interchanger

Interchanger is a term formed from the roots inter- and changer, and its meaning is not fixed in formal technical vocabularies. In practice, the word is used in different contexts to describe a device, component, or concept that enables interchange between two systems, parts, or processes. Because there is no universally adopted definition, the precise scope of an interchanger depends on the domain and the specific problem being addressed.

In information technology and data processing, an interchanger may describe a data interchange component such as a protocol bridge, data format converter, or API adapter. Its role is to translate or route information so that otherwise incompatible systems can communicate, thereby supporting interoperability across heterogeneous platforms.

In manufacturing and automation, an interchanger can refer to a modular interface or swapping mechanism that allows rapid reconfiguration of equipment, tools, or workstations. Such interchangers aim to reduce downtime when switching between product lines or processing tasks.

In transportation planning or urban design, the term is sometimes used informally to denote an interchange facility where passengers switch between routes or modes. However, this usage is less common in formal planning literature, and standard terminology for transit interchanges typically centers on terms like transfer hubs or interchanges.

See also: interoperability, data interchange, protocol converter, interface, module interchange.