Simulink | Quarc Library
Quarc’s library blocks act as a universal translator between your logic and the physical hardware.
Standard Simulink excels at "offline" simulation. You provide inputs, run the model over a time span, and analyze outputs. QUARC enhances this by introducing real-time execution. When you use QUARC blocks, you can "Build" and "Run" your Simulink diagram directly on a target machine (Windows or Linux) with strict timing constraints (e.g., a 1 kHz control loop).
The library leverages Quanser’s extensive hardware ecosystem (such as the Q-PID, Q-Bot, and AERO platforms) but also supports generic data acquisition hardware (National Instruments, Measurement Computing, etc.) through industry-standard protocols. quarc library simulink
For engineers and researchers in control systems, robotics, and mechatronics, the leap from a mathematical model to a physical prototype is often fraught with challenges. Simulink, by The MathWorks, has long been the gold standard for model-based design, allowing users to simulate complex dynamic systems. However, the final step—deploying that controller to real hardware—typically requires tedious manual coding, driver integration, and real-time scheduling.
Enter QUARC (Quanser Real-Time Control). Developed by Quanser Inc., the QUARC library for Simulink acts as a magic bridge. It extends Simulink’s capabilities by providing a suite of blocks that allow your models to communicate directly with physical hardware in real-time. Whether you are controlling a DC motor, an inverted pendulum, or a sophisticated omnidirectional robot, QUARC transforms Simulink from a simulation-only environment into a powerful real-time control prototyping platform. Quarc’s library blocks act as a universal translator
This article provides an exhaustive exploration of the QUARC library for Simulink, covering its architecture, core components, practical applications, and best practices.
The Quarc Library appears as a standard library in the Simulink Browser. It is categorized into functional areas that handle data flow, hardware I/O, and communication protocols. The Quarc Library appears as a standard library
| Feature | QUARC | Simulink Real-Time (SLRT) | Homegrown C-code | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Target OS | Windows (with real-time patch), Linux | Dedicated target PC (DOS-like) | Any, but high dev time | | Hardware Support | Quanser, NI, Measurement Computing, Advantech, etc. | Speedgoat, some NI | Full control, but driver writing needed | | Ease of Use | Drag-and-drop blocks | Moderate (requires Speedgoat) | Very difficult | | Educational Focus | Strong (excellent documentation for control labs) | Industrial/Research | N/A | | Cost | Moderate (academic licenses available) | High | Low (but high effort) |
QUARC shines in teaching and rapid prototyping because you can run real-time control on a standard Windows laptop (using Real-Time Kernel) without requiring a second dedicated target computer.
Let’s walk through a typical workflow of using QUARC Library for Simulink.