Yes all of what you said are quite true. Now that I have many ideas opened up, let me summarize :

- The MCU side code is only to get this parameter list ( from LabVIEW running on a PC )and switch 4 solenoids in sequence based on the four timing values. The four parameters are simply millisecond values. So even with scanf and printf ( yes I also had THAT for debugging ! ) the code size was hardly 3k+. And this interaction with LabVIEW happens once in a few days.

- The possibility of missed characters is minimal as the transfer between LabVIEW and MCU happens after a digital handshake. And having sent out the string, LabVIEW is coded to shout fault if the confirmation of parameter validity is not got from the MCU within 2 seconds.

I came out with the solution in response to a customer requirement that came up after we commissioned the LabVIEW part. Hence I was looking for some quick and easy way to do it.

I am happy I not only got the solutions but also multiple options.

Thanks folks.

Raghu