MATLAB Simulink is now widely regarded as the standard for model-based development of embedded software. Particularly in safety-critical industries such as automotive, aerospace, railway, or industrial automation, the requirements for model quality, maintainability, and traceability continue to increase.
Quality Assurance for MATLAB Simulink: Developing Better Models, Creating Safer Software – How?
However, as model size increases, so do the challenges:
- Cluttered and difficult-to-navigate Simulink models
- Inconsistent modeling styles
- Missing modeling guidelines
- High review effort
- Difficult-to-maintain models
- Limited transparency regarding software quality
Addressing these challenges through effective Simulink quality assurance has been the core focus of Model Engineering Solutions (MES) for many years:
MES specializes in static analysis, Simulink model improvement, quality monitoring, and efficient model-based development with MATLAB Simulink.
By combining tools, consulting services, training courses, and webinars, MES helps Simulink developers create higher-quality models more efficiently and sustainably.
Quality Assurance for Simulink: Why It Is Essential Today
Modern Simulink models are no longer just small functional sketches. They represent complete software architectures and often serve directly as the foundation for automatic code generation.
As a result, the following topics are becoming increasingly important:
- Static analysis for Simulink
- Static testing for Simulink
- Model-based quality assurance
- Simulink layout and model structure
- Consistent modeling guidelines
- Maintainability and readability
- Compliance with ISO 26262 and ASPICE
MES helps companies address these challenges systematically: from individual models to company-wide development processes. In the following sections, we introduce some of the solutions and services that can help you improve the quality, maintainability, and compliance of your Simulink models.
MXAM: Static Analysis and Static Testing for Simulink
The core MES tool for Simulink quality assurance is MES Model Examiner® (MXAM).
MXAM automatically analyzes Simulink and Stateflow models against modeling guidelines, quality rules, and metrics. Among other things, it supports:
- Static analysis of Simulink models
- Detection of modeling errors
- Improvement of maintainability and readability
- ISO 26262-compliant development
- ASPICE-compliant development processes
Today, MXAM is considered one of the leading tools for static testing and static analysis of Simulink models.
A particularly important advantage is: quality assurance takes place early in the development process. Errors and inconsistencies are identified before they lead to costly issues in later development stages.
MoRe: A “Simulink Beautifier” for Better Simulink Layout
In addition to static analysis, the readability of models plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality development.
This is where MES Model & Refactor® (MoRe) comes in: MoRe is a powerful Simulink add-on for the automated improvement of Simulink models. Some users even refer to MoRe as a “Simulink Beautifier” because of its ability to enhance model appearance and structure automatically.
- Simulink Layout Tool
With its auto-layout capabilities, MoRe can generate clear and well-structured Simulink models at the click of a button. Among other things, it can:
- Automatically optimize signal lines
- Neatly align blocks
- Improve model structures
- Simplify refactoring activities
- Make large models easier to maintain
MoRe saves an enormous amount of manual model optimization, especially for large-scale development projects. For those who want to improve their Simulink modeling, MoRe offers a highly specialized tool.
MQC: Quality Monitoring for Simulink Projects
Quality assurance does not end with individual models.
With MES Quality Commander® (MQC), MES provides a comprehensive solution for quality monitoring across software development projects.
MQC collects quality data from a wide range of tools and presents it in a centralized view. Naturally, quality metrics from the Simulink development environment can also be integrated, including data from MXAM as well as testing tools such as TPT and BTC Embedded Tester.
Especially in regulated development environments, MQC helps with:
- ISO 26262
- IEC 61508
- ASPICE
- ISO 25010
- ISO 25119
Consulting for Model-Based Development with Simulink
For more than 20 years, MES has supported companies not only with tools but also with comprehensive consulting services.
Key areas of consulting expertise include:
- Introduction and implementation of modeling guidelines
- Optimization of Simulink development processes
- Simulink quality assurance
- Compliance with ISO 26262, ISO 25119, and ASPICE
- Static analysis and review processes
Further Information:
Knowledge Transfer for Simulink with the tudoor academy
Quality is not achieved through tools alone, but above all by know-how.
That is why MES offers specialized training courses and webinars for Simulink developers and quality managers through its “tudoor” brand. Here is a list of training opportunities focused on model-based development and MATLAB Simulink best practices:
Explore the Knowledge Library (Blog)
One of the most popular and long-standing training courses for Simulink developers is:
Model-Based Development of Embedded Software in Compliance with ISO 26262
Better Simulink Modeling with MES Expertise in Quality Assurance
The requirements for model-based development continue to grow. At the same time, development processes must remain efficient, scalable, and compliant with industry standards.
MES combines the following approaches to help companies ensure quality in Simulink development:
- Specialized quality assurance tools
- Static analysis
- Simulink layout optimization
- Quality monitoring
- Consulting backed by many years of Simulink expertise
- Training courses, webinars, and e-learning programs
Anyone looking to use MATLAB Simulink professionally and with a focus on quality will find a comprehensive ecosystem and genuine expertise at MES and the tudoor academy.