Dervo
Every vehicle program delivers new versions of its communication matrix: DBC files for CAN networks and ARXML files for AUTOSAR systems. A single changed factor, start bit or interface can break an ECU, a restbus simulation or a whole test suite. A short review at every delivery saves days of debugging.
1. Compare before you integrate
Never drop a new file straight into the build. Compare it with the previous release and list every change: added and removed messages, signals, ports and interfaces, and every changed value. Then check each change has a matching change request.
2. Changes that break things quietly
- Factor, offset or length of a signal: values are still received, but they are wrong.
- Start bit or byte order: the signal is read from the wrong bits.
- Cycle time: timeouts and bus load change.
- Message length (DLC): receivers may reject the frame.
- Data types and interfaces in ARXML: a changed TYPE-TREF or interface can break the RTE build or the connection between components.
- Value tables: a renamed or renumbered state changes diagnostics and test expectations.
3. Checks on every file
- No duplicate message IDs or duplicate element paths.
- No overlapping signals, except multiplexed signals with different multiplexer values.
- No signals running past the end of the message or PDU.
- Declared minimum and maximum values the signal's bits can actually carry.
- In ARXML: no references to elements that do not exist, no required ports left unconnected, and no runnables that no event triggers.
4. Update everything downstream
A matrix change rarely stops at the ECU. Check restbus and simulation models, HIL test configurations, test cases and expected values, diagnostic descriptions, and any documentation sent to suppliers.
5. Keep a record
Save the change list with the release. When a test fails three weeks later, it is the fastest way to find out what changed.
Try it
Our free DBC compare and checker and ARXML viewer, compare and checker do steps 1 to 3 in your browser and export the result to Excel. Your files are never uploaded.
