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The abbreviation FMI stands for ‘Functional Mockup Interface’, an open standard for the interchangeability of models in system simulation. FMUs (Functional Mock-up Units) are files that are based on this standard and simulate the behaviour of individual components or entire systems. These models are crucial for the development and optimisation of digital twins and can be used in a wide range of simulation software. We mainly use Matlab Simulink and Siemens Mechatronics Concept Designer to create and integrate FMUs for customer projects or component manufacturers.

But what specific advantages do these technologies offer? Firstly, the use of FMUs significantly accelerates the creation of digital plant models, which enables faster virtual commissioning. With the right building blocks, i.e. the right FMUs, digital twins can be created much more efficiently, as existing FMUs already represent precise digital images of real components. This not only saves time, but also costs, as virtual commissioning significantly reduces the effort required for real commissioning.

Secondly, the use of FMUs increases the accuracy of the simulation, as digital components ideally function exactly like their real-life counterparts. This is particularly advantageous if the component manufacturer itself provides an FMU of its component. In the future, this is likely to be a significant competitive advantage for manufacturers who provide digital models for system planning and virtual testing. Such manufacturers have a good chance that their components will also be used in the real system.

These are just a few aspects of the exciting topic of FMI / FMU, which we have been working on intensively for some time now. In recognition of our expertise, in July 2024 we were accepted onto the official FMI Advisory Panel of the Modelica Association, which develops and specifies the FMI / FMU standard (https://fmi-standard.org/). Well-known companies and institutions such as NVIDIA, Airbus, Siemens and around 40 others are represented on this panel. We will soon be offering a webinar on the topic of ‘Using FMI / FMU with simulation tools using the example of the Mechatronic Concept Designer’.

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