A drive unit for a machine, in particular a machine-tool, robot and the like,
is
described. The drive unit has several components, and each component has at least
one associated component-specific function, and a uniform communication module
that forms an interface with the other components. The interfaces of the various
components can be connected by logical point-to-point connections or via a bus.
Each component is designated with a particular type, and the communication between
the components uses a type-specific communication protocol. A least one of the
components is a hierarchically superior component.