The Use of the Chipset in a Computer System - Essay Example

A Report on a Chipset A chipset can be defined as a group of circuits integrated in any mechanical program. Specified functions in the given program are performed by this group of circuits. In manufacturing chipsets, the manufacture is done as one. The selling of the chipsets is, therefore, also done as one. Microchip is a term used to refer to the integrated circuits (Lyla 34). A communications controller in a computer is the perfect example of a chipset that can be provided in this case. This communications controller is placed between the other functions of the computer, and the main memory. Chipsets perform the task of ensuring that the system’s performance is as per the required standards of working mechanical products. The functioning of systems with the use of chipsets becomes easier and is often simplified as compared to when they might not have any. Further improvement in technology has made it increasingly easy to make the chipsets more efficient, while at the same time, they are being made smaller with each passing period, and technological advancement. This feature has made the systems they are incorporated in to perform better, and are less heavy. Chipsets are a main feature in many systems. There are some errors that are associated with such technology. However, there are new ways that have come up to ensure that these chipsets function properly. This paper will review the use of the chipset in a computer system. Also, how they affect the performance, and functions of computers. Ever since the invention of computers, working has become easier over the past. The growth of international corporations has been attributed to computers. They have been considered the most valuable assets that any company could have. Almost every office in the world today is equipped with at least one computer (Lyla 56-58). The importance of knowing how to use this technology has led to the worldwide acceptance of people into these organizations. They are often used to perform many different functions. Under special guidance, they are able to complete tasks as required in many organizations. The most recent development in the computer era is the use of microchips. The use of these microchips or chipsets has helped the computer system to perform its functions better. An example that can arise in the computer system of a chipset is the graphic and audio microchips. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the term microchip was used to refer to chips present in the motherboard. These microchips were often used to customise the functioning of audio and graphic related functions. A chipset is linked to a pair of other chips present on the motherboard. These are the north bridge, and the south bridge. The main function of the north bridge is to link the central processing unit to the high speed functioning devices. These include the graphics controllers, and main memory. The main function of the south bridge is to link all the slower functioning devices. The PCI and the ISA are such devices linked with the south bridge (Lyla 67). In modern, technological advances, the chipset has had a few alterations. The south bridge is being linked with new integrated peripherals. The USB and other audio devices are some examples. The manufacture of computer motherboards and chipsets is always independent. Big computer corporations, for example, Apple customise their own chipsets. This is something they are used to due to their experience in the field. The X86 motherboard manufacturers are also in the business of creating chipsets that can be bought alongside their computer motherboards. There are chipsets that are in use globally (Lyla 73-77). These chipsets are examples of the most compatible microchips used in personal computers. They were first developed in the late 1980’s by the founder of Chips and Technologies. The NCR 53C9x is an example of a computer chipset. It is considered cost friendly. That is why its use has been accepted globally. The above mentioned chipset is mostly found in personal computers, and other embedded devices. The chipsets present in these personal computers allow for communication between computer functions. These include the main memory, and processor. The north and south bridge have been connected in a manner that conforms to the recent developments in technology. Functions performed are similar by the two sets of chips (Lyla 83). The north bridge is for the faster functions while the south bridge for much slower functions. The chipset can be responsible for fetching information, and decoding the piece of information. It can also be responsible for relaying the information fetched, to other functions for execution. There are internationally known chipsets that are considered the fastest graphic chipsets in the world. These are known as GeForce microchips. They have been considered the fastest ever since they threw the previous graphic making manufacturers off the market. Its partnership with many corporations has seen its growth and development move to a higher level. The chips, however, become suitable for only a certain group of systems (Lyla 90). This is as others do not have the capability to access the use of these chips. The Geforce is a type of an ASIC which performs a specific function and is not meant for general purpose. The digital voice recorder is an example of an ASIC. The improvement in technology means that their sizes are reduced, and performance enhanced. Its functionality has been increased over the years. They have moved from five thousand gates to approximately over one million gates. The chipsets in ASIC’s have been integrated into a gate netlist. In these level gate netlist, the functions are specified to the present component (Lyla 92). Logic gates are placed and directed to their desired destination. At this destination, they are turned to photo masks. At this stage, the chip and its specified functions are determined. The hardwiring of the ASIC chipsets is in a manner that there is the presence of connections and interconnections. These interconnections allow the microchips to make the system operations be carried out independently. That is programs are able to run independently without crashing against one another, or having system failure. That is believed to be one of the main functions the chipsets perform in many systems. Globally, the intentions are to make these chipsets more efficient in the sense that their functions will be increased and emphasized (Lyla 94). The functions they perform will be multiplied to ensure that the functions of the systems they are operating, do not fail. Diagram In the promise, of far better chipsets, the computer era, which is, sophisticated enough as it is will have to be prepared to expect something more. The growth and development of the manufacture of chipsets capable of handling everything in a computer system will be underway. This development will ensure that markets competing for the top spot are keen to come up with new and innovative ideas (Lyla 94). These ideas are for making and inventing better chipsets made specifically for the personal computers present. This innovativeness can go hand in hand with the present market. Together, the growth can attain higher heights that, eventually, make everyone satisfied. The improvement of the technological sector can guarantee that the effectiveness of many systems around the world improves. Chipsets are used in at least every mechanical thing, around the world, today. They, therefore, have to be perfect in every detail that is required. If they are not, then the possibility of problems arising may not cease. Even, though, they have been there for a long time, they can be improved to ensure that no mistakes are recorded by some of their inventions. However, there are certain types of chipsets that are expensive (Lyla 95). This, in turn, leads to the rise in the price of the commodities they are incorporated in, to become expensive. This should be evaluated by all those involved. This ensures that people get to understand fully, and appreciate the use of such technology in the many things that make their daily lives easier. In conclusion, the functions that are performed by the chipsets need to be known. If they are not, then it becomes easy for many people to misunderstand their usage. When misunderstood, their functions cannot be put to proper use. This may lead to a malfunction on unusually many levels. In the case of computers, if the proper functions are not met, then it is frightfully easy for data, and significant details found in a computer to get lost. The global acceptance and use of chipset has led to the growth of a multinational empire. It will keep on growing as long as the right and proper requirements are met. Employment has risen due to the expertise that is required in this field. It is only right that the pioneers of this technology be acknowledged. Work cited Lyla, D. B. The X86 Microprocessors: Architecture and Programming. New York: Free Press, 2010. Print. Read More