to inhibit cancer metastasis.

Teaching Computer Programming to First-Year Undergraduates with a MATLAB Based Robot Simulator

Mon, 13 August 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A MATLAB based simulator provides a low-cost way to bring the appeal and excitement of robotics to a large class while improving student comprehension of core concepts such as approximation and errors.

Forecasting GDP with a Dynamic Factor Model

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A MATLAB based model lets economists quickly update GDP forecasts and deliver the results almost in real time.

Automating Electron Beam Free Form Fabrication with MATLAB

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NASA Langley's MATLAB based control system fully automates the welding process and produces complex components from a 3D CAD representation.

Developing High-Integrity Aircraft Approach Systems in Accordance with DO-178B Using Model-Based Design

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Septentrio streamlines the DO-178B certification process with MATLAB and Simulink.

Improving Simulation Performance in Simulink

Mon, 23 April 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article presents tips and techniques to make your model run faster. It covers the following topics: Selecting a simulation mode, eliminating simulation bottlenecks, and modifying and simplifying your model, and using parallel computing.

New Features for High-Performance Image Processing in MATLAB

Mon, 26 March 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes recent enhancements to MATLAB� and Image Processing Toolbox™ and uses a segmentation example to demonstrate the performance improvements that can result from using them.

Developing In-Vehicle Traffic Jam Alleviation Technology for Android Using Simulink

Wed, 14 March 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how TNO engineers used Model-Based Design to develop shockwave damping software. They modeled the software in Simulink and deployed the Simulink model to the Android operating system using Simulink Coder.

Applying Modern PDE Techniques to Digital Image Restoration

Mon, 27 February 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how MATLAB algorithms developed by a University of Cambridge mathematician apply partial differential equations (PDEs) to automate image interpolation (inpainting).

University of Adelaide Undergraduates Design, Build, and Control an Electric Diwheel Using Model-Based Design

Thu, 16 February 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how Model-Based Design with MATLAB and Simulink enables University of Adelaide students to complete an entire engineering project, from analysis of a problem through delivery of an embedded system.

Using MATLAB, Virtual Reality, and a Treadmill to Investigate How Humans Use Visual Input to Control Their Gait

Fri, 27 January 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how MATLAB and Simulink models help Simon Fraser University researchers run and control experiments to determine how sensory input affects walking speed.

Teaching Computational Methods to 150+ Second-Year Engineering Students at Virginia Tech

Sun, 15 January 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how a Virginia Tech professor enables 150+ students to work hands-on with MATLAB soon after learning a new numerical method.

Modeling Industrial Chemical Processes with MATLAB and Simulink

Fri, 13 January 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how HUGO PETERSEN engineers use Model-Based Design to develop and simulate complex chemical processing plants.

Improving the Efficiency of RF Power Amplifiers with Digital Predistortion

Wed, 11 January 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how CommScope engineers use MATLAB� and Simulink� to characterize power amplifiers and their distortion, model and simulate digital predistortion designs, and verify hardware implementations.

Developing a Universal Receiver Test Platform for Satellite Digital Radio and Other Broadcast Standards

Mon, 19 December 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how Averna wrote, debugged, and tested core URT algorithms in MATLAB, enabling the team to verify the design before deploying it to an FPGA.

Modeling and Simulating an All-Digital Phase Locked Loop

Mon, 19 December 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how MATLAB and Simulink help Epoch Microelectronics engineers ensure that their designs meet the specification before committing to hardware.

Simulating a Piezoelectric-Actuated Hydraulic Pump Design at Fraunhofer LBF and Ricardo

Mon, 05 December 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how Model-Based Design with Simulink helped Fraunhofer LBF and Ricardo engineers create a novel pump design and reduce development time by 50%.

Developing FPGA-Based Sensing Algorithms to Harvest TV White Space and Other Underutilized Spectrum

Tue, 01 November 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how InterDigital engineers develop dynamic spectrum management technologies based on MATLAB and Simulink to address the growing bandwidth crunch.

Developing and Deploying Sonar and Echosounder Data Analysis Software

Tue, 01 November 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how Ifremer used MATLAB to quickly develop algorithms, visualize results, and then refine the algorithms in an iterative cycle.

Optimizing Performance and Fuel Economy of a Dual-Clutch Transmission Powertrain with Model-Based Design

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This article shows how Simulink vehicle simulation models enable engineers to quantitatively determine the optimal tradeoff between the conflicting demands of performance and fuel economy.

Cleve's Corner: Computing π

Mon, 10 October 2011 00:00:00 GMT

MATLAB implementations of the three algorithms most widely used to compute hundreds or trillions of digits of π.

Tips and Tricks - Combining Functions Using Anonymous Functions

Mon, 10 October 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Anonymous functions let you create simple functions as variables without having to store the functions in a file.

MATLAB and Simulink Based Books - Teaching MATLAB Programming to First-Year Students

Mon, 10 October 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article highlights recent textbooks on teaching first-year programming and classroom materials for teaching system dynamics.

MATLAB and Simulink in the World - Model-Based Design

Mon, 10 October 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Examples show how Model-Based Design enables organizations worldwide to cut development time by 50% or more.

Third-Party Products - Rapid Prototyping and Hardware-in-the-Loop Systems

Mon, 10 October 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes third-party solutions that integrate Simulink models with real-time systems for design and verification.

GPU Programming in MATLAB

Mon, 05 September 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This article demonstrates features in Parallel Computing Toolbox that enable you to run your MATLAB code on a GPU by making a few simple changes to the code. We illustrate this approach by solving a second order wave equation using spectral methods.

Using MATLAB to Teach Problem-Solving Techniques to First-Year Liberal Arts Students

Fri, 29 July 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This article shows how MATLAB and an innovative "inverted classroom" model help liberal arts students hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

TriVector Verifies Time Latencies for Ares I Rocket

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TriVector used SimEvents to analyze the timing of health and status information aboard NASA's Ares I rocket. SimEvents enabled engineers to identify issues in the requirements up to one year sooner.

Accelerating NASA GN&C Flight Software Development

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how Model-Based Design enabled NASA and partners to work on GN&C algorithm and flight software development concurrently�potentially reducing development time by more than a year.

Design and PLC Implementation of Complex Industrial Control Strategies

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how to model and simulate a steel rolling mill controller and generate IEC structured text for implementation on a PLC.

Improvements to tic and toc Functions for Measuring Absolute Elapsed Time Performance in MATLAB

Thu, 02 June 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This article explains why tic and toc provide the highest accuracy and most predictable behavior.

Developing Radio Astronomy Instruments with Simulink Libraries

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This article describes how UC Berkeley's Center for Astronomy Signal Processing and Electronics Research developed a component library that lets engineers and scientists build and deploy sophisticated radio astronomy instruments at a fraction of the cost of custom-hardware instruments - often within a few months.

Using Modeling and Simulation to Teach Dynamic Systems Concepts in the Context of Physiology

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes a University of Pittsburgh and Washington State University course that combines system dynamics and physiology.

Simulating Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus Technology at the University of Delaware

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

University of Delaware researchers use Simulink simulations to quickly identify the optimal power management strategy for a fuel cell hybrid bus.

Accelerating Development and Testing of High-Speed Optical Integrated Circuits at Fujitsu

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how Fujitsu achieved significant time and cost savings by using Simulink to simulate integrated circuit (IC) designs and MATLAB and Instrument Control Toolbox to automate tests.

Converting MATLAB Algorithms to HDL

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Using an adaptive median filter as an example, this article shows how to make a MATLAB algorithm suitable for hardware implementation.

Removing Run-Time Errors from AUTOSAR Components Using Polyspace Code Verifiers

Mon, 21 March 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how Polyspace enables Elektrobit to demonstrate more rapidly, more thoroughly, and with less manual review that their automotive software is free of certain run-time errors.

Engaging Students in Hands-on Control System Design at the University of Arizona

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes a control design course at University of Arizona that uses a low-cost portable lab module based on MATLAB, Simulink, and an aeropendulum.

Cleve's Corner - "Magic" Reconstruction: Compressed Sensing

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cleve Moler demonstrates the MATLAB matrix computation underlying compressed sensing.

Modeling Control Logic and Event-Driven Behavior for Early Detection of Communication Latencies

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Using an automotive CD player system as an example, this article demonstrates a workflow for verifying system behavior in the presence of communication latencies.

Real-Time Simulation of Physical Systems Using Simscape

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This article shows how to configure a Simscape model of a pneumatic actuation system for real-time simulation.

Accelerating Finite Element Analysis in MATLAB with Parallel Computing

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In this article we perform coupled electro-mechanical finite element analysis of an electro-statically actuated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device. We apply parallel computing techniques to the most computationally intensive part of the mechanical analysis stage.

Turning First-Year Students into Scientists with Field Research and Quantitative Analysis of Geoscientific Data

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This freshman seminar gives students practical experience in geological and geophysical research using MATLAB.

Solving Large-Scale Linear Algebra Problems Using SPMD and Distributed Arrays

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes how to solve large linear algebra problems by spreading them across multiple machines using distributed arrays and the single program multiple data (SPMD) language construct, available in Parallel Computing Toolbox.

A Model Checking Example- Solving Sudoku Using Simulink Design Verifier

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This excerpt from the second edition of Digital Image Processing Using MATLAB teaches what morphological reconstruction means, illustrates some useful manipulations of binary images, and shows how you can use functions in Image Processing Toolbox to quickly perform these manipulations.

Calibration of Engine Performance at Mercedes-AMG

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AMG developed a engine calibration tool using MATLAB, Model-Based Calibration Toolbox, and Parallel Computing Toolbox that supports the entire calibration process from Design of Experiments, through model generation and selection, to optimization.

Using MATLAB to Teach Programming to First-year Engineering Students at Boston University

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This article describes a course that takes the unique approach of teaching programming concepts and built-in MATLAB functions side-by-side.

Verification of High-Efficiency Power Amplifier Performance at Nujira

Thu, 15 July 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Nujira used MathWorks tools to develop and verify envelop-tracking technology that can double a PA's efficiency from 30% to 60% or more.

Using Web Map Service Data for Visualization and Analysis in Geospatial Applications

Thu, 15 July 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Geographic datasets and base maps are available on the Internet in ever-increasing numbers, but finding the right data for your application can be difficult. The solution to many of these problems is Web Map Service (WMS), a protocol developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium for serving geographic data, rendered as a pictorial map, over the Internet.

Early Verification of Digital-Analog Designs Using System-Level Cosimulation

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Atmel cosimulates digital baseband components in MATLAB and Simulink with the analog components in Cadence Virtuoso AMS Designer.

Improving Mass Moment of Inertia Measurements

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mass moment of inertia is an important parameter for the accurate dynamic modeling of aerospace vehicles and other mechanical systems.

Morphological Reconstruction for Analyzing Shapes in Images

Thu, 15 April 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Introducing a useful but little-known method for extracting meaningful information about shapes in an image.

Basel II Compliance and Risk Management Analysis: Calculating Economic Capital

Mon, 8 March 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Economic capital (EC), the amount of capital that an organization must set aside to offset potential losses, is a key metric for many European banks and financial institutions. It is also a central requirement of Pillar 2 of the Basel II regulatory framework. While Capgemini and many of its clients view EC as the best measure of risk inherent in a portfolio, calculating EC is not a straightforward analytical exercise. Portfolios heavily weighted in a particular sector, for example, carry a significant amount of concentration risk, complicating EC analysis.

Optimization Using Symbolic Derivatives

Mon, 8 March 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Most Optimization Toolbox� solvers run faster and more accurately when your objective and constraint function files include derivative calculations. Some solvers also benefit from second derivatives, or Hessians. While calculating a derivative is straightforward, it is also quite tedious and error-prone. Calculating second derivatives is even more tedious and fraught with opportunities for error. How can you get your solver to run faster and more accurately without the pain of computing derivatives manually?

Using Information-Theoretic Statistics in MATLAB to Understand How Ecosystems Affect Regional Climates

Tue, 16 February 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It is common knowledge that weather and climate influence the plants, animals, and microorganisms that live upon the landscape. New research is investigating the possibility that the opposite is also true: that due to feedback between plants and the atmosphere, vegetation and the landscape influence regional climate.

Developing an Isolated Word Recognition System in MATLAB

Tue, 19 January 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Speech-recognition technology is embedded in voice-activated routing systems at customer call centres, voice dialling on mobile phones, and many other everyday applications. A robust speech-recognition system combines accuracy of identification with the ability to filter out noise and adapt to other acoustic conditions, such as the speaker's speech rate and accent. Designing a robust speech-recognition algorithm is a complex task requiring detailed knowledge of signal processing and statistical modeling.

Automatic Hardware Implementation of Digital Filters for an Audio Codec