Reading CAN Data
DBC files
I have written an article on CAN bus here:
Today, I want to talk about DBC files.
The CAN signals are recorded using different data loggers like M-Logger. The signals are stored in different formats like a blf file.
In order to read a blf file, we need a dbc file containing signal definitions which work as a decoder for the data in blf file. We also need a software like CANoe to read blf data using a dbc file.
DBC stands for DataBase Container file. These are text files including information on decoding raw CAN bus signals and also specify which CAN signals are contained within a specific message.
The purpose of creation of this file format was record keeping in CAN network.
Each message is converted into a C structure with signals as its members.
DBC data contains following components:
Simple DBC message
A basic message consists of message id and at least one signal.
Signed Signals
A signed signal can be delivered by providing a negative offset to a transmission.
Fractional Signals
By specifying the range and if necessary, accuracy, a fractional signal can be transmitted.
Enumeration Types
An enumeration type is utilized if the user prefers to view names instead of numbers.
Multiplexed Message
A multiplexed message can convey more than 8 bytes with a single message id.
So, that’s it for now, see you later.
