Identify Interface Requirements

Interfaces between functions (or between objects) are identified. Functional interfaces may drive the development of alternative solutions described in the Technical Solution process area.

Interface requirements between products or product components identified in the product architecture are defined. They are controlled as part of product and product-component integration and are an integral part of the architecture definition.

• Identify interfaces both external to the product and internal to the product (i.e., between functional partitions or objects). As the design progresses, the product architecture will be altered by technical solution processes, creating new interfaces between product components and components external to the product. Interfaces with product-related life-cycle processes should also be identified. Examples of these interfaces include interfaces with test equipment, transportation systems, support systems, and manufacturing facilities.
• Develop the requirements for the identified interfaces. Requirements for interfaces are defined in terms of origination, destination, stimulus, data characteristics for software, and electrical and mechanical characteristics for hardware.