In-machine communication-a general solution for interconnecting independent intelligent actuators

The independent intelligent actuator is a new building block at the lowest level of manufacturing automation. To facilitate the combination of these actuators to form machines, a fast and economical communication method should be developed. In-machine communication is therefore discussed along with the demands made on it. It is shown that real-time and very reliable operation is needed. A practical solution based on the commercial Bitbus interconnection is then examined. Results show that the implementation is also acceptable for fast manipulators with path-control capability. >