Free Download of MATLAB 2021a: Learn How to Use the New Tools and Functions
MATLAB 2021a Free Download: What You Need to Know
MATLAB is a programming and numeric computing platform used by millions of engineers and scientists to analyze data, develop algorithms, and create models. MATLAB 2021a is the latest release of MATLAB that offers hundreds of new and updated features and functions in MATLAB and Simulink, along with three new products and 12 major updates. In this article, we will explore what's new in MATLAB 2021a, how to download it for free, how to install it on your computer, and some frequently asked questions.
What's New in MATLAB 2021a?
MATLAB 2021a introduces many new capabilities and enhancements that make MATLAB more powerful, versatile, and user-friendly. Here are some of the highlights:
matlab 2021a free download
New Products
MATLAB 2021a adds three new products to the MATLAB family:
Satellite Communications Toolbox: This toolbox helps you model, simulate, analyze and verify satellite communications systems and links. You can use it to develop standards-based satellite communications signals, and perform multi-domain simulation and verification of satellite communication, navigation and remote sensing systems.
Radar Toolbox: This toolbox provides algorithms and tools for the design, simulation, analysis and testing of multifunction radar systems. You can use it to assess system design trade-offs before radars are built or procured. It also includes radar specific capabilities and examples previously found in Phased Array System Toolbox.
DDS Blockset: This Simulink add-on gives you a full Model-Based Design experience for developing software for DDS-based embedded systems. You can use it to model, simulate, verify and generate code for DDS applications.
Major Updates
MATLAB 2021a also includes major updates to 12 existing products:
Aerospace Blockset: You can now perform high-level mission planning for spacecraft and small satellites using the new Orbit Propagator, CubeSat Vehicle, and Attitude Profile blocks. You can also visualize aircraft and rotorcraft using Unreal Engine and Cesium ion.
Aerospace Toolbox: You can now define aircraft configuration and dynamics for stability and control analyses. You can also design and analyze scenarios of satellites and ground stations.
Antenna Toolbox: You can now estimate efficiency and losses in metal antennas with finite conductivity and thickness using a catalog of materials such as copper, tin, and gold.
Audio Toolbox: You can now perform AI-powered single-line signal analytics for audio, speech, and acoustics with underlying pretrained deep networks and machine learning models.
Computer Vision Toolbox: You can now label and train deep learning models with arbitrarily large images. You can also use new functions for image registration, feature detection, optical flow estimation, stereo vision calibration, point cloud reconstruction, and 3D scene understanding.
Datafeed Toolbox: You can now connect to and import data from Bloomberg Data License Plus, FactSet, and Refinitiv Tick History.
Mixed-Signal Blockset: You can now model and simulate mixed-signal systems with new blocks for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), phase-locked loops (PLLs), and frequency synthesizers.
Navigation Toolbox: You can now perform inertial navigation system (INS) simulation, analysis, and testing with new functions and examples. You can also use new functions for geodesic distance calculation, geoid height computation, and coordinate frame transformation.
Polyspace Access: You can now access Polyspace products from MATLAB to perform static code analysis and code metrics computation on MATLAB code. You can also generate reports and export results to Polyspace Bug Finder and Polyspace Code Prover.
Reinforcement Learning Toolbox: You can now train reinforcement learning agents using distributed computing on a cluster of CPUs or GPUs. You can also use new algorithms such as soft actor-critic (SAC) and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG).
System Composer: You can now design system architectures using SysML 2.0 notation. You can also import and export architectures using the standard XML Metadata Interchange (XMI) format.
Vehicle Network Toolbox: You can now simulate vehicle network communication using the CAN FD protocol. You can also use new blocks for CAN message filtering, arbitration, and error detection.
MATLAB Features
MATLAB 2021a also introduces some new features that enhance the MATLAB user experience:
Live Editor Controls: You can now create interactive controls such as buttons, sliders, drop-down menus, and checkboxes in live scripts and functions. You can use these controls to manipulate variables, run code sections, or display results without writing code.
Create Plot Live Editor Task: You can now create plots interactively using the Create Plot live editor task. You can choose from various plot types, customize plot properties, and insert plot titles and labels without writing code.
Name=Value Syntax: You can now use name=value syntax to specify function arguments in any order. This makes your code more readable and easier to modify.
Class Diagram Viewer: You can now view the inheritance hierarchy and properties of MATLAB classes using the Class Diagram Viewer. You can also navigate to the class definition file or documentation from the viewer.
How to Download MATLAB 2021a?
If you want to download MATLAB 2021a for free, you need to have a valid license or a trial account. Here are some things you need to consider before downloading:
System Requirements
MATLAB 2021a supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. However, not all products are available for all platforms. You can check the for more details. Here are some general system requirements for MATLAB 2021a:
ComponentMinimum Requirement
ProcessorsAny Intel or AMD x86-64 processor with four logical cores and AVX2 instruction set support
Disk SpaceMinimum of 4 GB for MATLAB only, 10-30 GB for a typical installation depending on the products you select
RAMMinimum of 4 GB, recommended of 8 GB or more
GraphicsNo specific graphics card is required. Hardware accelerated graphics card supporting OpenGL 3.3 with 1GB GPU memory is recommended.
Download Options
You can download MATLAB 2021a in different ways depending on your preference and internet connection speed:
Standard Installation: This is the easiest way to download MATLAB 2021a. You just need to log in to your MathWorks account on the , select the products you want to download, and follow the instructions on the screen. The installer will automatically download and install the selected products.
Offline Installation: This is useful if you want to install MATLAB 2021a on multiple computers or if you have a slow or unreliable internet connection. You need to download the from the MathWorks website and save it to a USB drive or a DVD. Then, you can run the installer on any computer that meets the system requirements and follow the instructions on the screen.
Noninteractive Installation: This is useful if you want to install MATLAB 2021a without user interaction, such as for automated deployment or scripting. You need to download the to specify the installation settings.
License Types
MATLAB 2021a offers different license types depending on your needs and budget:
Standard: This is the most common license type for individual and commercial use. It allows you to install MATLAB 2021a on a single computer and use it for unlimited time. You can also access technical support and product updates for one year. The price of a standard license varies depending on the products you select.
Startups: This is a special license type for early-stage startups that meet certain eligibility criteria. It allows you to use MATLAB 2021a and other products for one year at a reduced price. You can also access technical support and product updates during this period.
Academic: This is a license type for faculty, staff, and students at academic institutions. It allows you to use MATLAB 2021a and other products for teaching, learning, and research purposes. You can also access technical support and product updates for one year. The price of an academic license is lower than a standard license.
Student: This is a license type for students enrolled in degree-granting programs at academic institutions. It allows you to use MATLAB 2021a and other products for personal learning purposes. You can also access technical support and product updates for one year. The price of a student license is much lower than an academic license.
Home: This is a license type for personal use only. It allows you to use MATLAB 2021a and other products for hobby projects, learning, or fun. You can also access technical support and product updates for one year. The price of a home license is the lowest among all license types.
How to Install MATLAB 2021a?
Once you have downloaded MATLAB 2021a,