The two interfaces

The Amesim-Simulink and Simulink-Amesim interfaces allow simulations combining Amesim and Simulink models. Since two software packages are involved, there are two main options:

• Import the Amesim model into Simulink.
• Import the Simulink model into Amesim.

With the Amesim-Simulink interface, the user chooses between these two methods. Additionally, it's possible to export the Amesim solver (with the model) to Simulink — sometimes called co-simulation, since both software packages' solvers run together, each handling its own part.

The manual first covers importing the Amesim model into Simulink (with or without the solver), then covers importing the Simulink model — with its fixed-step solver — into Amesim (co-simulation).

Selecting the interface you require

There's no single right answer — it depends on many factors:

• Some Amesim systems are difficult or impossible to solve with the Simulink solver — in that case, use co-simulation (both solvers run, each handling its own part).
• A very complex Simulink system may not be well suited to import into Amesim, since that forces use of a Simulink fixed-step solver, which isn't always appropriate.
• Beyond technical constraints, consider the model's purpose: if the main goal is testing/developing the Amesim model, importing the Simulink model into Amesim may be the best strategy. If the main goal is testing/developing a controller in Simulink against a physical model, the opposite direction (or co-simulation) may be more appropriate.