VW Passat B8 2018 CAN Matrix / *.dbc

Good morning everyone.

Okay, let me introduce myself briefly. I'm brand new to this forum. Also, recently for me, a new requirement has emerged: to read data from the CAN bus, log it, and display it.

I have been working in the development of vehicle components for 18 years, focusing primarily on mechanical aspects with only a few sensors involved. For the past 5 years, I have also been a certified expert for automotive damage assessments.

For current projects, I've progressed to the point where I have installed CAN loggers in vehicles and connected them to the individual CAN buses, allowing me to monitor CAN bus activity.

Specifically, this is a Volkswagen Passat B8.

"With VCDS Scope, I can now partially log data or display it as curves. However, I don't see which CAN data (hex addresses) are being read for each parameter."

My current problem is that I have a different CAN interface installed than the one used by canhack.de. This interface also dutifully logs the data in its internal memory. However, to achieve a specific output format and filter the data so that only the information I need is displayed, the system requires a *.dbc file.

Ultimately, the desired outcome is:

Light status (on/off).

- Low beam headlights
- High beam headlights
- Turn signal (left/right)
- Daytime running lights
- Reverse light
- Fog lights
- Parking light
- Warning lights activated.

Dataset "Acceleration Control" (on/off):

- Brake applied.
- Accelerator pedal depressed.
- Emergency brake activated -> if information is available (interpretation based on availability).
- Collision warning activated -> if available (interpretation based on availability).
- ACC activated.
- Cruise control activated.
- Speed limiter activated.

Dynamics.

- Speed
- Heading
- Acceleration in the longitudinal direction.
- Lateral acceleration.
- Vertical acceleration.
- Yaw Rate
- Steering angle.


All of this is then stored along with the timestamps and GPS data.

Currently, the problem for me is that I have little to no knowledge of the contents of DBC files, and I don't understand how to generate one or where to find a DBC file that specifically filters and compiles the data I need.

I am grateful for any suggestions and information.

Best regards,
Werner.