// THE FRAMEWORK

Five Interface Tracts

Every complex system has five fundamental types of interfaces. Understanding and managing these tracts is the key to building systems that work.

01

Data Tract

How information flows between components: protocols, formats, encoding schemes, timing requirements, and API contracts.

  • +Bit-level: Resolution, endianness, sample rates
  • +Protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, USB
  • +Timing: Latency, jitter, synchronization
sensor.output:
  resolution: 12-bit
  format: unsigned

mcu.input:
  resolution: 16-bit
  format: signed

WARNING: Mismatch detected
02

Energy Tract

Power delivery, voltage domains, thermal management, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Power Domains

Voltage levels, current limits, sequencing

Thermal

Heat dissipation, operating temps

EMI/EMC

Shielding, filtering, grounding

Battery

Power budgets, sleep modes

03

Material Tract

Physical interfaces: mechanical fits, material compatibility, chemical interactions.

Mechanical Fit

Tolerances, stack-ups, clearances

Compatibility

CTE mismatch, galvanic corrosion

Environmental

IP ratings, temp range, humidity

Chemical

Outgassing, biocompatibility

04

Logistics Tract

Assembly, routing, serviceability, and manufacturing constraints.

Assembly

Order of operations, fixtures

Cable Routing

Length limits, bend radius

Serviceability

Field replacement, diagnostics

Test Access

Debug ports, programming headers

05

Supply Chain Tract

Sourcing, vendor relationships, component lifecycle, and procurement constraints.

Lifecycle

EOL risk, second sources

Lead Times

Procurement windows, inventory

Vendors

Single-source risks, NDAs

Cost

BOM cost, MOQs, volume pricing

Apply the Framework to Your Project

Every interface problem has a solution. Let's find yours together.

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