MATLAB: Example of non direct feed through using matlab function block

Question

I'm using a matlab function block in a feedback loop and have an algebraic loop. Simulink can solve it but I need to run it on target hardware so I have to get rid of the algebraic loop. Based on this link

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simulink/ug/integration-considerations-for-matlab-function-blocks.html#buz0srd

I think that I need to utilize non direct feedthrough on the matlab function block. I created a simplified example based on the link but I always get the following error when I disable direct feedthrough:

Output variables of MATLAB Function 'alg_loop_test/MATLAB Function2' cannot depend on input data 'cnt', because the 'Allow Direct Feedthrough' property has been disabled for this block.

I can't upload my model but I've attached a screenshot. It seems to me that you cannot use the inputs to the function in the calculation of the output of the function if you disable direct feed through. But how can you calculate the output if not by using the input? Clearly I'm missing the concept here and could use an example of a matlab function block that uses non direct feedthrough to explain.

Answer 1

By looking at the example provided in the doc link you shared, I think you are confusing/mixing inputs and persistent values.

If you want to use a persistent value (cnt), you should define

persistent cnt;
if isempty(cnt)
    cnt = 1;
end

Attached a model which shows three different examples, one with non-direct feedthrough (the output value can already affect the input value at the same sample step), and two with direct feedthrough (unit delay is required to avoid algebric loop). In the two direct feedthrough examples, note how the order of the code can affect the results.