HID

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

HID
Stands forHuman interface device
Meanings2
CategoriesTechnology & Computing, Transportation & Travel

HID has two meanings. It stands for Human interface device (computer hardware) or High-intensity discharge (automotive).

Meanings of HID at a glance

#HID stands forContext
1Human interface deviceTechnology & Computing › Computer Hardware
2High-intensity dischargeTransportation & Travel › Automotive

1. Human interface device

Technology & Computing · Computer Hardware Abbreviations

Device class for keyboards, mice, game controllers, touchpads and other input hardware, defined in the USB and Bluetooth standards so that devices work with generic drivers on any operating system.

Example: The barcode scanner works as a USB HID keyboard, so it types codes into any program.

The USB HID specification dates to the mid-1990s; Bluetooth adopted a compatible HID profile. Because computers trust HID keyboards automatically, attack tools such as the USB Rubber Ducky pose as keyboards and type malicious commands at superhuman speed. In car lighting, HID means high-intensity discharge headlights.

2. High-intensity discharge

Transportation & Travel · Automotive Abbreviations

Type of headlight that produces light with an electric arc in a xenon-filled bulb rather than a glowing filament, giving brighter, bluish-white light than halogen bulbs. HID lamps were common on premium cars from the 1990s until LEDs took over.

Example: Retrofit HID bulbs in halogen housings blind oncoming drivers, which is why they're illegal in many places.

Often called xenon headlights. HID lamps need a ballast to start and take a moment to reach full brightness. Fitting HID bulbs into reflectors designed for halogen bulbs scatters glare and is not road-legal in the US or EU. Most new cars now use LED headlights.

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.