Comparative dynamic performance of token passing and CSMA/CD LANs for a flexible manufacturing system

This paper presents a methodology for investigating the dynamic performance of a local area network (LAN) using token passing and carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) communication protocols for a flexible printed circuit boards assembly (PCBA) system. It has been implemented by formulating an integrated model, in which both an operational system's function and an information processing system's function are modelled and simulated in order comprehensively to predict system behaviour and to obtain an optimal solution that maximizes systems performance. The relevant impact on logical interactions and interrelationships between operations and information processing systems within the manufacturing environment has been quantified. The research has shown that this approach may provide a useful basis for developing existing modelling frameworks and a practical means of exploring existing modelling simulation methodologies. In principle, this technique is valuable for analysing a wide range of manufacturing systems.