In the automotive electronics and embedded systems industry, data logging is the backbone of validation and testing. Two of the most ubiquitous file formats in this domain are BLF (Binary Log Format) and MF4 (Measurement Data Format 4).
While BLF is the native format for Vector tools (like CANoe and CANalyzer), MF4 is the industry standard defined by ASAM (Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems). Converting from BLF to MF4 is often a necessary step for data exchange, long-term archiving, and processing data in third-party tools like MATLAB or Python.
This guide covers the reasons for conversion, the tools required, and a step-by-step process.
This guide converts BLF (Vector Binary Logging Format) files to MF4 (ASAM MDF version 4) files using common tools and a Python-based approach. Assumptions: you have a BLF file containing CAN/CAN-FD traces and want a lossless conversion preserving timestamps, channels, and CAN frame data. convert blf to mf4 new
@echo off
for %%f in (*.blf) do (
echo Converting %%f ...
mdf4 convert "%%f" --dbc project.dbc --output "%%~nf.mf4"
)
Converting BLF to MF4 is more than format translation—it's an opportunity to add structure, clarity, and longevity to raw vehicle data. When done right, it transforms opaque binary dumps into analyzable, shareable records suitable for debugging, compliance, and research. The trick is choosing tools and processes that respect timing and semantic fidelity; that’s where the real value lies.
The process of converting BLF (Binary Logging Format) to MF4 (Measurement Data Format v4) is a standard procedure in automotive engineering to move data from raw CAN bus captures into a structured, signal-based format for advanced analysis. Methods of Conversion
Vector Software (Standard GUI Method)The most reliable way to convert these files is using native Vector Informatik tools like CANoe, CANalyzer, or CANape. Converting BLF to MF4: A Professional Guide In
Vector Logging Converter: Located under Tools | Measurement File Converters in CANape or vSignalyzer, this utility can ingest .blf files and output signal-based .mf4 files.
Database Requirement: To get a "new" signal-based MF4 from a message-based BLF, you must attach the appropriate database files (such as .dbc for CAN or .ldf for LIN) within the converter settings.
Python Automation (Developer Method)For batch processing or "new" custom workflows, the asammdf library combined with candas is the industry standard. Overview This guide converts BLF (Vector Binary Logging
Workflow: Use candas to parse the BLF messages against a DBC file, then pass the resulting data into an asammdf object to save as an MF4. Example Logic:
import candas as cd from asammdf import MDF, Signal # Load logs and databases log_data = cd.from_file(cd.load_dbc("path/to/dbc"), "input.blf") mdf = MDF() # Append signals to the new MF4 object for name, values in log_data.items(): mdf.append(Signal(samples=values, timestamps=log_data.index, name=name)) mdf.save("output.mf4") Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Standalone Utilities
BLFConvert.exe: A specific Vector utility used primarily for reformatting Ethernet-based BLF files from channel-based to network-based, which can then be exported to other formats.
CSS Electronics Converters: If you are using CANedge hardware, standalone MF4 Converters are available to handle various log transitions. Why Convert to MF4? Database Selection for Vector Logging Converter