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Maturity level definitions

Each component is assigned maturity levels based on the evidence collected / what scenarios it has been used in and how ready it is for manufacturing. Evidence and Manufacturability are independent ratings, and are not intended to combine in any way. Manufacturability does encompass both technological readiness (can this be mass-manufactured with existing technology?) and open-source documentation (is the documentation on the OpenNerve repository sufficient for manufacturability?).

Evidence (E) — what is the highest level use by this component so far?

Level Meaning
E0 None — concept only
E1 Bench — electrical/mechanical characterization
E2 Acute in vivo
E3 Chronic in vivo
E4 GLP animal studies, safety testing, and/or biocompatibility testing
E5 Clinical — human use under IDE or equivalent

Manufacturing readiness (M)

Level Meaning
M0 Bespoke — hand-made or custom made in laboratory setting, no manufacturing protocol released
M1 Lab reproducible — research fabrication, mfg protocol and source files released
M2 Manufacturable — manufacturing can be outsourced to multiple suppliers, if not under QMS. Source files available
M3 GMP-capable — capable of being built under a QMS, but some manufacturer-specific engineering work may be necessary before production, or full manufacturing protocol not yet released
M4 GMP-ready — all design files and protocols released, design can be entered into QMS and manufactured without major design or engineering work

Rules and requests for updating maturity levels

  • Level change requests will be approved by project maintainers.
  • Please link a claim to its evidence (protocol, report, or publication).

Standing disclaimer

These levels describe testing history and documentation state. They are not regulatory clearance and not a safety endorsement. See Regulatory status and disclaimers for more information.