dbc-to-header

Generate C header files with structs, bitfields, and macros from DBC files.

Updated Mar 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Delay-n-days/dbcjson5 --skill dbc-to-header
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dbc-to-header
Source: https://github.com/Delay-n-days/dbcjson5/tree/main/.github/skills/dbc-to-header
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Delay-n-days/dbcjson5 --skill dbc-to-header

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires cantools, typer, rich, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the generation of C header files from DBC (CAN Database) files, streamlining the process of defining CAN message structures and signals for embedded systems.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automatic C Header Generation: Creates C structs, unions, and macros from DBC definitions.
  • Bitfield Splitting & Padding: Handles signals spanning multiple bytes and automatically pads unused bits.
  • Message Classification: Distinguishes between receive (RX) and transmit (TX) messages based on provided IDs.
  • Use Case: When developing automotive software, you need to translate CAN communication protocols defined in a DBC file into C code structures that your microcontroller can use to send and receive messages. This Skill does that automatically.

Quick Start

Generate a C header file from the 'motor.dbc' file, setting the baud rate to 250 and specifying '0x0CFF09EF' as a receive ID.

Frequently Asked Questions about dbc-to-header

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate C header files from a DBC file for embedded CAN communication?

To generate C header files from a DBC file, you can use a DBC to C header generator that creates C structs, unions, and macros. This automates the translation of CAN communication protocols into C code structures for automotive microcontrollers.

How does a DBC to C header converter handle multi-byte signals and reserved bits?

A DBC to C header converter handles multi-byte signals through automatic bitfield splitting and pads unused bits automatically. It also performs 64-bit structure validation to ensure accurate signal mapping within the generated C code.

Can I classify transmit and receive CAN messages when generating C code from a DBC file?

Yes, you can classify transmit and receive CAN messages when generating C code from a DBC file. The tool distinguishes between RX and TX messages based on specific message IDs provided during the header generation process.

What dependencies do I need to convert a CAN database to a C header?

To convert a CAN database to a C header, you need the cantools library for DBC parsing, along with typer and rich for command-line interface execution and terminal output formatting.

Is automatic DBC to C header generation suitable for automotive embedded software development?

Automatic DBC to C header generation is highly suitable for automotive embedded software development. It streamlines the creation of CAN message structures and signals, enabling efficient protocol translation for microcontrollers.