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Random Number

Generate normally distributed random numbers

  • Random Number block

Libraries:
Simulink / Sources

Description

The Random Number block generates normally distributed random numbers. To generate uniformly distributed random numbers, use the Uniform Random Number block. Both blocks use the Normal (Gaussian) random number generator ('v4': legacy MATLAB® 4.0 generator of the rng function).

You can generate a repeatable sequence using any Random Number block with the same nonnegative seed and parameters. The seed resets to the specified value each time a simulation starts. By default, the block produces a sequence that has a mean of 0 and a variance of 1. To generate a vector of random numbers with the same mean and variance, specify the Seed parameter as a vector.

Avoid integrating a random signal, because solvers must integrate relatively smooth signals. Instead, use the Band-Limited White Noise block.

The numeric parameters of this block must have the same dimensions after scalar expansion. If you select the Interpret vector parameters as 1-D check box, and the numeric parameters are row or column vectors after scalar expansion, the block outputs a 1-D signal. If you clear the Interpret vector parameters as 1-D check box, the block outputs a signal of the same dimensionality as the parameters.

Ports

Output

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Output signal that is the generated random numbers falling within a normal Gaussian distribution. The output is repeatable for a given seed.

Data Types: double

Parameters

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Specify the mean of the random numbers generated.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: Mean
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | array
Default: '0'

Specify the variance of the random numbers.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: Variance
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | array
Default: '1'

Specify the starting seed for the random number generator.

The output of number generated is repeatable for a given seed.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: Seed
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | array
Default: '0'

Specify the time interval between samples. The default is 0.1, which matches the default sample time of the Band-Limited White Noise block. See Specify Sample Time for more information.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: SampleTime
Type: character vector
Values: scalar
Default: '0.1'

Select this check box to output a vector of length N if the Mean, Variance, and Seed parameters evaluate to an N-element row or column vector.

  • When you select this check box, the block outputs a vector of length N if the Mean, Variance, and Seed parameters evaluate to an N-element row or column vector. For example, the block outputs a matrix of dimension 1-by-N or N-by-1.

  • When you clear this check box, the block does not output a vector of length N if the Mean, Variance, and Seed parameters evaluate to an N-element row or column vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: VectorParams1D
Type: character vector
Values: 'on' | 'off'
Default: 'on'

Block Characteristics

Data Types

double

Direct Feedthrough

no

Multidimensional Signals

yes

Variable-Size Signals

no

Zero-Crossing Detection

no

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced before R2006a