How do I find out what type of block a Simulink block is?

sneha_mittal - 2021-10-20T15:03:23+00:00

Question: How do I find out what type of block a Simulink block is?

For an assignment, the lecturer provided a sim. I know what some of the blocks are; how can I find out what the other blocks are? In other words, what type they are?  

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Expert Answer

Kshitij Singh answered . 2025-11-20

To determine the type of a block in a Simulink model, you can use any of the following methods:

1. Inspect the Block Properties in Simulink

• Open your Simulink model in MATLAB.
• Right-click on the block whose type you want to identify.
• Select Properties or Block Parameters.
• Look at the dialog box that opens. It will typically contain the block's type or functionality.

2. Use the Command Window

You can programmatically find the type of a block using MATLAB commands. Here’s how:

1. Get the block's handle or path: Click on the block in Simulink, then enter the following command in the MATLAB Command Window:

 

gcb

• This returns the full path to the currently selected block.

• Get the block type: Use the get_param function to query the block's type:

 

blockType = get_param(gcb, 'BlockType');
disp(blockType)

1. This will return the block type as a string, such as 'Gain', 'Sum', 'Constant', etc.

3. Use the Model Explorer

• Go to the View tab in Simulink and open the Model Explorer.
• Browse through the hierarchy of the model to locate your block.
• The type of the block will be displayed in the details panel.

4. Highlight the Block Library

If the block is from a specific library:

• Right-click on the block and select Library Link > Go to Library Block. This will take you to the source of the block in the library.
• The library typically contains documentation or details about the block type.

5. Check Documentation or Annotations

• Many blocks include helpful annotations or labels.
• Hover over the block with your mouse cursor to view a tooltip. It often provides information about the block type or functionality.

Example Script to Check All Block Types

If you want to find the types of all blocks in a model:

% Load the model
load_system('your_model_name')

% Get all block handles
allBlocks = find_system('your_model_name');

% Loop through and display block types
for i = 1:length(allBlocks)
    blockType = get_param(allBlocks{i}, 'BlockType');
    fprintf('Block: %s | Type: %s\n', allBlocks{i}, blockType);
end

Replace 'your_model_name' with the name of your Simulink model.

These methods should help you identify the type of any block in your Simulink model.

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