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Kevin asked:
>> In documenting a hardware product that uses a chassis
>> common to several other of your company's products,
>> how do you refer to unused physical features like (say)
>> an electrically live USB port or a specialty port that
>> doesn't have a function in the current product.
I use something like your "Not used in this application - do not
connect" option.
The most common solution is simply "Reserved," but that invites
questions such as "Reserved for whom?" "For what?" "Until When?" "Does
that mean I can plug it into the power mains and perhaps make it run
faster?"
To meet electrical safety standards (Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC,
UL, etc.) a common requirement is to clearly identify and document the
proper use of ALL electrical connectors, so don't ignore them
completely.
--
Paul Goble
www.pgcommunication.com
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