C# how do i convert a char that i get from serial comunication to an array with every bit in a different slot

Converting a Char from Serial Communication to an Array with Bits in Separate Slots

In C#, there are two common approaches to convert a char received from serial communication to an array with each bit in a different slot: using bitwise operators and mapping bits to an enum.

Using Bitwise Operators

The easiest way to do this is by masking the received data using bitwise AND (&) operator. Here's an example:

      byte data = (byte)char.Parse(serial.ReadExisting());
      this.lstOntvang.Invoke(new MethodInvoker(delegate() {
          lstOntvang.Items.Add(data);

          if ((data & 1) != 0) lblV10.ForeColor = Color.Red;
          else lblV10.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 2) != 0) lblV50.ForeColor = Color.Orange;
          else lblV50.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 4) != 0) lblV90.ForeColor = Color.Green;
          else lblV90.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 8) != 0) lblVbak.ForeColor = Color.Green;
          else lblVbak.ForeColor = Color.Red;
          if ((data & 16) != 0) lblW10.ForeColor = Color.Red;
          else lblW10.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 32) != 0) lblW50.ForeColor = Color.Orange;
          else lblW50.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 64) != 0) lblW90.ForeColor = Color.Green;
          else lblW90.ForeColor = Color.Black;
          if ((data & 128) != 0) lblWbak.ForeColor = Color.Green;
          else lblWbak.ForeColor = Color.Red;
      }));
    

In the above example, the data received from the serial port is masked with each bit position (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128) using the bitwise AND operator. If the result of the operation is not zero, it means that the corresponding bit is set. Based on this, the code sets the foreground color of the corresponding labels accordingly.

Mapping Bits to an Enum

Another approach is to create an enum with each bit position representing a different label. Then, you can cast the received data to the enum type to instantly map the bits to the corresponding labels. Here's an example:

      /// <summary>
      /// Usage: LabelName setLabels = (LabelName) byteValue.
      /// </summary>
      [Flags]
      enum LabelName : byte // Casting 'any' byte to this enum instantly maps the bits. 
      {
          [BackColor("Red")]
          lblV10 = 0x01,

          [BackColor("Orange")]
          lblV50 = 0x02,

          [BackColor("Green")]
          lblV90 = 0x04,

          [BackColor("Green")]
          lblVBak = 0x08,

          [BackColor("Red")]
          lblW10 = 0x10,

          [BackColor("Orange")]
          lblW50 = 0x20,

          [BackColor("Green")]
          lblW90 = 0x40,

          [BackColor("Green")]
          lblWbak = 0x80,
      }
    

In this example, the enum LabelName is defined with each bit position representing a different label. The BackColor attribute is used to specify the background color for each label when the corresponding bit is set. Then, you can simply cast the received data to the LabelName enum type to instantly map the bits to the corresponding labels.

Conclusion

Both methods can be used to convert a char received from serial communication to an array with each bit in a separate slot. The choice of method depends on your specific requirements and preferences.