ADDRESS ASSIGNMENT

Abstract

A method for assigning an address to an electronic device (112) is presented. The method comprises: a) sending a general command from a controller (114) of a circuit arrangement (110) to all electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110), the general command requesting each electronic device (112) to begin sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device (112); b) sending the respective UIDs from the electronic devices (112) bit by bit in parallel; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices (112) based on the UIDs until only one electronic device (112) remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device (112) to the controller (114); e) determining a property of the active electronic device (112) from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. Furthermore, an electronic device (112), a circuit arrangement (110), and a use for an automotive application of the method, the electronic device (112), and the circuit arrangement (110) are presented.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for assigning an address to an electronic device, to an electronic device, to a circuit arrangement and to a use thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Groups of electronic devices, and in particular networks, typically require addresses for the electronic devices to enable communication. When assigning an address to one electronic device, interference with the address of another electronic device should be avoided for the sake of clarity. This can be particularly problematic for electronic devices of the same type. Therefore, predefined address ranges may typically be required. Furthermore, the assignment of such addresses typically requires additional connected passive components for address selection. SUMMARY

[0003] In a first aspect, a method for assigning an address to an electronic device is presented. The method comprises: a) sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0004] In another aspect, an electronic device is presented. The electronic device has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a functional property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0005] In a further aspect, a circuit arrangement is presented. The circuit arrangement comprises a plurality of electronic devices, at least one controller, and at least one interconnection. The interconnection at least partially connects the electronic devices and the controller. At least one of the electronic devices has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from the controller to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0006] In a further aspect, a use of at least one of the method, the electronic device and the circuit arrangement for an automotive application is presented.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to one another. The features of the various illustrated examples may be combined, provided they are not mutually exclusive. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a circuit arrangement according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for assigning an address to an electronic device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In a first aspect, a method for assigning an address to an electronic device is presented. The term "electronic device", as used generally herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The electronic device may be any device that uses electrical energy in operation. The electronic device may be or comprise at least one electronic circuit. The electronic device may comprise at least one electronic component. The electronic component may be connected to at least one further electronic component. Thus, the electronic device may be an assembly of at least two electronic components that are at least partially interconnected by conductive elements.As an example, the electronic components may include resistors, inductors, capacitors, diodes, and / or transistors and / or arrays thereof, such as logic gates and / or processors. As an example, the conductive elements may include wires and / or traces.

[0010] In particular, the electronic device can be or comprise at least one integrated circuit. Thus, the electronic device or at least a part of the electronic device can be arranged on at least one piece of semiconductor material, in particular silicon, silicon carbide and / or gallium nitride. Thus, the electronic device can be or comprise at least one semiconductor component. The semiconductor component can be a device comprising at least one semiconductor material, in particular silicon, silicon carbide and / or gallium nitride. In particular, the electronic device can be network compatible. Thus, the electronic device can be designed to communicate with at least one further electronic device. The electronic device can be designed to interpret, follow or understand at least one communication protocol.The electronic device may include at least one logic circuit for communication. The electronic device may include at least one transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving data. The electronic device may include at least one analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The electronic device may include at least one pin for transmitting and / or receiving data.

[0011] The term "address" as used generally herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning to one skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or customized meaning. The address may be an identifier or tag configured to identify or mark the electronic device within a group of electronic devices. In particular, the electronic device may be part of a network. The address may be a network address. The network may be an at least partially interconnected group of electronic devices of identical or different types. The address may be configured to control or direct data transmission between electronic devices. Thus, the address may be configured to identify a source and / or destination of a data packet being transmitted.

[0012] The term "assigning," including grammatical variations thereof, as generally used herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or adapted meaning. Assigning may be assigning or designating a first entity to a second entity, in this case, an address to an electronic device. Assigning may be linking or connecting the first entity and the second entity, in this case, the address and the electronic device. Thus, after assignment, the address and the electronic device may be associated with each other. Assigning an address to the electronic device may enable the electronic device to communicate with other electronic devices, particularly within a network.In particular, assigning an address to the electronic device may enable other electronic devices to address the electronic device, such as when sending a data packet.

[0013] In a step a), the method comprises sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement comprises a plurality of electronic devices, at least one controller, and at least one interconnection that at least partially connects the electronic device and the controller, as will be explained in more detail below. The term “circuit arrangement,” as generally used herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for a person skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Thus, the circuit arrangement may be or comprise at least one electronic circuit, in particular at least one integrated circuit. In particular, the circuit arrangement may comprise a plurality of electronic circuits.As stated, the circuit arrangement comprises, in particular, a plurality of electronic devices and a controller, which may in particular be or comprise electronic circuits or integrated circuits. The circuit arrangement may be or comprise at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may at least partially provide the interconnection of the circuit arrangement, such as by providing conductive paths between the electronic devices and the controller.

[0014] The term “printed circuit board,” or “PCB” for short, as generally used herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The PCB may be or comprise a carrier or support for at least one electronic component, in particular for the electronic device and the control of the circuit arrangement. The PCB may comprise a flat plate configured to support and / or connect the electronic component. Thus, the PCB may comprise at least one insulating material, such as plastic, and / or at least one conductive material, such as a metal. The conductive material may be patterned on the insulating material to form a circuit arrangement or at least a part thereof, in particular at least connections between electronic components.Thus, the PCB can comprise a plurality of conductor tracks or at least one conductor track.

[0015] As stated, the circuit arrangement comprises a controller. The term "controller" as generally used herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The controller may be an entity configured to monitor or regulate or operate or manage at least one further entity. The controller may be a computing device. The controller may be an electronic device. Thus, the controller may be or comprise at least one electronic circuit, in particular an integrated circuit. The controller may comprise at least one processor, e.g., a central processing unit. The controller may comprise at least one clock. The controller may comprise at least one memory. The controller may comprise at least one transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving data.The controller may comprise at least one pin for transmitting and / or receiving data. The controller may, in particular, be a microcontroller. The circuit arrangement may comprise a plurality of microcontrollers. The controller may, in particular, be a main microcontroller of the circuit arrangement or a central microcontroller of the circuit arrangement. However, a multi-master arrangement within the circuit arrangement may also be conceivable.

[0016] As stated, the circuit arrangement comprises an interconnection. The term "interconnection" as generally used herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The interconnection may be or comprise an interface between a plurality of components of the circuit arrangement, in particular between the controller and the electronic devices of the circuit arrangement. Thus, the interconnection may be designed to at least partially interconnect the components so that the components can at least partially communicate with each other. In other words, the interconnection may allow communication between the components of the circuit arrangement.The components, in particular the electronic devices and / or the controller, may at least partially require different voltages. Thus, at least one electronic device may comprise at least one level converter for voltage conversion. The level converter may be designed to convert signals from one logic level or voltage range to another. The interconnection may in particular be a digital interconnection. In principle, however, the interconnection may also be an analog interconnection. The interconnection may comprise at least one bus, in particular at least one serial bus. The bus may comprise at least one signal line, i.e. a conductive path. The signal line may be a data line. The signal line may be a clock line. In particular, the bus may comprise at least one data line. The bus may further comprise a clock line.The data line can be used to transmit a data packet. The clock line can be used for synchronization. As an example, the bus can be an inter-integrated circuit (I. 2 C). However, other options may also be conceivable.

[0017] Furthermore, in step a), the general command requests each electronic device to begin sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device. The term “general command,” as generally used herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The general command may be a command or instruction that can be sent globally to all connected devices, in particular to all digital drivers, more precisely to all digital drivers in a network. The general command may be a command or instruction that can be globally understood by all connected electronic devices. The general command may include an address, such as an address in a command register.In particular, the address may be stored in each command register of each digital driver. The general command may be a broadcast command. Thus, the general command may be broadcast in a network of electronic devices. The terms "general call," "general address," or "destination address" may be used synonymously with the term "general command." Thus, in particular, the general command may not be sent only to a selected group of devices, which may require their addresses to be known in advance. The general command may not require acknowledgment from a recipient of the general command.

[0018] The term "unique identifier", or "UID" for short, as generally used herein is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to any specific or customized meaning. The UID may be a tag or indicator configured to uniquely or uniquely identify or mark an entity, in particular an electronic device. In other words, the UID may in particular be an attribute of the electronic device configured to uniquely distinguish the electronic device from other electronic devices, in particular including other electronic devices of the same type. Thus, two or more electronic devices of the same type may have different UIDs. In other words, two or more electronic devices that are identical in structure may have different UIDs.The UID may be programmed on non-volatile memory of the electronic device. The UID may be hardware programmed on the electronic device. The UID may be derived from an assigned chip identifier (chip ID) using a predetermined algorithm. The chip ID and / or the algorithm may be determined by a manufacturer of the electronic device.

[0019] In a step b), the method further comprises the bit-by-bit parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices. In particular, the UIDs can be transmitted via an interconnection of the circuit arrangement, wherein the interconnection at least partially connects the electronic devices and the controller. In other words, the electronic devices can transmit their UIDs to each other and / or to the controller via the interconnection of the circuit arrangement. As stated, the interconnection can in particular comprise a serial bus. The method can comprise a step b1), which is carried out after step b) and comprises receiving the UIDs of the electronic devices with the controller. Thus, the controller can first know the UIDs of the electronic devices in the circuit arrangement.All electronic devices can transmit their UIDs simultaneously or synchronously, bit by bit. A frequency can be determined by a clock, such as a controller clock. Thus, a clock signal can be used to determine transmission of individual bits and ensure bit-by-bit parallel transmission, particularly over the serial bus. While transmitting their UIDs, the electronic devices can perform bit-by-bit arbitration, as explained below.

[0020] In a step c), the method further comprises performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active. The term “bit-wise arbitration,” as generally used herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for a person skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. Arbitration may be a process for deciding which component controlling an interconnection, in particular a bus, may be allowed to send information. In particular, arbitration may be a process for deciding which electronic device of the circuitry controlling the interconnection of the circuitry may be allowed to send its UID to the controller of the circuitry.Thus, arbitration may be a process for deciding which electronic device can remain active on the interconnect. The arbitration may, in particular, be distributed arbitration, in particular, distributed arbitration by self-selection. Thus, access to the interconnect may be granted based on a decision made among the electronic devices themselves. Bitwise arbitration may be arbitration in which, after each bit of the UIDs, a decision is made, in particular by the electronic devices themselves, as to which electronic devices remain active and continue transmitting their UIDs and which electronic devices become passive and stop transmitting their UIDs. As indicated, each electronic device may comprise logic circuitry for communication. The logic circuitry may, in particular, also be configured to perform bitwise arbitration.The logic circuit may include at least one logic gate, such as an OR gate. The electronic device may further include at least one buffer for buffering the UIDs bit by bit for bit-by-bit arbitration.

[0021] The bitwise arbitration in step c) may in particular comprise the following sub-steps performed by each electronic device: c1) Bit-by-bit reception of the UlDs of all other electronic devices of the circuit arrangement; c2) Bitwise comparison of each bit of its own UID with a logical disjunction of the corresponding bits of the UIDs of the other electronic devices; c3) if a bit of its own UID is equal to the logical disjunction, remain active by continuing to send the UID; and c4) if a bit of its own UID is not equal to the logical disjunction, become passive by stopping the sending of the UID.

[0022] The logical disjunction can be an OR combination of the corresponding bits of the UIDs. Corresponding bits can be bits that are equal in position within a bitwise representation of the UIDs. As already stated, a frequency of the bitwise arbitration in step c) can be determined by a clock frequency of a clock of the controller. Thus, as stated, the controller can comprise a clock, and the clock can be configured to determine a frequency of the bitwise arbitration in step c). At one end of the bitwise arbitration, only one electronic device can remain active and transmit its UID. Thus, the controller, which has already received all UIDs in step b1), can now know the UID of the active electronic device. If more than one electronic device remains active in step c), the method can be restarted in step a).In other words, if an error occurs during bitwise arbitration, the process can be repeated. Otherwise, i.e., if bitwise arbitration is error-free, the method can continue with subsequent steps.

[0023] In a step d), the method further comprises sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller. The term “electrical parameter,” as generally used herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for those skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The electrical parameter can in principle be any physical quantity relating to any electronic device. The electrical parameter can be or comprise at least one measurable electrical variable or measured value. The electrical parameter can be selected from the group consisting of: a voltage; a resistance; a current. Other options may also be conceivable.

[0024] The electrical parameter may in particular be characteristic or specific to the electronic device. In particular, the electrical parameter may also be characteristic of each electronic device of a plurality of electronic devices of the same type, such as two or more electronic devices that are identical in structure. The electrical parameter may be an application-specific electrical parameter, in particular a position-specific electrical parameter. Thus, the electrical parameter may be an identification of the electronic device in a specific application, such as within a circuit arrangement, which specifically relates to a position of the electronic device within the circuit arrangement. Thus, the application may specifically relate to an application of the electronic device in the circuit arrangement.For example, the electrical parameter may be an identifier of the position of the electronic device in the circuit arrangement or may be characteristic of the position of the electronic device in the circuit arrangement. However, other options besides position may also be conceivable.

[0025] The electrical parameter may be predetermined by a component of the electronic device and / or an external supply source. The external supply source may be an external voltage source or an external current source, such as a voltage source or a current source of the circuitry or even external to the circuitry. Thus, the circuitry may comprise at least one supply source configured to supply an application-specific voltage and / or an application-specific current to at least one electronic device of the circuitry. The component may be a resistor, a capacitor, or an inductor. Thus, the electronic device may comprise at least one component that provides an application-specific electrical parameter.The electrical parameter may be predetermined by an application-specific resistance, an application-specific capacitance, and / or an application-specific inductance of at least one component of the electronic device. Accordingly, the component may be a resistor, a capacitor, and / or an inductance. In particular, the component may be an application-specific resistance, an application-specific capacitor, and / or an application-specific inductance. As an example, step d) may comprise sending an application-specific voltage from the active electronic device to the controller. The application-specific voltage may depend on an application-specific resistance of a component of the electronic device, and the component may be an application-specific resistance.Additionally or alternatively, the application-specific voltage may depend on a predetermined current provided by a current source of the circuit arrangement. However, other options may also be conceivable.

[0026] In a step e), the method further comprises determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter. The term “property,” as generally used herein, is a broad term and is intended to have its ordinary and customary meaning for a person skilled in the art and is not intended to be limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The property may be any qualitative or quantitative characteristic of a property or attribute of an entity, in particular the electronic device in this case. The property determined in step e) may be an application-specific property. In particular, the property determined in step e) may be selected from the group consisting of: a position of the electronic device; a function of the electronic device; and a type of electronic device. The position may, in particular, be a position within the circuit arrangement.The function may, in particular, be a function within the circuit arrangement. Thus, the position and / or the function may, in particular, be application-specific properties. The position may be particularly relevant in the present disclosure because, when predetermined mounting options on a PCB are considered, further properties, such as the function or type of electronic device, can be derived from the position. However, other options may also be conceivable in general.

[0027] In a step f), the method further comprises assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. Thus, the electronic device can henceforth be addressable during operation of the circuit arrangement. Step f) can further comprise confirming the assigned address by a handshake between the active electronic device and the controller. The set of addresses and also the confirmation or other commands can be defined in a communication protocol used in the circuit arrangement. More generally, at least one of the set of addresses, the general command, and the bitwise arbitration can be defined in a communication protocol. At least one of step e) and step f) can be performed using the controller. In particular, the property in step e) can be determined by the controller, e.g.using a lookup table. As an example, the controller may include an analog-to-digital converter for reading out an application-specific voltage as an electrical parameter and may assign the application-specific voltage to a position of the electronic device using a lookup table that maps specific voltages to specific positions. In general, the controller may be configured to process an electrical parameter and assign the electrical parameter to a property of the electronic device, e.g., using a processor and / or a lookup table. The lookup table may be stored in a memory of the controller. The method may be at least partially computer-implemented. For example, step e) may be at least partially computer-implemented.

[0028] Throughout the present disclosure, the method steps illustrated may be performed in the order given. However, it should be noted that a different order may also be possible. The method may comprise further method steps not listed. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Furthermore, two or more of the method steps may be performed simultaneously or with a temporal overlap. In particular, steps a) to f) may be repeated continuously until all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement are assigned an address. After each repetition cycle, assigned addresses and electronic devices with assigned addresses may be omitted for the following repetition cycles.Thus, from repetition cycle to repetition cycle, one less electronic device can participate in the process until all electronic devices in the circuit arrangement are assigned an address.

[0029] In another aspect, an electronic device is presented. The electronic device has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a functional property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0030] In general, the address of the electronic device may be assigned using a method according to one of the embodiments relating to the method as disclosed in more detail above or below. For further definitions and embodiments relating to the electronic device, particular reference may also be made to the definitions and embodiments presented with respect to the method for assigning an address to the electronic device.

[0031] In a further aspect, a circuit arrangement is presented. The circuit arrangement comprises a plurality of electronic devices, at least one controller, and at least one interface. The electronic device has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from the controller to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0032] The address may be assigned using a method according to one of the embodiments relating to a method as disclosed in more detail above or below. The electronic device may be an electronic device according to one of the embodiments relating to an electronic device as disclosed in more detail above or below. For further definitions and embodiments relating to the circuit arrangement, reference may also be made in particular to the definitions and embodiments presented with respect to the method for assigning an address to the electronic device.

[0033] In a further aspect, a use of at least one of the presented method, the electronic device and the circuit arrangement for an automotive application is presented. In other words, the method and / or the electronic device and / or the circuit arrangement can be used in particular for an automotive application. Other uses may of course also be possible, as the person skilled in the art will immediately recognize. In particular, the method is a method according to one of the embodiments relating to a method as disclosed in more detail above or below. The electronic device is an electronic device according to one of the embodiments relating to an electronic device as disclosed in more detail above or below.The circuit arrangement is a circuit arrangement according to one of the embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement as disclosed in more detail above or below.

[0034] The methods and devices presented here have significant advantages over the prior art, as already stated throughout the description. They can help avoid the assignment of interfering addresses, particularly for electronic devices of the same type. This can lead to reduced susceptibility to errors, such as attempting to address a specific electronic device with an address that has also been assigned to another electronic device. This can ultimately increase the operational reliability of a system that uses the electronic device or the circuitry comprising the electronic device, such as an automotive system with significant safety requirements. Consequently, the methods and devices presented can further help avoid predefined address ranges, which can lead to greater flexibility.Furthermore, as also discussed, a serial interface can be used, which can lead to a reduction in the number of pins on the controller. Overall, this can lead to reduced process complexity and ultimately reduce costs.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can refer both to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no other features are presaged in the entity described in that context, and to a situation in which one or more other features are present. As an example, the expressions "A comprises B," "A comprises B," and "A includes B" can both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element in A is present (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely and exclusively of B), and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more other elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even other elements.

[0036] It should also be noted that the terms "at least one," "one or more," or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once are typically used only once when introducing that feature or element. In most cases, when referring to the feature or element in question, the terms "at least one" or "one or more" are not repeated, regardless of the fact that that feature or element may be present once or more than once.

[0037] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "preferably," "more preferred," "particularly," "particularly," "specifically," "more specifically," or similar terms are used in connection with optional features without limiting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. The disclosure may be practiced using alternative features, as one skilled in the art will recognize.Likewise, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the disclosure" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any limitation as to alternative embodiments of the disclosure, without any limitations as to the scope of the disclosure, and without any limitation as to the possibility of combining the features so introduced with other optional or non-optional features of the disclosure.

[0038] In summary, and without excluding other possible embodiments, the following embodiments can be considered: Embodiment 1: A method for assigning an address to an electronic device, the method comprising: a) sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. Embodiment 2: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein steps a) to f) are continuously repeated until all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement are assigned an address. Embodiment 3: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein assigned addresses and electronic devices with assigned addresses are omitted after each repetition cycle for the following repetition cycles. Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein if more than one electronic device remains active in step c), the method is restarted in step a). Embodiment 5: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrical parameter is an application-specific electrical parameter. Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrical parameter is selected from the group consisting of: a voltage; a resistance; a current. Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrical parameter is predetermined by a component of the electronic device and / or an external supply source. Embodiment 8: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the external supply source is an external voltage source or an external current source. Embodiment 9: The method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the component is a resistor, a capacitor or an inductor. Embodiment 10: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electrical parameter is predetermined by an application-specific resistance, an application-specific capacitance and / or an application-specific inductance of at least one component of the electronic device. Embodiment 11: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step d) comprises sending an application-specific voltage from the active electronic device to the controller. Embodiment 12: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the application-specific voltage depends on an application-specific resistance of a component of the electronic device. Embodiment 13: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the component is an application specific resistor. Embodiment 14: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the property determined in step e) is an application-specific property. Embodiment 15: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the property determined in step e) is selected from the group consisting of: a position of the electronic device; a function of the electronic device; a type of the electronic device. Embodiment 16: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bitwise arbitration in step c) comprises the following substeps performed by each electronic device: c1) receiving bit-by-bit the UIDs of all other electronic devices of the circuit arrangement; c2) Bitwise comparison of each bit of its own UID with a logical disjunction of the corresponding bits of the UIDs of the other electronic devices; c3) if a bit of its own UID is equal to the logical disjunction, remain active by continuing to send the UID; and c4) if a bit of its own UID is not equal to the logical disjunction, become passive by stopping the sending of the UID. Embodiment 17: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein corresponding bits are equal in position within a bitwise representation of the UIDs. Embodiment 18: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a frequency of the bitwise arbitration in step c) is determined by a clock frequency of a clock of the controller. Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising step b1) performed after step b), wherein step b1) comprises receiving the UIDs of the electronic devices with the controller. Embodiment 20: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of step e) and step f) is performed using the controller. Embodiment 21: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step f) comprises confirming the assigned address by a handshake between the active electronic device and the controller. Embodiment 22: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the UIDs are sent via an interconnection of the circuitry, the interconnection at least partially interconnecting the electronic devices and the controller. Embodiment 23: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the set of addresses, the general command and the bit-by-bit arbitration is defined in a communication protocol. Embodiment 24: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the electronic device is part of a network and wherein the address is a network address. Embodiment 25: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the UID is programmed on a non-volatile memory of the electronic device. Embodiment 26: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the UID is derived from an assigned chip identifier (chip ID) using a predetermined algorithm. Embodiment 27: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method is at least partially computer-implemented. Embodiment 28: An electronic device having an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from a controller of a circuit arrangement to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. Embodiment 29: The electronic device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the address is assigned using a method according to any of the preceding method embodiments. Embodiment 30: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one logic circuit for communication, in particular for performing the bit-wise arbitration. Embodiment 31: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one buffer for buffering the UIDs bitwise for bitwise arbitration. Embodiment 32: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one level shifter for voltage conversion. Embodiment 33: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one component that provides an application-specific electrical parameter. Embodiment 34: The electronic device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the component is an application-specific resistor, an application-specific capacitor and / or an application-specific inductor. Embodiment 35: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is network compatible. Embodiment 36: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device. Embodiment 37: The electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one electronic circuit, in particular at least one integrated circuit. Embodiment 38: A circuit arrangement comprising a plurality of electronic devices, at least one controller, and at least one interconnection, the interconnection at least partially interconnecting the electronic devices and the controller, wherein at least one of the electronic devices has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from the controller to all electronic devices of the circuit arrangement, the general command requesting each electronic device to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device; b) Bit-wise parallel transmission of the respective UIDs from the electronic devices; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices based on the UIDs until only one electronic device remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device to the controller; e) determining a property of the active electronic device from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. Embodiment 39: The circuit arrangement according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the address is assigned using a method according to one of the preceding method embodiments. Embodiment 40: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, wherein the electronic devices are at least partially electronic devices according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device. Embodiment 41: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises at least one printed circuit board (PCB). Embodiment 42: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, further comprising at least one supply source configured to supply an application-specific voltage and / or an application-specific current to at least one electronic device of the circuit arrangement. Embodiment 43: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, wherein the interconnection comprises at least one bus, in particular at least one serial bus. Embodiment 44: The circuit arrangement according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the bus comprises at least one signal line. Embodiment 45: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bus comprises a clock line and a data line. Embodiment 46: The circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bus comprises an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) is. Embodiment 47: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, wherein the controller is a microcontroller, in particular a main microcontroller of the circuit arrangement. Embodiment 48: The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement, wherein the controller comprises at least one clock generator, wherein the clock generator is configured to determine a frequency of the bit-wise arbitration in step c). Embodiment 49: A use for an automotive application of at least one of a method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, an electronic device according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to an electronic device, and a circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding embodiments relating to a circuit arrangement.

[0039] Further optional features and embodiments are disclosed in more detail in the following description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent embodiments. Therein, the respective optional features can be implemented in isolation as well as in any possible combination, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The scope of the disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically illustrated in the figures. Identical reference numerals in these figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

[0040] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a circuit arrangement 110. The circuit arrangement 110 includes a plurality of electronic devices 112, a controller 114, and an interconnect 116. The interconnect 116 at least partially connects the electronic devices 112 and the controller 114. The interconnect 116 may be a bus 116, in particular a serial bus 116, more specifically an I 2C 116. The interconnect 116 may comprise two signal lines, i.e., a data line 118 and a clock line 120. The interconnect 116 may comprise at least one pull-up resistor 121. In particular, the data line 118 and the clock line 120 may each comprise a pull-up resistor 121. The data line 118 and the signal line 120 may each be connected to pins 122 of the electronic devices 112 and the controller 114, respectively, in order to connect the electronic devices 112 and the controller 114. The controller 114 may be a microcontroller 114, in particular a main microcontroller 114 of the circuit arrangement 110. The controller 114 may comprise an interface 124 to the interconnect 116, in particular a serial bus interface 124. The controller 114 may comprise at least one clock generator 126.The clock 126 may be configured to determine a frequency of bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices 112, as set forth in more detail below.

[0041] The circuit arrangement 110 may comprise a PCB 128. In other words, the circuit arrangement 110 may be arranged on the PCB 128. Thus, the controller 114, the electronic devices 112, and the interconnect 116 may be arranged on the PCB 128. The interconnect 114 may be at least partially part of the PCB 128. In particular, the data line 118 and the clock line 120 may be conductive traces on the PCB 128. The circuit arrangement 110 may further comprise at least one supply source 130. The supply source 130 may generally be configured to supply an application-specific voltage and / or an application-specific current to at least one electronic device 112 of the circuit arrangement 110. As in Fig. 1, the supply source 130 may in particular comprise a current source 130. Thus, each electronic device 112 may be supplied with an application-specific current, as explained in more detail below.

[0042] For the sake of clarity, Fig. 1 only explicitly shows three electronic devices 112. As also indicated by the points 130, any number of electronic devices 112 is obviously possible. Each electronic device 112 may include a component 134 that provides an application-specific electrical parameter. As shown in Fig. 1, the component 134 can be, in particular, an application-specific resistor 134. However, other options, such as an application-specific capacitor and an application-specific inductance, may also be possible. Accordingly, the application-specific parameter can be, in particular, an application-specific resistor. However, an application-specific inductance or an application-specific conductance may also be conceivable. The application-specific parameter can furthermore be, in particular, a position-specific parameter. Thus, the application-specific parameter can indicate a position of the electronic device 112 within the circuit arrangement 110 or be characteristic of the latter. However, other options may also be conceivable.For example, the application-specific parameter may be a function-specific parameter and may indicate a function of the electronic device 112 in the circuitry 110.

[0043] Each electronic device 112 may further include a logic circuit 136. The logic circuit 136 may generally be configured to enable communication via the interconnect 116, in particular with the controller 114 and also with the other electronic devices 112. Thus, the electronic device 112 may generally be network-compatible. In particular, the logic circuit 136 may also be configured to enable communication between the electronic devices 112, such as when performing bit-by-bit arbitration. Thus, the logic circuit 136 may also be configured, in particular, to perform bit-by-bit arbitration among the electronic devices 112. Furthermore, the logic circuit 136 may be configured for basic arithmetic operations and / or signal processing. The electronic device 112 may include at least one ADC 138.The ADC 138 may be connected to the component 134 and the logic circuit 138. Thus, the logic circuit 136 may be configured to process signals from the ADC 138. Generally, the logic circuit 136 may be configured to process digital signals. The logic circuit 136 may include at least one logic gate, e.g., an OR gate. The electronic device 112 may further include at least one buffer 140. In particular, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1, the electronic device 112 includes two buffers 140, one for input and one for output. The buffers 140 may be connected to the logic circuit 136. The buffers 140 may be generally configured to buffer data. In particular, as explained in more detail below, the buffers may be configured to buffer UIDs for bit-by-bit arbitration.

[0044] Each electronic device 112 may further include a level shifter 142 for voltage conversion. The level shifter 142 may be configured to adapt a voltage of input signals, such as an input data signal or an input clock signal, from the interconnect 116 to the requirements of the logic circuit 136. As stated, the interconnect 116 may in particular be a bus 116, in particular an I 2 C. Thus, the level converter 142 may be particularly designed to V Bus to a voltage level of the electronic device 112, in particular the logic circuit 136. As also already stated, the interconnection 116, in particular the I 2 C 116, a data line 118, and a clock line 120 connected to respective pins 122 of the electronic device 112. Input data and output data may be sent via the data line 118, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the electronic device 112 may further comprise at least one switching element 144, in particular at least one transistor 144, for switching between input data and output data. In Fig. 1, input data or received data is indicated by RxD and output data or transmitted data is indicated by TxD. The electronic device 112 may further comprise at least one memory 146, in particular at least one non-volatile memory 146 for storing a UID of the electronic device 112. The UID may be derived from an assigned chip ID using a predetermined algorithm and programmed on the non-volatile memory 146. The mentioned components and optionally also further components not explicitly mentioned may be connected and arranged in an electronic circuit, as in Fig. 1. Thus, the electronic device 112 may comprise an electronic circuit. In particular, the electronic device 112 may comprise an integrated circuit. Thus, the electronic device 112 may be arranged on a piece of semiconductor material. In other words, the electronic device 112 may be a semiconductor device 112.

[0045] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for assigning an address to an electronic device 112 according to the present disclosure. Thus, the electronic device 112 has an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) (designated by reference numeral 148) sending a general command from the controller 114 of the circuit arrangement 110 to all electronic devices 112 of the circuit arrangement 110, the general command requesting each electronic device 112 to begin sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device 112; b) (designated by reference numeral 150) sending the respective UIDs from the electronic devices 112 bit by bit in parallel; c) (designated by reference numeral 152) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices 112 based on the UIDs until only one electronic device 112 remains active; d) (designated by reference numeral 154) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device 112 to the controller 114; e) (designated by reference numeral 156) determining a property of the active electronic device 112 from the electrical parameter; and f) (designated by reference numeral 158) assigning an address to the active electronic device 112 from a predetermined set of addresses.

[0046] Step f) may further comprise confirming the assigned address through a handshake between the active electronic device 112 and the controller 114. Steps a) to f) may be repeated continuously until all electronic devices 112 of the circuit arrangement 110 are assigned an address. After each repetition cycle, assigned addresses and electronic devices 112 with assigned addresses may be skipped for the following repetition cycles. If more than one electronic device 112 remains active in step c), the method may be restarted at step a). The method may further comprise a step b1), which is performed after step b) and is designated by reference numeral 160. Step b1) may comprise receiving the UIDs of the electronic devices 112 with the controller 114. The controller 114 may also perform steps e) and f).The method may be at least partially computer-implemented, e.g., when performing step e). The bitwise arbitration in step c) may include the following substeps performed by each electronic device 112: c1) (designated by reference numeral 162) receiving bit-by-bit the UIDs of all further electronic devices 112 of the circuit arrangement 110; c2) (designated by reference numeral 164) bitwise comparing each bit of its own UID with a logical disjunction of the corresponding bits of the UIDs of the further electronic devices 112; c3) (designated by reference numeral 166) if a bit of its own UID is equal to the logical disjunction, remain active by continuing to send the UID; and c4) (designated by reference numeral 168) if a bit of its own UID is not equal to the logical disjunction, become passive by stopping the sending of the UID.

[0047] The following describes a specific implementation of the Fig. 2 generally illustrated procedure with regard to the Fig.1 is described. The implementation is an exemplary option explained for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Other options may, of course, exist. The clock generator 126 of the controller 114 may set a system frequency of the circuitry 110 for data transmission, which may also be used for the bit-by-bit arbitration presented. The controller 114 may send a corresponding clock signal to all electronic devices 112 via the clock line 120. The interconnect 116, which includes the clock line 120, may, as mentioned, in particular be a serial bus 116. Furthermore, the controller 114 may send data signals to the electronic devices 112 via the data line 118 of the serial bus 116. Addressing specific electronic devices 112 may require the controller 114 to know their addresses in advance.Thus, addresses may need to be assigned to the electronic devices 112 prior to normal operation.

[0048] To this end, the controller 114 may first send a general command over the serial bus 116 to all electronic devices 112. The general command may be received and understood by all electronic devices 112. The general command may request each electronic device 112 to begin sending its respective UID bit by bit over the serial bus 116. Thus, all electronic devices 112 may buffer their own UIDs bit by bit into the output buffer 140, send them in parallel to the serial bus 116, and perform bit by bit arbitration to decide which electronic device 112 may be allowed to control the serial bus 116. During the bit by bit arbitration, each electronic device 112 may receive the UIDs of all other electronic devices 112 from the serial bus 116 bit by bit as a logical disjunction and buffer them into the input buffer 140.Each electronic device 112 can then compare its own UID bitwise with the received logical disjunction of all other UIDs. If a bit of its own UID equals the logical disjunction, the electronic device 112 can remain active by continuing to transmit its UID. If a bit of its own UID does not equal the logical disjunction, the electronic device 112 can become passive by stopping the transmission of its UID and can thus no longer participate in further bitwise arbitration. Overall, the bitwise arbitration among the electronic devices 112 can continue until only one electronic device 112 remains active.

[0049] The active electronic device 112 may then send an electrical parameter to the controller 114. In particular, the electrical parameter may include an application-specific resistance of the component 134, which may in particular be an application-specific resistor 134. The supply source 130, which may in particular be a current source 130, may apply a predetermined current to the resistor 134, which may result in an application-specific voltage. The voltage may then be converted into a digital signal by the ADC 138 and transmitted via the serial bus 116 to the logic circuit 136 and further to the controller 114. The controller 114 may then determine a property of the electronic device 112 from the electrical parameter. In particular, the controller 114 may determine a position of the electronic device 112 from the electrical parameter.The controller 114 may have a lookup table stored in memory that can map individual, already known, resistance values ​​to a position within the circuit arrangement 110. Further properties, such as a function of the electronic device 112 within the circuit arrangement 110, can then be derived from the position, e.g., by considering mounting options of the PCB 128. Finally, the controller 114 may assign an address from a predetermined set of addresses to the electronic device 112 so that it can be addressed later during operation. The set of addresses may also be stored in a memory of the controller 114. The controller 114 may then acknowledge receipt of the address.

[0050] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0051] It should be noted that the methods and devices, including their preferred embodiments, as set forth in this document can be used independently or in combination with the other methods and devices disclosed in this document. Additionally, the features set forth in the context of a device are also applicable to a corresponding method, and vice versa. Furthermore, all aspects of the methods and devices set forth in this document can be combined in any desired manner. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in any desired manner.

[0052] It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiments set forth herein are expressly intended to be illustrative only to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Furthermore, all statements herein that provide principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to include their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A method for assigning an address to an electronic device, the method comprising: a) sending a general command from a controller (114) of a circuit arrangement (110) to all electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110), the general command requesting each electronic device (112) to begin sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device (112); b) sending the respective UIDs from the electronic devices (112) bit by bit in parallel; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices (112) based on the UIDs until only one electronic device (112) remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device (112) to the controller (114); e) determining a property of the active electronic device (112) from the electrical parameter; and f) Assigning an address to the active electronic device from a predetermined set of addresses. [2] The method according to the preceding claim, wherein steps a) to f) are continuously repeated until all electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110) are assigned an address, wherein after each repetition cycle, assigned addresses and electronic devices with assigned addresses are omitted for the following repetition cycles. [3] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical parameter is selected from the group consisting of: a voltage; a resistance; a current. [4] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical parameter is predetermined by a component (134) of the electronic device (112) and / or an external supply source (130). [5] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical parameter is predetermined by an application-specific resistance, an application-specific capacitance and / or an application-specific inductance of at least one component (134) of the electronic device (112). [6] The method of any preceding claim, wherein step d) comprises sending an application-specific voltage from the active electronic device (112) to the controller (114), the device-specific voltage depending on an application-specific resistance of a component (134) of the electronic device (112), the component (134) being an application-specific resistance (134). [7] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the property determined in step e) is selected from the group consisting of: a position of the electronic device (112); a function of the electronic device (112); a type of the electronic device (112). [8] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bitwise arbitration in step c) comprises the following substeps performed by each electronic device: c1) receiving bit-by-bit the UIDs of all further electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110); c2) bitwise comparing each bit of its own UID with a logical disjunction of the corresponding bits of the UIDs of the further electronic devices (112); c3) if a bit of its own UID is equal to the logical disjunction, remain active by continuing to send the UID; and c4) if a bit of its own UID is not equal to the logical disjunction, become passive by stopping the sending of the UID. [9] The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising step b1) performed after step b), wherein step b1) comprises receiving the UIDs of the electronic devices (112) with the controller (114). [10] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the UIDs are sent via an interconnection (116) of the circuitry (110), the interconnection (116) at least partially interconnecting the electronic devices (112) and the controller (114). [11] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the set of addresses, the general command and the bitwise arbitration is defined in a communication protocol. [12] The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (112) is part of a network and wherein the address is a network address. [13] An electronic device (112) having an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from a controller (114) of a circuit arrangement (110) to all electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110), the general command requesting each electronic device (112) to begin sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device (112); b) sending the respective UIDs from the electronic devices (112) bit by bit in parallel; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices (112) based on the UIDs until only one electronic device (112) remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device (112) to the controller (114); e) determining a property of the active electronic device (112) from the electrical parameter; and f) assigning an address to the active electronic device (112) from a predetermined set of addresses. [14] The electronic device (112) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electronic device (112) comprises at least one logic circuit (136) for communication, in particular for performing the bit-wise arbitration. [15] The electronic device (112) according to any one of the preceding claims relating to an electronic device (112), wherein the electronic device (112) comprises at least one buffer (140) for buffering the UIDs bit by bit for bit by bit arbitration. [16] The electronic device (112) according to any one of the preceding claims relating to an electronic device (112), wherein the electronic device (112) comprises at least one component (134) providing an application-specific electrical parameter. [17] A circuit arrangement (110) comprising a plurality of electronic devices (112), at least one controller (114), and at least one interconnection (116), the interconnection (116) at least partially interconnecting the electronic devices (112) and the controller (114), at least one of the electronic devices (112) having an address assigned using at least the following steps: a) sending a general command from the controller (11) to all electronic devices (112) of the circuit arrangement (110), the general command requesting each electronic device (112) to start sending a respective unique identifier (UID) of the respective electronic device (112); b) sending the respective UIDs from the electronic devices (112) bit by bit in parallel; c) performing bit-wise arbitration among the electronic devices (112) based on the UIDs until only one electronic device (112) remains active; d) sending an electrical parameter from the active electronic device (112) to the controller (114); e) determining a property of the active electronic device (112) from the electrical parameter; and f) assigning an address to the active electronic device (112) from a predetermined set of addresses. [18] The circuit arrangement (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the circuit arrangement (110) comprises at least one printed circuit board (PCB) (128). [19] The circuit arrangement (110) according to any one of the preceding claims relating to a circuit arrangement (110), further comprising at least one supply source (130) configured to supply an application-specific voltage and / or an application-specific current to at least one electronic device (112) of the circuit arrangement (110). [20] A use for an automotive application of at least one of a method according to any one of the preceding method claims, an electronic device (112) according to any one of the preceding claims relating to an electronic device (112), and a circuit arrangement (110) according to any one of the preceding claims relating to a circuit arrangement (110).

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