Simulator Suite - Components of the software package

The Simulator Suite provides possibilities to simulate models in different applications. Furthermore, the simulation kernel can be integrated into your own software via existing SDKs ("Software Development Kit") in C++ and Python. All applications use the same simulation kernel, so that identical results can be guaranteed regardless of the interface.

Integrations of the simulation kernel are available for the following applications:

Simulator SDKs:

In addition, the simulation kernel of the Simulation Suite is integrated into our software products ModelFitter and Optimization Suite. The simulation kernel can also be integrated into various workflows via our software product MoBA Automation.


Simulation kernel

The simulation kernel is used by all products of the Simulator Suite and can be addressed directly via the SDKs. The following model types are supported:

  • FMI (1.0/2.0, ModelExchange and Co-Simulation)
  • Dymola Modell ("dymosim.exe")
  • TISC (Simulator coupling)

Additional model types in the form of hybrid Algebro differential equation systems can be added via a plug-in API.
For a simulation, the models can be parameterized and equipped with transient inputs (e.g. from a CSV file).
Various solver algorithms are available for evaluating the models:

  • ODE solver: CVode, ARKode, Explicit Euler
  • Event iteration: Superdense Time
  • Multidimensional numerical determination of roots (KINSOL, Newton-Raphson)

The performance is proven by the results of the FMI CrossChecks, in which TLK participates. The FMI CrossCheck procedure is used to compare the simulation results generated with the Simulator Suite with the reference results of the FMU-exporting programs. A maximum deviation of 0.2% is tolerated. The CrossCheck results are regularly updated on www.fmi-standard.org. The high number of successful CrossChecks shows that simulations with the Simulator Suite lead to reliable results.

Simulator Suite CrossCheck results
Simulator Suite CrossCheck results

The Simulator Suite provides the user with helpful model information about the simulated system, improving model understanding and supporting troubleshooting. In addition, the Simulator Suite offers various options to customize the simulation in detail, for example by selecting and setting the solver (e.g. Sundials CVode, Sundials ARKode, Explicit Euler). The existing solvers are explicitly selected to solve complex thermodynamic systems.

Simulation ModelInfo
The dialog "ModelInfo" provides information to support the user during the simulation

TLK-Simulator for Excel

The TLK-Simulator for Excel allows you to import, analyze and simulate FMUs and compiled Dymola models (dymosim.exe) in Excel. A major advantage of the TLK-Simulator for Excel is that the user can simulate models without detailed prior knowledge and then visualize and evaluate the results in the familiar Excel interface.

In addition, the TLK-Simulator for Excel offers the possibility to carry out parameter studies intuitively in the Excel user interface. Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), the functionality of this tool can be flexibly expanded and adapted to user-specific requirements.

Further information can be found in our introductory video.

TLK-Simulator for Excel
TLK-Simulator for Excel

TLK-Simulator for LabVIEW

The TLK-Simulator for LabVIEW provides the user with a simple interface for integrating FMUs into LabVIEW.

TLK-Simulator for LabVIEW
Integration of an FMU into a LabVIEW block diagram. Inputs can be changed in real time during simulation.

Using different VIs, compatible models can be conveniently coupled and simulated within LabVIEW. This enables the direct linking of FMUs with a test bench.

TLK-Simulator for LabVIEW
Simulation interface for the block diagram shown above. The inputs can be varied in real time during the simulation using the sliders.

TLK-Simulator for TISC

Using the TLK-Simulator for TISC, compatible models can be integrated into a TISC simulation and are thus available as co-simulation elements for coupled simulations.
Further information can be found on the product page of our TISC Suite.


TLK-Simulator for TRNSYS

The TLK-Simulator for TRNSYS allows the import and parameterization of an FMU as a TRNSYS model. Thus, FMI-based models can be coupled and simulated with TRNSYS models.
Please contact us if you are interested in available beta versions of the respective TLK-Simulator. We will be happy to help you.


The TLK-Simulator for Simulink can be used to simulate FMUs in Simulink. The FMU is represented as a Simulink block and can exchange data via the block's inputs and outputs during simulation.

TLK-Simulator for Simulink
TLK-Simulator for Simulink

Please contact us if you are interested in available beta versions of the respective TLK-Simulator. We will be happy to help you.


TLK-Simulator for Python

The Simulator SDK for Python enables the user to use an interface that provides all simulation tools and that is also suitable for an individual integration into the own tool chain. For example, parameterization, simulation and evaluation can be fully automated using a script. The TLK-Simulator, which is also used in MoBA Automation, can be implemented very flexibly in your own functions and thus offers a high degree of individualization.

In addition to various analysis functions, the Simulator SDK for Python can also perform linearizations and record sensitivities. The corresponding interface is easy to install. With the TLK-Simulator for Python, we offer our customers a consistent and robust basis for their own simulation and software development. For support, TLK is of course at your disposal.

For further information, please refer to our introductory video:

TLK-Simulator for Python
TLK-Simulator for Python

TLK-Simulator for C/C++

The TLK-Simulator for C/C++ provides the user with an easy-to-understand interface for performing an FMU simulation. This allows the use of FMU-based models as high-level classes in a C/C++ project.

TLK-Simulator für C/C++
TLK-Simulator for C/C++

If you have any questions, please consult:

M.Sc. Johannes Schulz

+49 / 531 / 390 76 - 241 | simulator@tlk-thermo.com