Advanced Configuration and Power Interface

(A-C-P-I)

A power management specification created by a number of vendors. The specification allows an operating system to control power to devices attached to the computer (in the past, this function was given to the BIOS; under ACPI the BIOS implements power control functions but does not control them). As one example, peripherals not in use can be turned off by the operating system and turned back on when needed or accessed. In theory this could be extended to portions of the main computer as well; but, hardware implementation will depend on computer manufacturer cooperation.

More Information

• ACPI Specification Gateway