Read and Write CID Values From SD Media
How to Read and Write CID Values on SD and microSD Media
UPDATE (Feb 16, 2023): The company that manufactures this product now offers the ability to write the CID value as well as write protect the Secure Digital media.
GetUSB.info recently published an article on how to read the CID (or PSN) from an SD card, also known as the product serial number. Some call this simply reading the CID number from an SD card. The CID number is a unique identifier created on the SD or microSD card at the time of manufacturing. It cannot be changed or manipulated by the host computer.
The CID number is most often used by vendors or manufacturers to lock software to a specific device. Because the CID number cannot be altered, it serves as a secure way to prevent unauthorized distribution of software or content.
Some manufacturers require reading the CID number from SD media before releasing software, and this is what GetUSB.info explains in detail. For a full description, see the article: How to read CID number from SD media.
Here is a snapshot of the CID reading tool for 20 SD devices:
The CID number is composed of the following values:
- Manufacturer ID: An 8-bit code that identifies the manufacturer of the SD card.
- OEM/Application ID: A 16-bit code that identifies the OEM or the application for which the SD card was designed.
- Product Name: A 32-bit ASCII code that specifies the product name of the SD card.
- Product Revision: An 8-bit code that specifies the product revision of the SD card.
- Serial Number: A 32-bit code that specifies the unique serial number of the SD card.
- Manufacturing Date: A 12-bit code that specifies the manufacturing date of the SD card.
- CRC: A 7-bit code used to verify the integrity of the CID number.
The CID number is typically used by SD card host devices to verify authenticity and ensure compatibility with the host system.
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