ACPI - SMBus Driver Details

• Operates under defined ACPI definitions

  • AML - SMBus Driver Binding
    • SMBus access control method in AML declares unique HID
    • INF file binds HID to proper driver (SBS-IF SMBus driver)

• Performance

  • Interpreted AML code is faster than SMBus so performance is acceptable

• Synchronizes SMBus accesses between drivers and AML (e.g. ACPI thermal zone)

• Scalable, and extends into SMBus 2.x solutions

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The SMBus driver operates under the established ACPI definitions. Each SMBus control method registers a unique hardware ID. The INF file then binds the Hardware ID to the SMBus driver. While faster, platform specific drivers can be developed, they are not necessary. Using the standard driver provides acceptable performance, is cross-platform compatible and allows for a future migration path without dedicating internal development resources.