27.3.2.3 Address Packet

After the Start condition, a 7-bit address followed by a read/write (R/W) bit is sent. This is always transmitted by the master. A slave recognizing its address will ACK the address by pulling the data line low for the next SCL cycle, while all other slaves should keep the TWI lines released and wait for the next Start and address. The address, R/W bit, and Acknowledge bit combined is the address packet. Only one address packet for each Start condition is allowed, also when 10-bit addressing is used.

The R/W bit specifies the direction of the transaction. If the R/W bit is low, it indicates a master write transaction, and the master will transmit its data after the slave has acknowledged its address. If the R/W bit is high, it indicates a master read transaction, and the slave will transmit its data after acknowledging its address.