Identification This interface document SAE J2286 revises the requirements for file formats as were originally described in SAE J1924. This document describes Interface 1 (I/F 1) in SAE J2461. This document does not imply the use of a specific hardware interface@ but may be used with other hardware interfaces such as SAE J1939@ ISO 15765 or ISO 14229. The requirements of SAE J2286 supersede the requirements defined by SAE J1924. Introduction SAE J2461 establishes the requirements for Interface 1 (I/F 1)@ as a replacement of the file-based interface described by SAE J1924@ as shown by Figure 1. Interface 1 (I/F) is a bi-directional link between the OEM Shop Floor Program (CSCI 1) and the Vendor Component Program (CSCI 2). Using I/F 1@ the OEM Shop Floor Program communicates the desired parameters and programming limits for an assembly job to the Vendor Component Program (VCP). In response@ the VCP returns programming results to the OEM Shop Floor Program (CSCI 1). I/F 1 maintains the file structures described in SAE J1924 as closely as possible. The parameter file setup record was changed to reflect the common means communication provided by CSCI 3@ the communication Device Driver. A new record type was added to better define how data files@ external to the parameter file@ would be used. This clarifies SAE J1924 by clearly defining whether the parameter value string 123.123 refers to a numeric value or a filename. Besides correcting errors@ other changes to SAE 1924 include: a. Deletion of tattletale records b. Better descriptions of fields and records c. An additional field in a Definition File record d. Directory structure and file naming conventions supporting future growth e. VCP command line content and file directory structure