On real time network integration in a manufacturing application

The authors have been involved in the study and design of alternative architectures for computer numerical controller, CNC, machines. The CNC machines are intended to be finally integrated into a school project which aims at developing a complete flexible manufacturing system. They present the overall architecture of the machine. This is necessary to understand the distinction between the real time aspects of the manufacturing application, which uses a real time network. They concentrate on aspects related to the integration of the real time network in this manufacturing environment