What do N2 diagrams systematically identify?

N2 diagrams, also known as N-squared diagrams, are powerful tools used in systems engineering to systematically identify functional interfaces among components of a system. They provide a clear visual representation that maps out how different system elements interact with one another, focusing on the inputs exchanged and the outputs generated between these elements. This visualization is crucial for understanding the relationships and dependencies within a system, especially in complex projects where multiple components have to work together seamlessly.

The ability to highlight these functional interfaces helps designers and engineers ensure that all necessary interactions are accounted for during the design process, which is essential for successful system integration. By using N2 diagrams, teams can analyze and verify that all communication paths between system components are defined, enabling effective troubleshooting and optimization of the overall system architecture.