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

To convert a character received from serial communication to an array with each bit in a separate slot, you can use bitwise operations.

• **Masking:** The simplest approach is to mask the received data using the bitwise AND operator. This will allow you to extract individual bits from the character.


• **Mapping to an enum:** Alternatively, you can define a custom enum with flags corresponding to each bit position. By casting the received character to this enum, you can easily access the individual bits.

Masking Approach:

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;
}));

Mapping to an enum Approach:

Define a custom enum:

/// <summary>
/// Usage: LabelName setLabels = (LabelName) byteValue.
/// </summary>
[Flags]
enum LabelName : byte
{
    lblV10 = 0x01,
    lblV50 = 0x02,
    lblV90 = 0x04,
    lblVBak = 0x08,
    lblW10 = 0x10,
    lblW50 = 0x20,
    lblW90 = 0x40,
    lblWbak = 0x80,
}

Then, you can use this enum to convert the received character:

LabelName flags = (LabelName)serial.ReadExisting();

Additional Enhancements:

• If you want to apply custom styling based on the extracted bits, you can use custom attributes to associate each enum value with a background color or other visual properties.


• You can also add error handling to ensure that the received character is a valid value and handle any potential exceptions.


• Depending on your specific application, you may need to perform additional processing or filtering on the extracted bits before using them.

By implementing either of these approaches, you can effectively convert a character received from serial communication into an array of bits, allowing you to manipulate and process the data as needed.