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serial-communication-protocol

Design packet-based serial protocols with CRC validation for ROS 2 and microcontrollers.

18|2|Updated Apr 20, 2026
Search Tags:#communication#protocol#parsing#serial#uart#ros2#crc
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/wimblerobotics/ros2-copilot-skills --skill serial-communication-protocol
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: serial-communication-protocol
Source: https://github.com/wimblerobotics/ros2-copilot-skills/tree/main/serial-communication-protocol
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wimblerobotics/ros2-copilot-skills --skill serial-communication-protocol

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Designing robust serial communication protocols to enable framing, synchronization, error detection, and reliable bidirectional data exchange between ROS 2 nodes and microcontrollers over UART.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Defines a packet structure with start bytes, type, length, payload, and CRC to frame messages.
  • Provides a CRC-8 based integrity check and notes on when to use CRC-16 for higher reliability.
  • Describes Byte Stuffing and alternatives to handle special payload bytes and framing.
  • Includes protocol definition examples for command and data packets and a Python parser for ROS 2 side.
  • Outlines bidirectional communication patterns (MCU → Host data and Host → MCU commands) and basic error handling strategies.

Quick Start

Initialize a ROS 2 node and MCU link to implement the packet-based serial protocol and validate end-to-end messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions about serial-communication-protocol

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement serial communication between ROS 2 and a microcontroller?▼

Serial communication between ROS 2 and a microcontroller is implemented using a packet structure with start bytes, type, length, payload, and CRC for framing. A Python parser handles the ROS 2 side while an MCU sender transmits data.

What is the best way to frame UART packets for reliable microcontroller data exchange?▼

Framing UART packets reliably requires defining a packet structure with start bytes, type, length, payload, and CRC. Byte stuffing handles special payload bytes to maintain synchronization during bidirectional data exchange.

How does CRC validation work in serial protocol parsing?▼

CRC validation in serial protocol parsing uses a CRC-8 integrity check to detect transmission errors in framed messages. CRC-16 is recommended for higher reliability when exchanging critical data packets between hosts and microcontrollers.

How do I handle byte stuffing in a UART serial protocol?▼

Byte stuffing in a UART serial protocol handles special payload bytes to prevent confusion with framing characters like start bytes. This technique maintains reliable synchronization during bidirectional MCU-host messaging.

Does this serial protocol approach support bidirectional messaging between ROS 2 and an MCU?▼

Yes, the serial protocol supports bidirectional messaging between ROS 2 and an MCU. It outlines patterns for MCU to Host data transmission and Host to MCU commands, complete with error handling and timeout safeguards.

When should I use CRC-16 instead of CRC-8 for serial communication error detection?▼

CRC-16 should be used instead of CRC-8 for serial communication when higher reliability is required. The protocol uses CRC-8 for basic integrity checks but notes CRC-16 is better for critical data packets.

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