uint16_t to two uint_8 values?

[DavidDobson]

Hi Everyone

I have a single uint_16 value that I need to break down into two separate uint8_t values so I can store them in a char[]. I intend to reform the two values at a later date and get the uint16_t value I had originally.

Can someone help me out? I have no idea how to go about doing this :S

Thank you very much

uint16_t value = 0xFFFF;

uint8_t partA;
uint8_t partB;

?

[Codeplug]

You'll need to use bit shifting and bit masking. Here a resource on the subject: http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial...operators.html

uint16_t value = 0xFFFF;

uint8_t partA = (uint8_t)((value & 0xFF00) >> 8);
uint8_t partB = (uint8_t)(value & 0x00FF);

gg

[grumpy]

Alternatively,

union uint16_or_8
{
     uint16_t value;
     int8_t  parts[2];
} variable_name;

I'm not sure why you need to break them apart to store a representation in a string. Why not just the value to the string with appropriate formatting?

[Salem]

The union idea is very bad, it breaks on machines with the wrong endian.

[mike_g]

You'll need to use bit shifting and bit masking. Here a resource on the subject: http://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial...operators.html

uint16_t value = 0xFFFF;

uint8_t partA = (uint8_t)((value & 0xFF00) >> 8);
uint8_t partB = (uint8_t)(value & 0x00FF);

gg

I would have thought that theres no need to mask partA.

[Codeplug]

>> I would have thought that theres no need to mask partA
Perhaps not - but it shows intention, making it a little more "self-documenting". And hopefully the compiler would generate the same code either way.

gg

[brewbuck]

>> I would have thought that theres no need to mask partA
Perhaps not - but it shows intention, making it a little more "self-documenting". And hopefully the compiler would generate the same code either way.

gg

Most likely, yes.

I'd like to suggest that you shift and then mask, not mask then shift. When you mask and shift, both the mask and the shift vary for each position -- when you shift and mask, only the shift quantity varies, while the mask stays the same each time. Makes it a bit easier to code.

Also, a slew of other reasons I'm having a hard time putting into words.