19
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.5 ACPI Features
ACPI stands for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. The ACPI specification defines
a flexible and abstract hardware interface that provides a standard way to integrate power
management features throughout a computer system including its hardware, operating system
and application software. This enables the system to automatically turn on and off peripherals
such as network cards, hard disk drives and printers.
In addition to enabling operating system-directed power management, ACPI also provides a
generic system event mechanism for Plug and Play and an operating system-independent
interface for configuration control. ACPI leverages the Plug and Play BIOS data structures
while providing a processor architecture-independent implementation that is compatible with
Windows 2012/R2 and Windows 2016 operating systems.
1.6 Power Supply
As with all computer products, a stable power source is necessary for proper and reliable
operation. It is even more important for processors that have high CPU clock rates. In areas
where noisy power transmission is present, you may choose to install a line filter to shield
the computer from noise. It is recommended that you also install a power surge protector to
help avoid problems caused by power surges.
1.7 Super I/O
The ASpeed AST2500 Super I/O provides one high-speed, 16550 compatible Universal
Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), which support serial infrared communications.
This UART includes a send/receive FIFO, a programmable baud rate generator, complete
modem control capability and a processor interrupt system. This UART provides legacy speed
with baud rate of up to 115.2 Kbps as well as an advanced speed with baud rates of 250 K,
500 K, or 1 Mb/s, which support higher speed modems.
The Super I/O provides functions that comply with ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface), which includes support of legacy and ACPI power management through the System
Management Interrupt (SMI) or System Control Interrupt (SCI). It also features auto power
management to reduce power consumption.