Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) - Network Encyclopedia
Definition of Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI).
ACPI, or Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, is an open industry specification that enables software designers to integrate features for power management throughout a computer system, including the hardware, operating system, and application software.
ACPI is in part a response to global concerns about energy conservation and environmental control.
ACPI components collect information about power consumption from the computer and give that information to the operating system.
The operating system then distributes power to the different computer components on an as-needed basis. With ACPI, the computer can power itself down to a deep sleep state but still be capable of responding to an incoming phone call or a timed backup procedure.