10 - What is a device description?

Since profiles offers choices to what capabilities and parameters are implemented in a device, a configuration device or other MMI need to know which of these a particular device implements.

The device description (DD) specifies which application area and device profile a device belongs to. For certain parameters it also specifies options are valid and more specific meanings etc. DD may also define methods, e.g. for steps a Host to follow when calibrating the device. The DD file also can describe an user group or vendor specific features on these devices.

The DD is prepared by the device manufacturer and may either be stored in the device itself or be supplied separately, e.g. on a floppy disk or CD-ROM. A MMI may using the DD completely and correctly configure a new device or new version of a device without a corresponding upgrade.