| 摘要 |
A protocol for self-addressing control units is effected by arranging a plurality of control units in a sequence and running a data line from a master controller with links to each control unit. The master controller will initially signal to identify itself to the next control unit down the address line. The control units that follow will identify themselves by adding a 1 to the number received from the previous control unit. This identifying address is saved in its non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the first control unit addresses itself as 1, the second control unit addresses itself as 2, etc. After all the control units have addressed themselves, the communication flows back toward the master controller to verify each address by the feedback line. The master controller then sends out the data to the control units by the linked data line. This protocol has applicability to modular motor signs, flip grid signs, LED grid signs, and plasma displays, as well as other fields of application such as networking, prosthetics, robots, etc., or where a number of control units are linked together. When used in connection with a modular sign, the protocol of the present invention can be used to coordinate a plurality of modular units to make an outdoor display array of unlimited size without wires. A connector with a plurality of contacts is mounted against a wall. Each circuit board is in contact with a plurality of spades which provide electrical and data contacts as well as attachment to the display wall.
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