Self-initializing chipset

Abstract

A chipset in a computer system is initialized without intervention by the processor, thereby reducing the time required to boot the computer system. The system includes a nonvolatile storage device for storing configuration data for the chipset. Logic circuitry loads the configuration data into configuration registers in the chipset. The storage device and logic circuitry can be integrated into the chipset. A data pump can be used to load the configuration data into the configuration registers by serially pumping configuration data onto a scan line coupled to the configuration registers. In a system having more than one chipset, the chipsets can be initialized simultaneously to further reduce the amount of time required to boot the system. The configuration data can be downloaded into the storage device when the system is manufactured, or it can be downloaded from the processor the first time the system is powered up.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.