Five Ways Modeling Guidelines Boost Simulink Quality

1. Improved Readability, Maintainability, and Error Detection

Modeling guidelines ensure that your models have a consistent, easy-to-read layout, which improves readability and makes model reviews quicker and more effective. They also contribute to better maintainability and make it easier to identify errors within the model.

2. Limiting Risky Features

Modeling guidelines allow for the use of language subsets in Simulink. As users may know, modeling in Simulink offers a broad range of features, some of which are suited for prototyping but not feasible for series production. Therefore, modeling guidelines help prevent the use of these risky features.

3. Better Code Quality and Efficiency

They also help improve the generated code by checking code generator options or by enforcing strong data typing, which ultimately leads to better code efficiency. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that the code you generate is both efficient and easily maintainable.

4. Ensuring Industry Compliance

Modeling guidelines are based on industry standards, especially functional safety standards like ISO 26262. So, by following them, your model will meet all the relevant requirements for your specific industry or field. In some industries, this becomes even more critical, as certain projects are required to adhere to specific standards.

5. Model Guideline Checking Helps Improve Code Quality Early On

The value of model guideline checking goes far beyond just following a set of rules. By ensuring your model adheres to these guidelines early on, you are proactively addressing potential issues, improving the quality of the code from the outset.

This early focus on best practices not only saves time and resources but also leads to a more robust, reliable code, ultimately delivering long-term benefits.

How Can I Easily Know Which Modeling Guidelines to Apply to My Project?

When selecting modeling guidelines, consider your project’s required standards, operating environment (e.g. code generator), and tools. Evaluating these factors will help you choose the best guidelines for your project.

Easily Select Modeling Guidelines with the MXAM Guideline Documentation Wizard

MXAM makes the guideline selection process easier with its Guideline Documentation Wizard. This tool guides you through a series of questions to help you choose the most appropriate set of guidelines for your project’s unique environment.

Conclusion

Modeling guidelines are essential for obtaining better models and, therefore, the subsequent generated code. This is very important, as better models can be used for decades, improving your process in turn.

If automating the checking of modeling guidelines and, therefore, speeding up your software development process interests you, explore our Knowledge Library. It offers free webinars, articles, e-learnings, and much more on relevant topics.

Also, if you would like to watch the original video upon which this article was created, we invite you to watch the podcast episode 'Modeling Guidelines – A Short Cut to Great Software Quality' by dSPACE. In it, MXAM Product Application Engineer Kai Teschner is interviewed by dSPACE's product manager Carsten Rustemeier about the topic.