CSS Electronics - ISOBUS DBC File - Decode Tractor Data [ISO 11783-7 Database]

DECODE ISOBUS

Convert ISOBUS data in wide range of software/API tools

~100 PGN

The ISOBUS DBC contains ~100 PGNs and 650+ SPNs

REVIEW FIRST

Use our CAN ID converter to check if your PGNs are covered

CROWD INPUT

Benefit from free corrections based on large user base

SAVE HOURS

Avoid manually constructing the DBC file from scratch

COMBINE

What is a DBC file? A DBC file is a standardized file format for storing the "rules" on how to interpret raw CAN bus data. It contains details on what 'signals' (e.g. Distance, Vehicle Speed, …) are contained within which 'messages' (i.e. CAN IDs). In the J1939 and ISOBUS standards, messages are referred to as Parameter Group Numbers (PGN) and signals as Suspect Parameter Numbers (SPN). Further, a DBC file includes names, descriptions, positions and lengths of the signals - as well as how to offset & scale them.

The ISOBUS protocol is used across most agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, sprayers etc. Because the protocol is standardized, you can use the ISOBUS DBC file to decode data across the majority of farm vehicle brands/models.

See also our J1939/ISOBUS telematics intro.

Will the DBC decode all ISOBUS SPN signals?

In our experience, the DBC typically lets you decode 60-80% of the ISOBUS signals (SPN) from a ISOBUS-based farming vehicle, with the rest being proprietary OEM-specific data. In most cases, this lets you extract multiple useful signals, e.g. information related to speed, distance, heading, hitch positions etc. With that said it differs vehicle-by-vehicle, so we always recommend to perform tests for the specific farm vehicles you need to record ISOBUS data from.

Can I test what data the DBC will decode?

If you're using our CAN loggers, we can offer to decode a sample log file with the DBC before you decide whether to purchase the ISOBUS DBC file (this sample conversion is 100% free). This way you can see exactly what data parameters you can extract from a specific vehicle (or multiple vehicles) before deciding. Simply contact us with your data samples.

If you do not have one of our CAN bus data loggers, you can perform an evaluation by parsing the unique CAN IDs from your application (e.g. logged with another logger) into our CAN ID to PGN converter to check which of your CAN IDs are matched by the DBC file.