Install the MATLAB and Simulink Support Packages for Arduino

Dan Seal, MathWorks

You can interact with your Arduino^® device in MATLAB^®, and program algorithms onto your device from Simulink^®. However, before you can do so, you need to download and install the MATLAB and Simulink support packages for Arduino. This can be done from the MATLAB desktop. You can also use the same set of steps to download support for other hardware devices like webcams or Raspberry Pi™ computers.

In this video, we'll look at how you can get access to Arduino support in MATLAB and Simulink. You can also follow these steps to get support for other types of hardware. Support packages are available under the Add-Ons dropdown under Get Hardware Support Packages. This launches the Support Packet Installer, which can be used to download support packages, install ones that have already been downloaded, or download and install all in one go.

The next screen lists all the devices that you can download support for. Under Arduino, you'll see the three packages available. On my system, they're already installed. But your screen will say Install under the Action column.

After agreeing to the MathWorks license agreement, you'll notice that the support packages also include third-party software. To simplify the installation process, we include all the external libraries, drivers, and IDEs you need for the hardware you selected. These are automatically installed and set up as part of the install process so that once it finishes, you can immediately start using the device in MATLAB.

Selecting Install from the next screen kicks off the installation process. Hardware support packages come with documentation that can be found on the home page of the Documentation Center. Here, you can learn about all the functions that come with the support package.