KENTON WILLISTON Unlike most computing systems used in relatively clean and temperature-controlled environments, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines can be affected by vibration, heat, dust, liquids, and power fluctuations. Such a challenging environment can cause electronic systems to fail. Given the expense and typical service life of heavy-duty machine tools, there is a strong incentive to replace electronics rather than the entire machine. One way is to develop a custom motherboard that is equipped with modern processor technology that allows the CNC machine to operate in harsh environments. However, if the output is less than 5,000 units, the cost of designing such a custom motherboard will become extremely unreasonable. One alternative is to adopt modular embedded computing technology that will upgrade hardware and software over time. However, designers must choose the right module technology to ensure strong ecosystem support and avoid vendor lock-in issues. CNC machines are basically computer-controlled manufacturing equipment. Usually include lathes, milling machines, routers and grinders. Although CNC machines are quite common in industrial environments, the output of such machines is still relatively low. Since the life of a CNC machine is usually ten years or more, when the chip set according to which the machine is designed becomes obsolete, the machine itself will soon become an old system. The market needs to develop, and this will limit the effectiveness of the machine. Therefore, there is a need for a modular solution that includes both embedded computing and a switchable chipset that can also meet development needs. Modular design will one day be eliminated. This design facilitates easy replacement of damaged parts in the machine, and for manufacturing tools, the parts are often damaged. Although any modular computing platform can theoretically provide the upgrade capabilities and future-proof processor roadmaps needed for CNC machines, manufacturers must be vigilant about vendor lock-in issues to prevent price increases. The CNC equipment operator can switch to using COM Computer Express (COM) standard COM Express from the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturing Group (PICMG) to prevent this. COM Express is an open standard designed 10 years ago based on Intel® Architecture (IA). By using this standard, customers will not be locked by a motherboard vendor when an upgrade is required, and they can rely on extensive industry experience. The COM Express specification defines a series of industrial-grade processor modules that can be inserted into a substrate (called a "carrier board") to meet the unique I/O requirements of a particular application. The COM Express carrier board (not to be confused with the COM Express module) contains all the connectors necessary for the COM Express processor module to interact with the CNC machine. In practice, this means that the carrier board can be produced for many years, and the corresponding COM Express modules can be replaced and upgraded when technically limited and needed. The ecosystem behind the COM Express module guarantees both upgrades and future module interactions with the original carrier board. This means that when the part becomes obsolete, the operator simply replaces the new, improved COM Express module, eliminating the need to abandon the CNC design or redesign the entire computing system. Unlike custom designs, all of these advantages can be achieved at a lower price due to the scalability of COM Express motherboards. By using COM Express technology, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) take several steps to ensure that CNC customers' systems are always able to withstand the challenges of living in harsh manufacturing environments. The replacement speed is faster to minimize production interruptions and reduce replacement costs. For example, in order to prevent dust and dirt entering the CNC machine from entering the COM Express module at times, protective coating measures have been applied to ensure that the life of the component is extended. In addition, the motherboard is specially designed to handle the inherent vibrations in the CNC process, including avoiding the use of jumper technologies. The module's vibration tolerance has been tested to meet the IEC 60068-2-6:2007 standard. In order to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems associated with industrial environments filled with electrical noise, special measures have also been taken in the development and design of power line wiring for integrated COM Express solutions. For example, focusing on grounding problems and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, the product complies with EN 55022 Class B IEC 61000-4. Although these initiatives can help extend the life of CNC machines, customers are advised to maintain spare parts/replacements and material supplies so that they can quickly recover from any system damage that may occur, thereby minimizing expensive downtime. With the Intel Atom® processor to keep the CNC machine at the highest possible level of reliability, this processor architecture has proven to perform well in demanding manufacturing environments. Equipped with COM Express technology, coupled with the low power consumption and 15-year support provided by the Intel Atom® System-on-Chip (SoC) product family, it fits perfectly into CNC machine requirements in terms of form, fit and function, and customers can rely on it. Looking forward to a better future. Over time, end-user needs and advanced technologies will change. One effective way to keep up with the pace of technological development is to be consistent with established modular specifications such as COM Express. By using a ruggedized plate that has been designed and tested for industry calibration, manufacturers can guarantee that their machines can respond to CNC environmental intrusions and that replacements or upgrades can be easily obtained in the future. This Automation curtain is specially designed for automation industry. 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