Automatic bus address assignment using collision testing

A method for address assignment on devices which are provided with a bus interface has the following steps: a.) each device (5, 5', 5") simultaneously receives a send command and an address which is identical for all devices (5, 5', 5") from a control center (2), to which the devices (5, 5', 5") are connected via a bus (3, 4), b.) the devices (5, 5', 5") each establish a send delay time for themselves independently of one another, c.) each device (5, 5', 5") continuously monitors the bus (3, 4) for a response of the other devices (5, 5', 5") during the send delay time thereof, d.) the device (5, 5', 5") at which the send delay time has expired first responds to the control center (2), that it accepts the transmitted address, e.) all devices (5, 5', 5") not affected in step d.) abort the send delay time and wait for a new send command of the central office (2), when they recognize the response of the device (5, 5', 5") affected in step d.) to the bus (3, 4), and f.) steps a.) through e.) are repeated without t