To open your mind, if you install Vector’s CANoe on Windows, you can get the CANdb++ editor for free. If you find the free version unsatisfactory, you can also use the DBC editing tool launched by Goodman Automotive【DBCStudio】. But what if you are not using Windows?
Why is there a need to edit DBC files on Linux? With the rapid development of autonomous driving in recent years, traditional MCUs cannot meet the computing power requirements, and SoCs need to be involved! Although there are many SoCs available, support for CAN is essential for all, even consumer-grade products like Raspberry Pi support CAN.
When we develop embedded Linux, we typically need to install a Linux system and use a cross-compiler to generate programs for the target device. So, how can we browse and edit DBC files on Linux?
Now, let me introduce the cross-platform project of DBCStudio to all the new drivers! I wonder if this counts as a unique item in the industry.
The current state of DBCStudio is becoming stable. To achieve cross-platform support, the original C# code needs to be ported to C++.
The current technical solution is to use C++ to write a basic library in CLion and compile it into a dynamic link library file *.so. CLion may not be familiar to everyone; it is produced by the same company as PyCharm, and we will encounter it again when discussing SoC cross-compilation!
For the UI, we use the mature Qt framework to redesign a simple UI based on Windows’ UI (the Robin style cannot be implemented in the short term). Therefore, the UI for the Windows version and the cross-platform version will be different!
Currently, the reading and writing library for DBC files and the editing function for DBC structures have been completed, and testing work is ongoing.
Window after opening a DBC file
Message editing window (1)
Message editing window (2)
Signal editing window
Next, we also need to port the OTA upgrade function, and complete software packaging testing, etc. If all goes well, we may meet you by the end of the year! Stay tuned!
Did you think this was the end? Since it is cross-platform, what’s the point of just supporting Linux?
By the way, we also made a MacOS version! Moreover, it supports the latest Apple M1 processor!
Signal editing window (1)
Signal editing window (2)
Message editing window (1)
This is a bit niche; it seems I haven’t heard of any electrical engineer using a MacBook for work. But think about it, being able to edit DBC files with a MacBook Air at Starbucks is quite peculiar!
AVL-CRUISE Video Directory
1. AVL-CRUISE Introduction Tutorial
2. AVL-CRUISE Advanced Tutorial
3. AVL-CRUISE New Energy Module Course! 4. Pure Electric + Extended Range (CRUISE & Simulink Co-Simulation)
5. Pure Electric + Fuel Cell (CRUISE & Simulink Co-Simulation)
6. P2 Parallel (CRUISE & Simulink Co-Simulation)
7. Planetary Power Split Hybrid (CRUISE & Simulink Co-Simulation)
8. P1 + P3 (IMMD) Hybrid (CRUISE & Simulink Co-Simulation)
