FMI / FMU for the
digital twin

FMI / FMU - Innovative solutions for the simulation of automation technology

FMI (Functional Mock-up Interface) is an open standard for the interchangeability of models in system simulation. FMU (Functional Mock-up Units) are the files based on this standard that simulate the behaviour of individual components or entire systems. These models are essential for the development and optimisation of digital twins and can be used in various simulators.

Our services in the area of FMU

Blue Automation offers comprehensive services for the creation and integration of FMUs, which can then be used directly in the Siemens Mechatronics Concept Designer (MCD), for example. We are an official member of the FMI Advisory Panel of the Modelica Association, which develops and specifies the FMI standard (https://fmi-standard.org/). Our team creates digital behaviour models for:

1. Customer projects: We develop FMUs for the digital modelling and simulation of complete systems.
2. Component manufacturers: We create customised FMUs that manufacturers can make available to their customers to facilitate the integration and use of their products.

Advantages of our FMU services

• Precision: Highly accurate behavioural models that take all relevant parameters and dynamics into account.
• Flexibility: Adaptation of FMUs to specific customer requirements and different simulation environments.
• Integration: Seamless integration of FMUs into existing systems and software solutions.
• Discretion: FMUs as a black box and therefore know-how protection.
• Experience: Years of experience with the creation of FMUs and Siemens MCD (supports FMU 2.0 and 3.0)

Our Membership in the FMI Advisory Committee

We are an official member of the FMI Advisory Panel of the Modelica Association, which develops and specifies the FMI / FMU standard (https://fmi-standard.org/).

The Modelica Association is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of the Modelica language and related technologies. Its focus is on creating open standards for modeling, simulation, and systems engineering to facilitate the development of complex systems in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

A key project of the Association is the development of the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) standard. This standard ensures that models from various software tools can seamlessly interoperate. Based on this standard, Functional Mockup Units (FMUs) allow developers to exchange their dynamic models and simulate them collaboratively. These FMUs also serve as building blocks (digital behavioral models) for the creation of digital twins.

The FMI panel includes renowned companies and institutions such as Airbus, Bosch, Dassault, Siemens PLM, and Volkswagen. In July 2024, NVIDIA and blue automation were newly admitted.

FMU Versions

FMU 1.0 (since 2010)

• Basic functionalities
• No event handling or time handling
• No algebraic loops

FMU 2.0 (since 2014)

• Solid performance
• Good level of interoperability between different tools, but with some limitations
• Parameters can be changed during the simulation, support for directional derivatives, algebraic loops
• Limited support for variable types and dimensions

FMU 3.0 (since 2022)

• Optimizations in performance and efficiency, especially in handling complex models and large-scale simulations
• Improved interoperability and compatibility with various simulation tools and platforms
• Extended support for various data types (e.g., complex numbers) and multi-dimensional arrays, making modeling more flexible and accurate (new variable types for outputs such as arrays, integer types, and 32-bit float type)