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Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Specification 2.0 Released

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Leading technology companies, including Compaq, Intel, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies, and Toshiba, have announced the publication of the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) version 2.0 specification. ACPI 2.0 delivers enhanced flexible power management capabilities to a broad range of computers, including corporate and enterprise servers, desktops, and notebook PCs. The new specification adds support for 64-bit processor addressing, multiple processors, and device performance states to enable longer battery life and lower operating temperatures on the platform.

Key Takeaways:

  • ACPI 2.0 is an open industry specification that enables easy implementation of motherboard device configuration and power management on notebook, desktop, and server PCs.
  • The specification is designed to deliver increased flexible power management capabilities to a broad array of computers, including corporate and enterprise servers, desktops, and notebook PCs.
  • ACPI 2.0 adds support for 64-bit processor addressing, multiple processors, and device performance states to enable longer battery life and lower operating temperatures on the platform.
  • The specification includes enhancements targeted at the server market, including support for hot-pluggable CPUs, memory, and PCI, PCI-X devices.
  • The ACPI 1.0 compliant portions of silicon will be compatible with ACPI 2.0, allowing for seamless implementation.
  • Companies such as Acer, Advanced Micro Devices, and Hewlett-Packard are participating in the development of ACPI 2.0.
  • Notebook PCs, desktops, workstations, servers, and operating systems that incorporate ACPI 2.0 are expected to be developed by the end of 2001.
  • Compaq, Intel, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies, and Toshiba are leading the development of ACPI 2.0 and have already begun implementing the new specification in their products.
  • ACPI 2.0 provides support for Intel's IA-64 server architecture and includes enhancements for both mobile and desktop PCs.

Statistics:

  • 29 companies are supporting ACPI 2.0, including Compaq, Intel, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies, and Toshiba.
  • ACPI 2.0 delivers increased flexible power management capabilities to a broad range of computers, including corporate and enterprise servers, desktops, and notebook PCs.
  • The new specification adds support for 64-bit processor addressing, multiple processors, and device performance states.
  • ACPI 2.0 enables longer battery life and lower operating temperatures on the platform.
  • The specification includes enhancements targeted at the server market, including support for hot-pluggable CPUs, memory, and PCI, PCI-X devices.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, August 30, 2000
  • Compaq Computer Corporation
  • Intel Corporation
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Phoenix Technologies
  • Toshiba Corporation

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