Chapter 27Interface Matrix
This chapter is about interfaces and diagramming how interfaces connect to different systems or subsystems based on systems engineering principles. There are a variety of ways to represent interfaces in systems engineering pedagogy. I have selected a relatively simple method because it does allow you the reader to understand the philosophy of the tool. Understanding the philosophy can be just as useful as the tool itself. Simply put, to generate an interface matrix based on systems engineering tools, you line up the inputs on the rows, stacking them one on top of the other, and then you line up the outputs in the columns identifying what output is related to your system or subsystem.
You need to use some kind of marker. In Figure 27.1 I have used circles. One could use single circles, double circles, Harvey balls, or any kind of sphere that is shaded according to its level of severity, which would indicate a third dimension of thinking inside the two‐dimensional representation I have presented you with in the figure. Here, I have simply included circles which serve to form as much as a check box.
To be clear, these examples are related to interface identification, not interface specification.
In this illustrative interface matrix, I am saying that input one interfaces with output one, and input one also interfaces with output two. You ...