System configuration > Databases
Databases
eDAQXR, eDAQXR-lite and CX23-R systems currently support Vector CAN database files (.dbc), eDAQ CAN database files (.txt) and HBM sensor database files (.sdbx).
The Databases page displays all imported databases in a tree view. Database specific information is provided in the read-only panel to the right of the tree view. This information varies, based on the type of database selected.

To import a database, navigate to the System view and select the Databases menu option. Click Import. An Import database file dialog shows.
Select from the four File types: .dbc (Vector CAN database file), .sdbx (HBM sensor database), .txt (eDAQ CAN database file) or .a2l (ECU description file, for XCP over Ethernet only).
Click Browse to select a file to import from a local directory or external device.
Vector CAN database files (.dbc)
Browse for and import the desired .dbc database file. Once imported, the new database appears in the databases list. Select the file from the list to display the CAN channels.
NOTE
If the system encounters a CAN signal that is not supported (or appears invalid for some reason), the system will reject that specific CAN signal and generate a warning in the Log file. The system will also automatically assign Min and Max parameter values if these are not defined in the DBC file.
For CAN .dbc files only, there is an option to prepend CAN Message names to CAN signal names to generate the composite CAN channel name. This option uses either a double colon (::) or an underscore (_) as a delimiter between the Message and Signal names. The delimiter used is based on the delimiter option defined in System preferences > System > Databases. The double colon is the recommended option. However, the underscore may be preferred for SIE data files in some analysis software (e.g., Catman).
NOTE
If the option to append Message names to Signal names is not used, duplicate Signal names are automatically made unique when importing by appending the string “_duplicate_” and a sequential number.
For CAN .dbc files that include CCP or XCP signals, there is an option to import an associated seed and key (.skb) file.
Click Import in the lower right corner of the dialog to download a file to the data processor.
eDAQ CAN database files (.txt)
The system supports legacy eDAQ CAN databases in a .txt format. eDAQ CAN database channel sets cannot be exported as a .txt file. When imported, these are converted to the internal database format that is used for Vector CAN databases, which can then be exported as a .dbc file.
Browse for and import the desired .txt database file. Once imported, the new database appears in the databases list. Select the file from the list to display the CAN channels.
Imported eDAQ CAN .txt files will have Message Names appended with "MSG_" and the hexadecimal Message ID.
NOTE
When CAN DB channels that have a Mask are added for the MX471B-R or MX840B-R, the CAN channel Mask field is gray. There is no current Mask support by these modules, but the channel may be used in a test.
HBM sensor database files (.sdbx)
Browse for and import the desired .sdbx database file. For information on converting standard .sdb files to compatible .sdbx files, see HBM sensor databases.
Once imported, the new database appears in the databases list. Select the file from the list to display an overview of the database and the number of supported and unsupported sensors.
NOTE
Future data processor firmware versions may support more sensors. The HBM sensor database does not need to be re-imported to use newly supported sensors.
ECU description file (.a2l)
The system supports import and viewing of .a2l database files for XCP over Ethernet only.
The .a2l database file describes an ECU (electronic control unit) for communication purposes.
The .a2l channel sets cannot be edited or exported. When imported, these are converted to the internal (.dbc) database format that is used for Vector CAN databases.
Browse for and import an .a2l database file to support XCP over Ethernet on the eDAQXR or eDAQXR-lite CPU. Once imported, the new database appears in the databases list. Select the file from the list to display the CAN channels.

To create an empty CAN database, navigate to the System view and select the Databases menu option. Click New. Channels can be added and edited using the same tools provided for imported databases.
NOTE
If the user wants to extend the channel set for an existing eDAQ CAN database which cannot be edited, they can proceed by creating a new Vector CAN DBC file and adding the desired channels. Channels from both databases can be assigned to the same CAN port when creating the SXR test.

To delete a database, select the desired database and click Delete. Deleted databases cannot be restored.

For HBM sensor database files (.sdbx) only the database name and title can be edited (see below for creating or editing a Vector CAN database (.dbc)). Click on the database name in the Databases tree to display its contents. Make the desired changes and click Save.
NOTE
While the database contents are read-only, the channels can be edited during test configuration.

To export a database, navigate to the System view, select the Databases menu option and select the desired database. Click Export. An Export database file dialog shows.
Only Vector CAN databases can be exported at this time.
NOTE
Edited CAN databases are exported in a simplified Vector DBC file format. This is provided primarily for portability from one eDAQXR, eDAQXR-lite or CX23-R device to another. The exported DBC file is not guaranteed to be usable by Vector applications (e.g., CANalyzer, CANape, etc.). The user interface does not validate all user changes that can result in the Vector applications rejecting the exported DBC file. For example, in Vector applications, a Signal or Message name is only valid using letters, numbers and underscores (_).

To name a duplicate database, navigate to the System view and select the Databases menu option. Click Save As…. A Save database configuration as dialog shows. Only Vector CAN database files may be duplicated with a new name.

Only Vector CAN database files can be edited at this time. A new Vector CAN database can be created by clicking the New button. The database may be removed or saved with a new name.
To edit a database, select the desired Vector CAN database. Option buttons appear and an editable grid will show for the database.
Add a channel to a database:
- Click the Add button in the task pane.
- Right click in the field of the workspace, and click on Add.
- Right click on a channel row to see options. Click Add.
A new channel row shows, with 14 available fields populated. Only the Data format column has options for pull down selection (SLSB, UMSB, ULSB, SMSB, FMSB or FLSB).
Select the check box to the left of a channel row or right click in the channel row. Option buttons become available for use. Paste shows as an option only after Copy is done.
Copy or Paste in a channel of a database:
When Copy is selected on a channel, a dialog allows selection of channel parameters. Click OK after selection.
When Paste is selected on a channel, all parameters copied from a channel are applied to the selected channel.
Copy and Paste allow duplication of channel parameters, including name and description. Make sure parameters are valid. Minimal system checks are done and operator error is possible.
Duplicate channel:
When the Duplicate channel button is selected in the task pane when a channel is selected or in the drop down options for a channel, a dialog shows.
Enter the number of copies desired (the higher the number, the longer the time required to duplicate the channel).
Click Duplicate channel and the channels will show, with "_copy_" and a number appended to the original channel's name.
Remove a channel from a database:
A confirmation dialog shows when Remove is selected. Click OK to approve.
Save pending database changes:
Click the Save button or the yellow Save button in the interface header.