MF4

Description

With this manipulator, you can import MF4/MDF files to the Monolith platform. The platform will then convert these files into tabular datasets for further exploration and analysis. 

Application

MF4 files are highly compressed files that need to be converted to tabular data to be used in the Monolith platform.

How to Use

• From within a notebook, select “Import & Export.”
• Choose the “MF4” option.
• Under MF4 Files, click on Add/Edit datasets, navigate to and select one or more MF4/MDF files, then click on Import selected datasets.
• Locate the DBC Files option, and navigate to the relevant DBC file as you did in step 3. Confirm your selection.
• Select the Channel you want to import. “0” is for all channels, or you can choose an option from the list. Currently, multiple channels cannot be selected; if you require more than one channel, import all the data and use the platform's Transform features to isolate multiple channels.
• Choose the Protocol (CAN or LIN), which is specific to your testing configuration. If you are unsure, ask the data owner for this information.
• Assign a unique name to your imported dataset. By default, it will appear as Data. We recommend choosing a meaningful name for your workflow.
• Once all the steps have been completed, click on Apply: MF4.
• If all the information has been entered correctly, you will see the MF4 step stating, “Generating data Data.” Click on the underlined “Data” to confirm the data has been imported correctly.

More on this step

What is the difference between MF4 files and MDF files?

MDF (Measurement Data Format) is a general term for a binary file format used to store recorded measurement data over time. It was originally developed by the German Association of Automotive Engineers (VDA) and has gone through several revisions. The file format has evolved over time, with each new version improving on the capabilities and features of the previous ones. MF4 is the fourth version of the MDF file format.

Why do I need an MF4 file and a DBC file?

MF4 files are used to store measurement data, while DBC files contain metadata about the data's structure and relationships. Combining MF4 and DBC files allows for accurate interpretation of the measurement data.

What are the different protocols?

There are two main protocols used in automotive communication networks: CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network). CAN is a high-speed protocol used for critical applications, while LIN is a lower-cost, lower-speed protocol used for non-critical applications. The choice between CAN and LIN depends on the specific testing configuration and the data owner's preferences. If you are unsure on the datatypes, we would recommend discussing this with your data owner.