Printhead identification systems and methods

A method, comprising:

• storing, in a memory, a plurality of test commands, each test command defining a different pattern of effector element activation states;
• at a controller connected with the memory, transmitting a first test command of the plurality of test commands to an interface configured to connect the controller with an installed effector assembly from a plurality of possible effector assembles including at least a first effector assembly and a second effector assembly, the installed effector assembly being one of (i) the first effector assembly having a first array of effector elements, or (ii) the second effector assembly having a second array of effector elements, the first test command has a first pattern of effector element activation states configured to activate a first plurality of effector elements;
• transmitting a second test command of the plurality of test commands to an interface configured to connect the controller with an installed effector assembly from the plurality of possible effector assemblies, the second test command has a second pattern of effector element activation states configured to activate a second plurality of effector elements;
• at the controller, detecting whether effector elements of the installed effector assembly are activated according to the first pattern of the first test command or the second pattern of the second test command;
• and
• at the controller, identifying the installed effector assembly as either the first effector assembly or the second effector assembly based on the detection.