A method of transmitting a signal to at least one of a plurality of serially-connected devices. The method includes the step of receiving the signal at a first one of the plurality of serially-connected devices, where the signal includes a first address. Then, the signal is sent to each successive device of the plurality of serially-connected devices. Prior to the step of sending the signal to the each successive device, the first address of the signal is modified by a predetermined value at each of the plurality of serially-connected devices. Data associated with the signal can be transmitted to or received from at least one of the plurality of serially-connected devices if the first address received by the one of the plurality of serially-connected devices matches a predetermined address. The method is useful in the operation of programmable limit switches (PLS), especially in a PLS where each output circuit has an addressable controller.