Tutorial: Creating a Modelica Custom Component

Learn the process of customizing a MoCustomComponent block to replace an existing Modelica Standard Library block in a model.

Attention: Available only with Twin Activate commercial edition.
The Modelica Custom Component block is available for defining an implicit component with Modelica language. The block is fully customizable including its ports, parameters and simulation function. The block lets you leverage existing Modelica code to create a new component or modify an existing Modelica block.

Files for This Tutorial

Active RC.scm, Active RC with custom components.scm

A finished version of the model you build in this tutorial along with any files required to complete the tutorials are available from the Demo Browser: Tutorial Models > Integration and Collaboration > Creating a Modelica custom component or at this location: <installation_directory>/Tutorial Models/Integration and Collaboration/Creating a Modelica custom component.

Defining the Modelica Custom Component

Define the ports, parameters and simulation function for a MoCustomComponent block.

  1. From Demo Browser > Tutorial Models > Integration and Collaboration > Creating a Modelica custom component, select ActiveRC.scm.
    The model opens in a new window.
  2. From Palette Browser > Activate > CustomBlocks, drag and drop one MoCustomComponent block outside of the main diagram, and double-click the block.
    The block dialog appears with tabs to define the ports, parameters and simulation function for the block.
  3. On the block dialog, select the tab, Ports, and enter the information to define one input and one output port as you see in the following figure:
    Important: Reviewing the Modelica MO code will help you understand what ports are required for the component.
  4. On the block dialog, select the Parameters tab. For Number of parameters, enter 1. For Name, enter 'R', and for Value, enter R.
  5. On the block dialog, select the tab, SimFunction.
    Note: Writing the simulation function requires some knowledge of the Modelica language and how it inherits (extends).
  6. On the SimFunction tab:
    • For Function name, enter Resistor.
    • Next to the field for the Function code, click . In the text editor that opens, copy and paste the following Modelica code:
      
model Resistor "Ideal linear electrical resistor"
 //MSL 2.2.1
 extends Modelica.Electrical.Analog.Interfaces.OnePort;
 parameter Real R "Resistance";
equation
 R * i = v;
end Resistor;
    • Click OK.
    The Modelica Custom Component block is defined and ready to be connected to the model.

Implementing the Modelica Custom Component

Replace the existing R=1 resistor blocks with the Modelica Custom Component.

  1. From the model, select and cut the Modelica Component, select the left resistor, R=1, and paste the Modelica Component block.
    One of the two original resistor blocks is replaced with the Modelica Component. Your model should look something like this:
  2. Outside of the diagram, right-click and select Context.
  3. In the Context menu, enter R=10, and click OK.
    Note: The value in the Context is required to complete the upcoming step of masking the super block.
  4. In the model, select the Modelica Component.
  5. On the ribbon, select the Super Block tool: , or right-click and from the context menu, select Super Block.
    The Modelica Component is converted into a super block.
  6. On the ribbon, from the Mask tool group, click the Auto Mask tool: .
    The super block is masked.
  7. Outside of the main diagram, right-click, select Context, and delete R=10.
  8. In the diagram, copy the SuperBlock, select the remaining resistor block, R=1, and paste the SuperBlock.
    The SuperBlock replaces the second resistor block. The model now contains two super blocks: SuperBlock and SuperBlock_1.
  9. In the diagram, double-click SuperBlock_1.
  10. In the dialog, for R, enter 1.25.