Device Classes
The functionality of USB devices is defined by class codes, communicated to the USB host to affect the loading of suitable software driver modules for each connected device. This provides for adaptability and device independence of the host to support new devices from different manufacturers.
Device classes include:
| Class | Usage | Description | Examples, or exception |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00h | Device | Unspecified | Device class is unspecified, interface descriptors are used to determine needed drivers |
| 01h | Interface | Audio | Speaker, microphone, sound card, MIDI |
| 02h | Both | Communications and CDC Control | Modem, Ethernet adapter, Wi-Fi adapter |
| 03h | Interface | Human interface device (HID) | Keyboard, mouse, joystick |
| 05h | Interface | Physical Interface Device (PID) | Force feedback joystick |
| 06h | Interface | Image | Webcam, scanner |
| 07h | Interface | Printer | Laser printer, inkjet printer, CNC machine |
| 08h | Interface | Mass storage (MSC or UMS) | USB flash drive, memory card reader, digital audio player, digital camera, external drive |
| 09h | Device | USB hub | Full bandwidth hub |
| 0Ah | Interface | CDC-Data | Used together with class 02h: communications and CDC control |
| 0Bh | Interface | Smart Card | USB smart card reader |
| 0Dh | Interface | Content security | Fingerprint reader |
| 0Eh | Interface | Video | Webcam |
| 0Fh | Interface | Personal Healthcare | Pulse monitor (watch) |
| DCh | Both | Diagnostic Device | USB compliance testing device |
| E0h | Interface | Wireless Controller | Bluetooth adapter, Microsoft RNDIS |
| EFh | Both | Miscellaneous | ActiveSync device |
| FEh | Interface | Application-specific | IrDA Bridge, Test & Measurement Class (USBTMC), USB DFU (Direct Firmware update) |
| FFh | Both | Vendor-specific | Indicates that a device needs vendor specific drivers |
Read more about this topic: Universal Serial Bus
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