Machine tool control system

A machine tool controller, comprising:

• a processor configured to execute a sequence of instructions in accordance with an operating program and a user program;
• a volatile memory configured to temporarily store instructions and data during execution of the sequence of instructions by said processor, wherein said volatile memory is coupled to said processor via a first interface;
• a first non-volatile memory configured to store the operating program, wherein said first non-volatile memory is coupled to said processor via a second interface;
• a second non-volatile memory configured to store the user program, wherein said second non-volatile memory is coupled to said processor via a third interface;
• a video controller configured to control a user display in accordance with display data generated by said processor, wherein said video controller is coupled to said processor via a fourth interface;
• a dual-port memory coupled to said processor via a fifth interface;
• a serial bus controller configured to control communications with an external device via a serial bus, wherein said serial bus controller is coupled to said processor via said dual-port memory;
• and
• an external bus interface configured to communicate control commands for controlling a machine tool generated by said processor via an external bus, wherein said external bus interface is coupled to said processor via a sixth interface.