Best Practices for Using Complex Data in C Charts

Complex data is data whose value is a complex number. For example, in a Stateflow^® chart in Simulink^® model, an input signal with the value 3 + 5i is complex. See Complex Data in Stateflow Charts.

When you use complex data in Stateflow charts that use C as the action language, follow these best practices.

Perform Math Function Operations with a MATLAB Function

Math functions such as sin, cos, min, max, and abs do not work with complex data in C charts. However, you can use a MATLAB^® function in your chart to perform math function operations on complex data.

A Simple Example

In the following chart, a MATLAB function calculates the absolute value of a complex number:

The value of comp_num is 1+2i. Calculating the absolute value gives an answer of 2.2361.

How to Calculate Absolute Value

Suppose that you want to find the absolute value of a complex number. Follow these steps:

1. Add a MATLAB function to your chart with this signature:

   y = myabs(u)

2. Double-click the function box to open the editor.

3. In the editor, enter the code below:

   function y = myabs(u)
   %#codegen
   y = abs(u);

   The function myabs takes a complex input u and returns the absolute value as an output y.

4. Configure the input argument u to accept complex values.

   1. Open the Model Explorer.

   2. In the Model Hierarchy pane of the Model Explorer, navigate to the MATLAB function myabs.

   3. In the Contents pane of the Model Explorer, right-click the input argument u and select Properties from the context menu.

   4. In the Data properties dialog box, select On in the Complexity field and click OK.

You cannot pass real values to function inputs of complex type. For details, see Rules for Using Complex Data in C Charts.

Perform Complex Division with a MATLAB Function

Division with complex operands is not available as a binary or assignment operation in C charts. However, you can use a MATLAB function in your chart to perform division on complex data.

A Simple Example

In the following chart, a MATLAB function performs division on two complex operands:

The values of comp_num and comp_den are 1+2i and 3+4i, respectively. Dividing these values gives an answer of 0.44+0.08i.

How to Perform Complex Division

To divide two complex numbers:

1. Add a MATLAB function to your chart with this function signature:

   y = mydiv(u1, u2)

2. Double-click the function box to open the editor.

3. In the editor, enter the code below:

   function y = mydiv(u1, u2)
   %#codegen
   y = u1 / u2;

   The function mydiv takes two complex inputs, u1 and u2, and returns the complex quotient of the two numbers as an output y.

4. Configure the input and output arguments to accept complex values.

   1. Open the Model Explorer.

   2. In the Model Hierarchy pane of the Model Explorer, navigate to the MATLAB function mydiv.

   3. For each input and output argument, follow these steps:

      1. In the Contents pane of the Model Explorer, right-click the argument and select Properties from the context menu.

      2. In the Data properties dialog box, select On in the Complexity field and click OK.

You cannot pass real values to function inputs of complex type. For details, see Rules for Using Complex Data in C Charts.

Related Topics

• Complex Data in Stateflow Charts
• Operations for Complex Data in Stateflow
• Rules for Using Complex Data in C Charts