Use of Technology Readiness Levels as a Development Tool

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a means to categorize the relative technical maturity of components, sub-systems, or systems. Technological or technical maturity is a measure of performance, reliability, durability, and operating experience, and more technologically mature components (better performing, more reliable, more durable, greater operating experience) are rated higher than experimental or prototype components or systems. In this definition, an understanding of the supporting terms is important, and these also have specific meanings. Performance is the component’s or system’s ability to perform the task for which is intended. Reliability is a measure of repeatability or consistency, or the ability of a component or system to perform at a particular level for sustained periods of operation. Durability is the ability of the component or system to withstand stresses and wear without a degradation or failure in performance. Increased operating experience is correlated with higher technical maturity because it provides more data to support more accurate assessments of performance, reliability, and durability, which in turn support optimization of design and functionality.