MathWorks introduces Rapid Prototyping Tools For Embedded Automotive Systems

MathWorks has introduced new Renesas hardware support packages for MATLAB and Simulink to accelerate embedded systems development for automotive and industrial engineers.

MathWorks, a leading developer of mathematical computing software for engineered systems, has introduced new Hardware Support Packages designed to simplify and accelerate embedded systems prototyping for automotive and industrial engineers.

The newly launched support packages establish direct integration between Model-Based Design workflows and Renesas microcontroller platforms, including the RH850/U2A microcontroller for automotive applications and the RA6T2 microcontroller for industrial control systems.

Through the enhanced integration with MATLAB® and Simulink®, engineering teams can seamlessly transition from simulation to real-time embedded hardware execution. The solution enables automated code generation, build processes, flashing and on-target execution, significantly reducing the need for manual integration steps.

According to MathWorks, the new support packages are expected to help developers accelerate product development cycles, streamline validation processes and improve efficiency in designing next-generation automotive and industrial embedded systems.

“Our customers expect a straightforward path from simulation model to microcontroller, and the new integration with MATLAB and Simulink delivers exactly that,” said Brad Rex, Senior Director of System Solution Team, UX (User Experience) Group at Renesas. “By working with MathWorks, we’ve removed the need to assemble toolchains and device drivers by hand so teams can simulate and validate designs earlier, iterate faster, and reduce integration effort across ECU and industrial-control projects.“

The new support packages give engineering teams a consistent Model-Based Design workflow across both automotive and industrial programs, reducing integration effort and accelerating deployment. Renesas’ RA microcontroller platform is optimized for industrial and robotics applications that require flexible connectivity, real-time responsiveness, and scalable embedded control. The integration with the RA family enables rapid prototyping of servo and variable-speed drive applications, with one-click deployment that streamlines hardware bring-up and on-bench validation for motion profiles and closed-loop tuning.

The Renesas RH850/U2A microcontroller, widely used in automotive electronic control units, provides the deterministic performance and safety-critical features required for EV motor control, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and body electronics. Automotive engineers developing traction motor control for electric vehicles can deploy field-oriented control and regenerative braking algorithms directly from Simulink to RH850/U2A-based ECUs. This shortens the time from concept to vehicle-level testing, supports smoother torque delivery during rapid transients, and speeds calibration across drive cycles—without writing initialization code or custom build scripts.

“Our collaboration with Renesas strengthens the level of interoperability that engineers expect when using MATLAB and Simulink,” said Anuja Apte, India Product Marketing Manager, MathWorks. “By providing a direct path from Simulink models to optimized microcontroller deployment, we help engineering teams move from design to hardware more efficiently while staying integrated with the broader toolchains they rely on. This approach reflects the MathWorks Connections program, which brings partners and customers together to accelerate innovation and reduce time to market within a widely adopted engineering and scientific platform.”