# southbridge

> chip on a computer motherboard

**Wikidata**: [Q585208](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q585208)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southbridge_(computing))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/southbridge

## Summary
Southbridge is an integrated circuit chip located on a computer motherboard. It is a fundamental component of a computer chipset, distinct from the main processor, and handles specific input/output functions. In Intel architecture, this technology is frequently referred to as the I/O Controller Hub (ICH).

## Key Facts
*   **Definition:** An integrated circuit found on a computer motherboard.
*   **Classification:** Subclass of integrated circuit.
*   **System Role:** Functions as a distinct part of the computer chipset.
*   **Intel Terminology:** Known technically as the "I/O Controller Hub" (ICH) within Intel technology.
*   **Intel Families:** Encompasses specific microchip families such as the "PCI IDE ISA Xcelerator."
*   **Related Components:** Associated with the "FCH" (Fusion Controller Hub) component type.
*   **Wikidata ID:** Identified by the Freebase ID `/m/02kc10` and FOLDOC ID `southbridge`.
*   **Documentation:** Maintained under the Wikipedia title "Southbridge (computing)" with 27 sitelinks across languages including English, German, and Spanish.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is a southbridge?
A: A southbridge is a specific integrated circuit chip situated on a computer motherboard. It acts as a core component of the system's chipset.

### Q: What is the southbridge called in Intel systems?
A: In Intel-based systems, the southbridge is technically known as the I/O Controller Hub (ICH). Specific families of these chips include the PCI IDE ISA Xcelerator.

### Q: Is the southbridge a separate piece of hardware from the CPU?
A: Yes, the southbridge is a distinct integrated circuit (chip) on the motherboard. It is classified separately from the CPU but operates as part of the overall chipset.

## Why It Matters
The southbridge is a critical element in computer architecture, serving as one of the two primary chips in the traditional chipset model (along with the northbridge). As an integrated circuit, it is essential for defining the capabilities of the motherboard regarding connectivity and input/output operations.

Its significance is highlighted by its specific evolution under major manufacturers. For example, Intel standardized this component as the "I/O Controller Hub" (ICH), moving away from the traditional "southbridge" name in later architectures, while specific microchip families like the PCI IDE ISA Xcelerator demonstrate its historical development. With documentation in over 27 languages and inclusion in major knowledge bases like Wikidata and FOLDOC, the southbridge remains a fundamental concept in understanding motherboard design and the distribution of computing tasks between the CPU and peripheral controllers.

## Notable For
*   **Chipset Integration:** Serving as a mandatory part of the traditional computer chipset structure.
*   **Intel ICH:** Being the basis for Intel's "I/O Controller Hub" technology.
*   **Specific Architectures:** Including distinct microchip families like the "PCI IDE ISA Xcelerator."
*   **Hardware Classification:** Being a distinct subclass of integrated circuits separate from the northbridge or CPU.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The southbridge is an electronic circuit formed on a small piece of semiconductor material, classified as a type of **integrated circuit**. It is physically located on the **computer motherboard**. Unlike the northbridge (which communicates directly with the CPU and high-speed memory), the southbridge is defined by its role within the chipset hierarchy.

### Intel Implementation
Intel is a primary developer of southbridge technology, referring to these chips by specific technical names:
*   **I/O Controller Hub (ICH):** This is the Intel designation for their southbridge technology. It is a well-documented entity with significant coverage (8 sitelinks in the source data).
*   **PCI IDE ISA Xcelerator:** This is identified as a specific family of Intel southbridge microchips.

### Related Technologies
The concept of the southbridge extends to other manufacturer implementations, such as the **FCH** (Fusion Controller Hub). The ubiquity of this component is evidenced by its presence in global technical databases, including Babelnet (ID: 03301059n) and Microsoft Academic. The component is visually documented in the Wikimedia Commons category "South bridges."

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet