Include variables from External sources in A2L file

hello, I am using codegen to create a function that I am integrating into some legacy code. So For example lets say I have some Global Variable 'A" that is used in some Legacy Function.

When I generate my .ELF file for a2l address replacement the resulting a2L file does not have the variable A (it is not used in the codegen function)

is there an easy way to tell simulink this Variable exists for the purpose of a2l generation?

Answer 1

[Abhinaya Kennedy]

Hi Jake,

When generating code with Simulink and its code generation features, global variables that are not used directly in the Simulink model will not automatically appear in the generated A2L file. To include an external global variable "A" in the A2L file during code generation with Simulink, follow these steps:

1. Define the Global Variable in MATLAB: Create a “Simulink.Parameter” object for “A” and set its properties, including storage class as “Custom” and “Global”.

A = Simulink.Parameter;
   A.Value = initialValue;
   A.CoderInfo.StorageClass = 'Custom';
   A.CoderInfo.CustomStorageClass = 'Global';
   A.CoderInfo.CustomAttributes.HeaderFile = 'legacy_header.h';
   A.Description = 'Global variable A for legacy code integration';

2. Link to Simulink Model: Link the parameter to your Simulink model via the model workspace or data dictionary.

3. Configure Code Generation Settings: In the Simulink model settings, configure code generation to include custom storage class information.

4. Generate Code and A2L File: Use “slbuild('your_model')” to generate code and ensure the A2L file is created with the global variable included.

5. Check the A2L File: Verify that “A” is correctly listed in the A2L file after generation.

You can consult the Embedded Coder documentation for more information: https://www.mathworks.com/help/ecoder/

Hope this helps!

[Jake Gareau]

Thanks! this sounds like it will work, I will try it

[Jake Gareau]

This variable still seems to not show up in code Gen, The variable is unused in the model so it gets optimized out and I dont see any settings to change this.