Teaching system simulation using student-expandable software

This paper presents educational software developed by the author for the purpose of teaching numerical algorithms for simulating the behavior of linear and nonlinear systems represented by block diagrams. An important feature of the software is that its functionality can and must be expanded using modules developed by the students taking the course. The software simply provides the framework for validating and running a block diagram, facilitating data input and output, providing timing and sequencing information to each component, and handling data and message flow throughout the simulation. Components that make up the block diagram can then be developed as needed, and in a language- independent fashion, with the only requirement being that they adhere to the Common Object Model (COM) format. As an alternative approach, interpreted VbScript and JScript modules can also be developed for relatively simple components that are not time-critical. Examples are also presented for the use of the software in various settings.