---
name: "adb"
section: "4"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd", "openbsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/adb/4"
---

# adb(4)

Apple Desktop Bus

## NAME

**adb** – Apple Desktop Bus

## SYNOPSIS

To compile this driver into the kernel, place the following lines in your kernel configuration file:

**device adb**

## DESCRIPTION

The **adb** driver provides support for the Apple Desktop Bus, which is a simple multi-drop bus used in general for input peripherals in older Apple Macintosh hardware.

The Apple Desktop Bus provides attachment for up to 16 devices, including multiple devices of a single type, but not does support hot-plugging.

## SEE ALSO

Apple Tech Note HW01: ADB - The Untold Story: Space Aliens Ate My Mouse: *https://developer.apple.com/legacy/mac/library/technotes/hw/hw\_01.html*

[akbd(4)](/akbd/4.md), [ams(4)](/ams/4.md), [cuda(4)](/cuda/4.md), [pmu(4)](/pmu/4.md)

## HISTORY

The **adb** device driver appeared in FreeBSD 8.0.

## AUTHORS

The **adb** driver was written by Nathan Whitehorn ⟨*nwhitehorn@FreeBSD.org*⟩.