A chipset is a set of electronic components in an integrated circuit that manage the data flow between the processor, memory and peripherals. It is usually found in the motherboard of a computer. Chipsets are usually designed to work with a specific family of microprocessors.
Because it controls communications between the processor and external devices, the chipset plays a crucial role in determining system performance.
Chipset (Computer Science)
While a computer CPU is designed to be capable of handling many different types of calculations, a chipset is usually designed for very specific functions. These unique collections of circuits often work behind the scenes to manage the many complex components found inside modern electronics.
Current manufacturers of chipsets for x86 motherboards include AMD, Broadcom, Intel, NVIDIA, SiS and VIA Technologies. Apple computers and Unix workstations have traditionally used custom-designed chipsets. Some server manufacturers also develop custom chipsets for their products.
Chipset (Computer Science)
In a personal computer (PC), for example, a chipset controls interactions between a CPU, memory, and other parts of the computer. This close-knit relationship means that chipsets are often optimized for a particular set of hardware.
Traditionally in x86 computers, the processor's primary connection to the rest of the machine is through the motherboard chipset's northbridge. The northbridge is directly responsible for communications with high-speed devices (System memory, and primary expansion buses such as PCIe, AGP, PCI cards being common examples) and conversely any system communication back to the processor.
A chipset can also provide special functionality for some devices. Inside a smartphone, it may provide Global Positioning System (GPS) capability. The wireless chipset inside a WiFi® networking device controls the radio that broadcasts data to other WiFi® devices. An audio version, whether part of a sound card or built into a PC motherboard, converts digital signals into analog sound.
The complexity and unique requirements of these chips make their design and manufacture a highly specialized field, with only a handful of companies taking on the challenge. These few companies sell their designs to many different hardware vendors. This means that competing hardware from different manufacturers might be powered by the same set of microchips. This has advantages for end users as the same chipset drivers can sometimes be utilized across different hardware.
Chipsets can be found in many other electronics as well. A printer or scanner may contain a specially designed one to control its internal hardware. Home theater equipment like Blu-ray Disc™ players contain chipsets that enable video and audio playback. Even seemingly simple products like computer cables and adapters might have chipsets inside them.