Wolfram Computation Meets Knowledge

How System Modeler Compares

Wolfram System Modeler is the most complete physical modeling and simulation tool. Unlike other systems, System Modeler requires no add-ons and fully supports the standard Modelica model language. And System Modeler is designed to connect perfectly with Mathematica for the ultimate integrated modeling, simulation and analysis workflow.

Product Comparison

System Modeler MapleSim* Simulink*
supportedsupported partially supportedpartially supported additional purchase requiredadditional purchase required
  Wolfram System Modeler MapleSim* Simulink*
Version 13.3 2023.1 Version R2023a
Additional Requirements Mathematica optional *Maple required *MATLAB required

Modeling

Hierarchical modeling that follows real-life topology supported supported supported
Multidomain modeling supported supported supported
Drag-and-drop model design supported supported supported
Automatic model documentation supported    
Programmatic model creation supported supported supported
Modelica support supported partially supported
Design components from symbolic equations supported supported partially supported
Full-fledged Modelica editor supported partially supported  
Include external C functions supported supported supported
Advanced model equation debugging supported partially supported partially supported

Simulation

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Hybrid continuous-discrete solver supported supported supported
Real-time solver supported   supported
Sensitivity analysis solver supported supported supported

Plotting

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Plotting of any system variable supported    
Save fully configured plots in model supported partially supported supported
Interactive real-time plots supported   supported

Visualization

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Automatic 3D mechanical visualization supported supported supported
Custom visualization environment Mathematica Maple MATLAB
Interactive dashboards supported   supported
2D & 3D graphics language supported partially supported partially supported
Standard export formats (.avi and .mov) supported partially supported supported

Analysis & Design

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Analysis platform Mathematica Maple MATLAB
Programmable simulation control supported supported supported
Parallelized parameter sweeps supported supported supported
Model equation analysis supported supported  
Model equilibrium detection supported supported supported
Control systems design supported supported supported
Automated model calibration supported partially supported supported
Built-in reliability analysis supported    
System optimization supported supported supported
Animated diagrams supported    
Autogeneration of model from CAD data supported supported supported
Numeric model linearization supported supported supported
Symbolic linearization supported supported  
Access to curated data supported    

Connectivity & Deployment

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
System modeling in the cloud supported partially supported supported
Create installers for your own libraries supported   partially supported
Export models with FMI (Functional Mock-up Interface) supported supported supported
Export models with FMI for co-simulation supported supported supported
Import models with FMI (Functional Mock-up Interface) supported supported supported
Real-time simulator link supported supported supported
Deploy simulation executable supported   supported
Support for single sign-on supported partially supported supported

Built-in Model Libraries

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Electrical (analog, digital and multiphase) supported supported supported
Mechanical (translational, rotational and 3D multibody) supported supported supported
Thermal (heat transfer and fluid flow) supported supported supported
Fluid (compressible, mixtures, multiphase) supported   supported
Media (multi-component, phase transitions) supported   partially supported
Signal blocks (continuous, discrete and logical) supported supported supported
Magnetic (flux tubes, fundamental wave) supported supported supported
Clocked (synchronous/clocked systems) supported   supported
State graphs supported   supported

Additional Model Libraries

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Biochemical systems supported   supported
Hydraulic systems supported supported supported
Aircraft supported   supported
Rotating machinery supported   partially supported
Business simulation supported    
System dynamics supported    
Planar modeling (2D multibody) supported partially supported partially supported

Additional Interactive Virtual Labs

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
Physics labs for high-school courses supported   partially supported
Biology labs for high-school courses supported   partially supported
Chemistry labs for high-school courses supported   partially supported
Thermal labs for college courses supported   partially supported
Biology labs for college courses supported   partially supported
Digital electronic labs for college courses supported   partially supported
Mechanical engineering labs for college courses supported partially supported partially supported

Additional Connectivity Libraries

System Modeler MapleSim Simulink
OPC Classic Library for Data Access (DA) supported   supported
OPC Unified Architecture (UA) Library supported   supported
Arduino (Firmata) Connection Library supported   supported

Simplify Your Workflow

System Modeler implements the Modelica language, which takes advantage of the strengths from component-based modeling, where the flow in components is modeled. This presents significant advantages compared to block-based modeling. This example of constructing an electric circuit illustrates the simplified workflow obtained with component-based modeling:

Component-based modeling versus block-based modeling

The Modelica Advantage

Modelica is an open standard language specifically designed for modeling physical systems. It allows individuals and groups to efficiently work together on large-scale projects, constructing reusable custom components and libraries.

Wolfram MathCore is a founding member of the Modelica Association and has taken an active part in the Modelica language design since 1997. System Modeler is the result of this effort and more than 15 years of close cooperation with customers in the automotive, heavy-machinery, life science and marine sectors, making it the easiest Modelica tool to use.

Modelica Libraries

Beyond Simulation

A high-fidelity model is useful for much more than just numerical simulation, including everything from optimization and control design to custom visualization and interactivity. Together, System Modeler and Mathematica provide complete programmatic control of simulations, enabling all kinds of design and analysis.

System Modeler can export and import Functional Mock-up Units, enabling the use of models in other tools and moving legacy models into System Modeler.

Analysis & optimization
Model development
Report generation
Simulation environment
Visualization
Signal processing
Control systems
Import & export
Presentation environment

Questions? Comments? Contact a Wolfram expert »