If it is like this one, they are usually intended to run dedicated applications, although you can have a serial type operator interface, they are programmed usually in the native language of the system which in the case of this example i.e. Galil, they are very simple two-letter instructions.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7507866865
The PC version of these cards is what Camsoft uses etc in thier CNC controller.
Al
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.