common hardware reference platform (CHRP)

The Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP) is an open hardware architecture that was originally developed by IBM and ensures compatibility between systems with PowerPCs from different manufacturers.

This platform, which Apple and Motorola also participated in developing, was to be marketed as an alternative to Intel platforms.

The CHRP activities began in 1994 and define the interface to Read Only Memories( ROM), furthermore the specifications contain a level 2 cache, interfaces toEthernet, Small ComputerSystem Interface( SCSI), uniform keyboard interfaces and serial as well as parallel ports. A bootstrap ROM provides automatic configuration for each operating system.