ChipID

ChipID is a hardware-embedded identifier assigned to a silicon chip to uniquely distinguish its model, vendor, revision, and sometimes production lot. It is typically stored in non-volatile on-chip memory, such as fuse bits, one-time programmable (OTP) memory, or dedicated ROM, and is exposed to software through a memory-mapped register or a hardware API. The format and scope of a ChipID vary by vendor and product line; some implement a compact ID that encodes vendor and family, while others provide a broader set of fields including revision, die, and lot information.

Access to ChipID is usually read-only and can require privileged access on some systems. Software such as bootloaders, operating systems, device drivers, and diagnostic tools use ChipID to identify the exact chip in use. This enables the selection of correct firmware images, optimization paths, and feature gating. It also supports inventory tracking, support diagnostics, and license enforcement in some ecosystems.

The behavior of ChipID varies across architectures and vendors. ChipIDs are not guaranteed to be globally unique across all devices and manufacturing runs; some IDs may change after a major silicon revision or during rework, and some vendors allow masking or alteration of bits in certain contexts. Because the ID can be exposed to software, privacy and security considerations arise; improper handling could enable device tracking or fingerprinting.

Related concepts include device serial numbers, MAC addresses, and unique device identifiers used for inventory, licensing, and secure access across computing platforms.