The PCI auto-configuration utility operates in conjunction with the ICU to allow the insertion and removal of PCI expansion cards without user intervention. When the system is turned on after a PCI expansion card has been added, the BIOS automatically configures interrupts, DMA channels, I/O space, and other parameters. Because PCI expansion cards use the same interrupt resources as ISA expansion cards, you must specify the interrupts and I/O addresses used by ISA expansion cards in the ICU. The PCI auto-configuration function complies with version 2.10 of the PCI BIOS Specification.
The BIOS incorporates ISA Plug and Play capabilities as delivered by Intel® Architectural Labs Plug and Play Release 1.0A (Plug and Play BIOS Ver. 1.0A, ESCD Ver. 1.02). This capability allows auto-configuration of Plug and Play ISA expansion cards and resource management for legacy ISA expansion cards when they are used in conjunction with the ICU. Release 1.0A of the Plug and Play Specification may be modified in the future to support new features and changes. Copies of the IAL Plug and Play Specification may be obtained via the Intel BBS, (916) 365-3600.
PCI Specification 2.1 for expansion card auto-configuration is also a part of the BIOS. Peer-to-peer hierarchical PCI bridge 1.0 is supported, and, by using an OEM-supplied option ROM or TSR, a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge capability is possible as well.