DPC

Dpc is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts across technology, healthcare, and engineering. The meaning is domain-dependent.

In computing, Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) is a mechanism in Windows operating systems that allows the kernel to defer the execution of low-priority work from an interrupt service routine to a later time when interrupts are at a lower priority level. A DPC object represents a unit of work, and a DPC routine is scheduled by device drivers or kernel components to run at a safe interrupt request level. DPCs help maintain system responsiveness, but excessive or poorly optimized DPCs can cause latency spikes or reduced performance, visible in audio dropouts or user interface stutter.

In healthcare, Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) is a case-mix based prospective payment system used in Japan to reimburse acute-care hospitals. It combines patient diagnoses, procedures, and other factors into a standardized bundle, influencing hospital reimbursement and resource planning. The DPC system is administered alongside fee schedules and can be used to assess hospital efficiency and benchmarking.

In power management, Dynamic Power Capping (DPC) refers to strategies that cap a device’s power consumption to meet thermal or energy constraints. By throttling components such as CPUs or GPUs or adjusting system clocks, DPC helps maintain reliability, extend device life, and reduce energy costs in data centers, embedded systems, and high-performance computing.