Interface & Cartridge Architecture

55. Compatibility Classes

A Compatibility Class defines the set of interface characteristics that must match before two components may be connected and operated together.

Compatibility shall not be represented by a single statement such as “System05 compatible.” It shall be evaluated as a multidimensional classification.

The Compatibility Class shall include, as applicable:

interface family;

physical form factor;

datum and geometry class;

engagement and locking class;

structural capacity class;

electrical service class;

fluid service and pressure class;

thermal and environmental class;

data-protocol class;

control-authority class;

safety-criticality class;

lifecycle and connection-cycle class;

robotic-handling class;

applicable version;

applicable Engineering Profile.

Two interface sides shall be considered compatible only when every required classification dimension is either identical or explicitly permitted by an approved compatibility rule.

Compatibility Classes may be divided into:

Directly Compatible: connection requires no adapter or modification;

Compatible at Reduced Capability: connection is permitted at an explicitly lower operating limit;

Compatible through a Certified Adapter: connection requires an identified and approved adapter;

Conditionally Compatible: connection requires additional protection, testing, configuration, or engineering approval;

Incompatible: connection is prohibited;

Indeterminate: required compatibility information is unavailable or unreliable.

Physical fit shall not establish compatibility. A component capable of entering another interface may remain incompatible because of load capacity, voltage, fluid type, pressure, communication protocol, environmental resistance, safety behavior, or version.

Capacity classes shall be ordered only where a higher class can safely support all requirements of a lower class. A higher numerical rating shall not imply universal substitution if stiffness, geometry, control logic, failure behavior, or another property differs.

Adapters shall have their own identity, interfaces, limitations, evidence, and lifecycle records. The use of an adapter creates additional failure points and shall not be treated as equivalent to direct compatibility without evaluation.

The formal coding structure and class ranges remain TBD until reference interfaces establish validated geometry and capacity families.