23. Introduction to Interrupt
This chapter discusses the concept of interrupts in computing, detailing how they allow the system to interrupt regular instruction execution to handle urgent tasks. It explains the execution flow concerning program counters, the handling of instruction service routines, and the instruction cycle phases such as fetch, decode, execute, and checking for interrupts. Examples illustrating simple instruction execution and their interaction with memory are also provided.
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What we have learnt
- Interrupts are essential for managing urgent hardware and I/O tasks within a computing system.
- The instruction cycle includes phases of fetching, decoding, executing, and handling interrupts.
- Understanding how to save and restore the program counter and register states is crucial for effective interrupt handling.
Key Concepts
- -- Interrupt
- A mechanism that allows a hardware or software event to pause the current execution flow and execute a designated interrupt service routine.
- -- Program Counter (PC)
- A register that indicates the address of the next instruction to be executed in a program.
- -- Instruction Cycle Code (ICC)
- A two-bit code used to indicate the current phase of instruction processing such as fetching, decoding, execution, or servicing an interrupt.
- -- Instruction Service Routine (ISR)
- A specific code segment designed to handle the operations necessary when an interrupt occurs.
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