Definition: USB device class

A type of peripheral device that plugs into a USB port. Defined by the USB Implementers Forum, device classes provide the specifications for a standard set of drivers for common peripherals. If a peripheral does not conform to one of the standard classes, it must include its own device driver for the operating system. See USB device and USB.

 Device Class      Typical Use

 Audio             Sound cards

 Battery           Charging

 Communications    Modem, network

 Human Interface   Keyboard, mouse

 Still Images      Photo transfer
                    (see PictBridge)

 Power             Power via USB

 Printer           Printing

 Mass Storage      USB storage drive

 Media Transfer    Music transfer
                    (see MTP)

 Hub               USB hub

 Video             Camera

 Wireless          Bluetooth