Axis Communications Dynamixel AX-12 - Manual (Page 10)

DYNAMIXEL AX-12
3. Communication Protocol
3-1. Communication Overview
Packet The main controller communicates with the Dynamixel units by sending and receiving
data packets. There are two types of packets; the “Instruction Packet” (sent from the
main controller to the Dynamixel actuators) and the “Status Packet” (sent from the
Dynamixel actuators to the main controller.)
Communication For the system connection below, if the main controller sends an instruction packet with
the ID set to N, only the Dynamixel unit with this ID value will return its respective status
packet and perform the required instruction.
Unique ID If multiple Dynamixel units have the same ID value, multiple packets sent
simultaneously collide, resulting in communication problems. Thus, it is imperative that
no Dynamixel units share the same ID in a network node.
Protocol The Dynamixel actuators communicate through asynchronous serial communication
with 8 bit, 1 stop bit and no parity.
Instruction Packet
Main
Controller
Status Packet
ID=0 ID=1 ID=N
Main
Controller
Instruction Packet(ID=N)
Status Packet(ID=N)
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