Definition: A Product ID (PID) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific USB device model, used alongside the Vendor ID (VID) to distinguish it from other devices.
Explanation
The Product ID, or PID, is a numeric value defined by the device manufacturer to identify a particular product or model within their lineup. When a USB device is connected to a computer, the system reads both the VID (Vendor ID) and PID together to determine exactly what the device is and how it should behave. This pairing allows the operating system to apply the correct drivers, permissions, or policies for that specific device.
While the VID identifies the manufacturer, the PID narrows it down to the exact product, which is especially important when a single company produces many different types of USB devices. The PID is stored in the device’s firmware and is typically set during manufacturing, often using tools like an MPTool.
A useful analogy is to think of the VID as a company name and the PID as the model number of a product. Together, they act like a full product label, making it easy for the system to recognize exactly what has been connected.
Example
When a USB drive is plugged into a computer, the system reads its VID and PID to determine the exact model. This allows the operating system to apply the appropriate settings or drivers, even if multiple devices from the same manufacturer are connected.
Who This Is For
This is important for developers, IT administrators, and engineers who need to manage, identify, or troubleshoot USB devices, particularly in environments where device control, security policies, or driver matching are required.
Related Terms
VID, USB Controller, Device Enumeration, USB Descriptor, MPTool
Also Known As
product id, usb pid, device id