IPC-2501 establishes the governing semantics and an XML based syntax for shop floor communication between electronic assembly equipment and associated software applications. This standard outlines the communication architecture and supporting XML messages. The standard also describes a messaging interface that is based upon an architecture whereby a single logical middleware server (the Message Broker) exchanges messages among clients in a domain. 32 pages. Released July, 2003. This document may be purchased in hard copy or downloaded for FREE.