Interface & Cartridge Architecture

Every System05 interface specification, Profile, Cartridge type, digital schema, API, firmware package, and certification record shall be version-controlled.

The version structure shall distinguish among:

Major Revision: introduces a breaking change that may prevent direct compatibility;

Minor Revision: adds capabilities while preserving defined compatibility with the previous major version;

Patch Revision: corrects errors or clarifies requirements without intentionally changing compatibility;

Status Identifier: indicates draft, prototype, review, approved, deprecated, withdrawn, or superseded status.

A version change shall include:

revision identifier;

publication date;

authorizing body;

description of changes;

engineering rationale;

affected interfaces and capabilities;

compatibility assessment;

required migration actions;

evidence affected;

certification consequences;

transition and support period.

Physical and digital versions shall be distinguished. A Cartridge may retain the same physical interface version while receiving a new firmware or data-schema version.

Changes to controlled geometry, datum locations, locking mechanisms, load paths, voltage classes, fluid configuration, safety behavior, or mandatory protocol semantics will normally require a Major Revision.

Adding an optional capability may qualify as a Minor Revision only if older components can safely ignore or reject that capability.

A Patch Revision shall not be used to conceal a change affecting safety, manufacturing, compatibility, or certified performance.

Installed components shall retain their original version records even after the governing specification has evolved.