Abstract: In a reproduction apparatus embodying a marking engine including a logic and control unit for controlling the operation of the reproduction apparatus and at least one accessory, such as a sorter, binder, stacker, folder, or the like, associated with the marking engine, a communication system for automatic identification of accessories associated with the marking engine. The communication system discloses a processor associated respectively with each accessory. The processor includes an identification of the associated accessory. A communication bus is interconnected between the logic and control unit of the marking engine and the processors of each respective accessory. A timing circuit, responsive to power up of the marking engine and associated accessories, automatically enables the processors of each respective accessory, in sequential order, to relay accessory identification provided by the respective processors, in such sequential order to the logic and control unit of the marking engine.