Abstract: The structure and functions of open system architecture intelligent machining module(OSA-IMM) are investigated based on PC and DSP. The key strategies to realize the openness of the system are discussed. The signal processing network(SPN), reentrant plug in module(PIM), script command file(SCF) and standard function library(SFL) for intelligent control/monitoring of machining process are used to make OSA-IMM open and intelligent. Two experiment systems based on the OSA-IMM platform, the adaptive control system and the on-line flank wear estimation using artificial neural network for turning operations, have been implemented for testing OSA-IMM. The experiments have demonstrated that OSA-IMM is characterized by satisfactory open system architecture and powerful real-time ability, as well as intelligent computations. Based on the platform of OSA-IMM, the control/monitoring systems for different objectives in the machining processes can be configured conveniently.