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How can I create global initialization variables or parameters that work anywhere in the model hierarchy?

0 votes
2,056 views
Hello:

In the Initialization tab of the Simulation parameters, can I have variables that work anywhere in the hierarchy of the model. i.e. global? At the moment, I create different variables and then I always have to create a mask for the top level block and pass the variables down. i.e.

In Initialization tab:

Rds=100e-3;

Then in the top-level block, I would have to have a parameter Rds equal to Rds and then use Rds in the block at the level below, and keep doing that if I wanted to pass that variable further down the hierarchy.

I'm wondering if I can avoid having to create a mask for the blocks in the hierarchy, with parameters for each of my variables, and just have a global variable I can use anywhere in the hierarchy.

Thanks,….Roger
asked Aug 27, 2020 by rcolbeck (21 points)

1 Answer

0 votes
Hi Roger,

Good question. Unfortunately I do think you need to define all mask variables used inside a subsystem *if* you mask it. But if you don't create the mask, the variables can be passed down the layer without needing to initialize them.

Another option I can think of for certain blocks (gains, controllable sources, etc.) would be to define the variable (variable(s) with a vector) in a Constant block at the top-level, then use Signal To/Signal From to send the setpoint to your target block in a lower layer elsewhere in the model. This would obviously not be a solution for defining block parameters at a lower level.

Best regards,

Kris
answered Aug 28, 2020 by Kris Eberle (1,575 points)
Thank-you Kris. Ah now that explains why at first I had some variables that were working but then after I created a mask for the top-level block, I started getting error messages about undefined variables. I hadn't put two and two together.

The vector idea is interesting.

...Roger
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