An Introduction to using FMU with Xentara

The Xentara FMU Connector is compatible with the Functional Mock-up Interface 2.0 standard, abbreviated as FMI. This standard establishes a cohesive interface for the integration of simulation models into extensive systems. Xentara explicitly facilitates FMI 2.0 Co-Simulation, enabling users to execute precompiled simulation models in conjunction with Xentara components.

Every Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) is a .fmu zip archive that comprises:

• An XML file delineating all variables utilized in the FMU.
• The equations that dictate the model's behavior.
• Binaries and dependencies necessary for the execution of simulations.

These elements collaborate to facilitate uninterrupted co-simulation of intricate systems.

Structure

The Xentara FMU Connector employs a systematic hierarchy for the administration of FMUs:

• Elements signify communication across the simulation.
• Inputs are supplied through Xentara datapoints, which can interface with EtherCAT, Modbus, or other plugins.
• Outputs may be correlated with other Xentara datapoints or the input of a different FMU.
• Parameters delineate internal states, delay buffers, and simulation configurations, guaranteeing appropriate initialization.

Integration

Xentara facilitates the effortless incorporation of FMUs into a system by:

• Importing the FMU file into Xentara.
• Correlating inputs and outputs to current Xentara components.
• Executing the co-simulation procedure concurrently with real-time data processing.

This enables engineers to simulate, validate, and optimize their models inside an industrial automation framework.

Status codes and errors in Xentara FMU are categorized into:

• FMI Standard Status Codes that denote success, cautions, or errors.
• Xentara Custom Error Codes, offering more debugging information.

Every FMU model adheres to the FMI 2.0 specification, guaranteeing that mistakes are accurately identified and reported inside the Xentara environment.

Xentara uses its model file to define the FMU behavior, including:

• Structure and hierarchy of the model.
• Mapping of inputs and outputs.
• Initialization of parameters.

This standardized format simplifies integration and configuration of FMUs within Xentara.

Benefits

The utilization of the Xentara FMU Connector provides the following benefits:

• Compatibility with FMI 2.0 Co-Simulation.
• Seamless integration with current Xentara components.
• The capacity to evaluate and authenticate simulation models in real-time.
• A modular methodology for system design, facilitating expedited iteration and enhancement.
• Extensive error reporting and debugging assistance.

This finishes our brief introduction to utilizing the Functional Mockup Interface in Xentara. For additional details, please consult the developer documentation (docs.xentara.io) or contact our support team.