vpddecode

vpddecode [OPTIONS]

-f file
    Reads VPD from the specified file instead of the default kernel interface (/sys/firmware/vpd/).

-d
    Displays the decoded VPD data in a human-readable format. This is often the default behavior.

-c
    Shows the raw VPD data in a canonical (byte-per-line) hexadecimal and ASCII format.

-x
    Shows the raw VPD data in a simple hexadecimal dump format.

-q
    Quiet mode. Suppresses output if no VPD is found or decoded, returning only an exit status.

-h
    Displays a brief help message and exits.

vpddecode is a command-line utility used to parse and display Vital Product Data (VPD) stored on IBM and Lenovo systems. VPD is a set of configuration and identification data permanently programmed into a device or system component, often in an EEPROM or Flash memory.

This data typically includes information like part numbers, serial numbers, FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) numbers, engineering levels, and manufacturing dates. The primary purpose of VPD is for hardware inventory, asset management, and troubleshooting, allowing support personnel to quickly identify specific components without physical inspection. vpddecode reads this data, usually from the /sys/firmware/vpd/ directory exposed by the Linux kernel, or directly from a specified file, and presents it in a human-readable format. It's an essential tool for administrators managing a fleet of IBM or Lenovo servers and workstations.

vpddecode is primarily designed for and effective on IBM and Lenovo hardware systems that implement VPD storage. It may not provide meaningful output on systems from other manufacturers.

The availability of VPD data depends on the system's firmware and kernel support (specifically, the VPD sysfs interface).

The accuracy and completeness of the displayed information are dependent on the data programmed by the hardware manufacturer.

On Linux, Vital Product Data is typically exposed by the kernel through the /sys/firmware/vpd/ directory, which vpddecode reads by default. This directory contains files representing different VPD components.

VPD serves crucial purposes in hardware management, including asset tracking, inventory management, warranty validation, and facilitating quick identification of Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) during maintenance or troubleshooting.

vpddecode emerged as a specialized tool within the Linux ecosystem, particularly relevant to users and administrators of IBM and Lenovo server and workstation hardware. Its development is closely tied to the need for efficient hardware inventory and support on platforms that utilize Vital Product Data for component identification. It is often distributed as part of the dmidecode package, sharing its focus on system firmware and hardware information extraction. Its continuous usage underscores the importance of standardized identification data in enterprise hardware management.

dmidecode(8), lshw(1), hwinfo(8)