Simulink Desktop Real-Time
Simulation & CAE software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$29.00 one-time
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What is Simulink Desktop Real-Time
Simulink Desktop Real-Time is a real-time simulation add-on for Simulink that runs models on a standard desktop computer with a real-time kernel. It is used by control and embedded-system engineers to test and tune algorithms against real-time constraints using connected I/O hardware and instrumentation. The product focuses on rapid prototyping and real-time execution of Simulink models without requiring a dedicated real-time target computer.
Real-time execution from Simulink
It runs Simulink models with deterministic timing on a desktop PC, which supports testing control logic under real-time constraints. This helps teams validate sample times, scheduling behavior, and timing-related issues earlier than purely offline simulation. It fits workflows where engineers already develop and iterate in Simulink.
Supports rapid control prototyping
The product is designed for iterative development cycles where parameters and model structure change frequently. Engineers can move from simulation to real-time runs with fewer workflow changes than approaches that require separate target environments. This is useful for early-stage controller tuning and experiment-driven development.
Integration with MathWorks toolchain
It integrates with Simulink and commonly paired MathWorks products for modeling, analysis, and code generation workflows. This reduces friction when moving between model design, test, and real-time execution within the same ecosystem. It also benefits teams that standardize on MATLAB/Simulink artifacts for traceability and reuse.
Requires MathWorks licensing stack
Using the product typically requires Simulink plus the Desktop Real-Time add-on, and often additional toolboxes depending on the model and I/O needs. This can increase total cost and procurement complexity compared with standalone or open-source simulation environments. License availability can also become a bottleneck for larger teams.
Desktop determinism has limits
Because it runs on a general-purpose PC, achievable real-time rates and determinism depend on the host hardware, OS configuration, and model complexity. Very high-frequency control loops or heavy models may require alternative real-time target approaches. Background processes and device drivers can introduce jitter that must be managed.
Hardware and driver dependencies
Real-time I/O typically depends on supported data acquisition and interface hardware and corresponding drivers. If required devices are not supported, teams may need workarounds or different hardware selections. This can constrain lab setups and complicate deployment across varied test benches.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student (Student license add-on) | $29.00 | Student store listing on MathWorks; requires Student license (Student bundle/add-on pricing shown). |
| Home (MATLAB Home add-on) | $45.00–$49.00 | MathWorks Home store listing; price varies by region/term; requires MATLAB & Simulink Home. |
| Academic (Academic individual) | $550.00 | Academic store listing for individual/academic licenses; requires MATLAB & Simulink (academic pricing). |
| Standard (Individual/Annual or Standard) | $3,215.00 | Listed on MathWorks Standard store New License page (requires MATLAB & Simulink); annual/perpetual license options may affect price. |
| Notes | — | Prices shown on MathWorks store pages vary by license type (Student, Home, Academic, Standard) and by region. All prices are vendor-listed retail amounts (USD) on MathWorks store pages and require MATLAB and Simulink as prerequisites where specified. |
Seller details
The MathWorks, Inc.
Natick, Massachusetts, USA
1984
Private
https://www.mathworks.com/
https://x.com/MATLAB
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mathworks/
