Simulink project using MBDT crashes when project is reopened

[RNJ]

Hello!

We are in the phase of starting/learning to use MBDT together with Matlab/Simulink targeting the S32K396 MCU.

Doing simple tests projects with the MBDT we can build and generate code but when we close and try to reopen a project the Matlab environment crashes when the Simulink model file is opened.

The crash occurs when a pop-up window labeled “Updating Dio2 configuration” (Dio2 being my project) and saying “Generating Dio2 configuration”.

Starting with all files but the .mdl and the .mex removed still yields the same crash result, however, if removing the .mex file Simulink model will open but with an incorrect default configuration. Anyway, this way the referred configuration can be changed to the correct on through the hardware settings.

On a MAC with Windows 11 emulation and same tool versions it is not even possible open the same Dio2.mdl standalone in a directory without crashing the same way.

We are three persons working on three different machines (PCs & MAC with Win 11 emul.) experiencing similar problems.

Just in case I had done something foolish in my simple test project I also tested this:

Starting from one of the example projects, s32k37x_s32k39x_dio_ebt, it will open, build and can be restarted again using the Tresos config tool. If I change to DS32 config tool and XS32K396-BGA-DC1 evb in hardware settings it will generate .mex file and build but when closing down and then reopening project it crashes in similar way as described above.

Is there any solution to this?

Case has been reported to Mathworks but they refer to NXP (naturally) hence this post.

We are using:

Windows 10 and 11

Matlab R2025b

Model-Based Design Toolbox for S32K3 1.7.0

S32 Design Studio for S32 Platform v3.6.3

RTD 6.0.0

Thanks in advance.

[Henrik-Wires]

The error only occurs when you start Matlab fresh; after reboot, or after Matlab have been fully closed. If you have already opened or created a new model using NXP MBDT then the issue is not showing up.

1. Start matlab.
2. Open Simulink and select to create a blank model.
3. Save the model to assign a name.
4. Add 3 dio objects to the model and save.
5. Fully close matlab (or reboot the computer to be sure Matlab have fully closed down)
6. Open matlab
7. Try to open the model created above.

The issue is reproduced on multiple computers with multiple accounts (5 different computers, 2 different accounts).

Workaround:
Create a small model with just one dio object, and open this model before opening any other model.

The exact conditions that make Matlab crash is not entirely clear, but models with 3 dio objects have been quite consistent in causing the issue. But it feels like sometimes the issue goes into hiding mode for a while, but could be Matlab keeping something persistent.

[SorinIBancila]

Hello,

I was able to reproduce the problem. I will investigate it and I will try my best to provide a solution to this problem.

Best regards,

Sorin Ioanid Bancila

[SorinIBancila]

Hello,

I have installed a fresh version of the S32K3xx toolbox 1.7.0 in MATLAB R2025b Update 1 (on a W11 machine) and I was unable to reproduce your problem. 

I did the following:

1. Open s32k37x_s32k39x_dio_ebt.mdl and selected the default location for the EB tresos. (as there is where I have it installed).

2. Built the model and it has successfully build (the .elf file was generated).

3. Saved the model and closed it.

4. Opened it again and hit build button. It successfully built again.

5. Saved the model and closed it.

6. Opened again and changed the Select Configuration Project Template  to Custom: XS32K396-BGA-DC1 S32 Config Tool.

7. I have saved the model and closed it.

8. Deleted all the unnecessary files. All the files that are mandatory are: the model (.mdl file), the configuration project (.mex file) and help file (.html file).

9. Opened the model again, waited for it to generate again the files and click on build. It successfully generated the .elf file.

10. Saved the model and closed it.

11. Opened it again, built it. No errors again.

Any additional information would be handy to try to reproduce the problem in order to provide a solution (maybe errors messages from the MATLAB command window).

Another thing I would like to know is where you did install the toolbox.  You can check it by opening the  MATLAB -> Settings window and there under the MATLAB -> Add-ons  you can find the Installation Folder. 

Best regards,

Sorin Ioanid Bancila