xcos

Xcos is a graphical editor for modeling and simulation of dynamical systems, included with Scilab, an open-source numerical computation package. It provides a visual language for constructing block diagrams that encode differential equations, state machines, and other dynamic models. Using a library of predefined blocks, users can represent continuous-time, discrete-time, and hybrid systems by connecting blocks with signal wires. The diagrams can be organized hierarchically, allowing submodels to be reused and encapsulated.

The Xcos simulation engine translates the diagram into executable Scilab code and runs the numerical integration with parameters chosen by the user. Simulation settings include start and stop times, solver type, and step size; results can be plotted within Xcos or exported to Scilab variables for further analysis.

Models are saved with the .xcos extension and can be shared or embedded in Scilab projects. In addition to the standard libraries for mathematics, signals, control, logic, and sources/sinks, users can create custom blocks using Scilab code, extending the toolbox. Xcos runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is distributed as part of the Scilab open-source project.

Xcos is commonly used in education and research to teach and prototype control systems, signal processing, and other dynamic system concepts, offering a free alternative to proprietary tools while integrating closely with Scilab’s numerical capabilities.