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In computing, a programmable interrupt controller is an integrated circuit that helps a microprocessor handle interrupt requests coming from multiple different sources which may occur simultaneously. It helps prioritize IRQs so that the CPU switches execution to the most appropriate interrupt handler after the PIC assesses the IRQ's relative priorities. Common modes of interrupt priority include hard priorities, rotating priorities, and cascading priorities. PICs often allow mapping input to outputs in a configurable way. On the PC architecture PIC are typically embedded into a southbridge chip whose internal architecture is defined by the chipset vendor's standards.