Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 3 | 27. Interrupts and Processor Management by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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27. Interrupts and Processor Management

The chapter discusses the concepts of interrupts in CPU processes, focusing on how devices can signal the processor to gain attention through interrupt requests. It details the mechanisms for enabling and disabling interrupts, the implications of interrupt servicing, and the design considerations for handling multiple interrupts and prioritizing tasks.

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Sections

  • 27.1

    Interrupts And Processor Management

    This section covers the concept of interrupts in processor management, detailing how interrupts are handled by the CPU during execution.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.1.1

    Flag Bits And Their Control

    This section discusses the role of flag bits in processor operations, particularly focusing on interrupt enable/disable and supervisor mode.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.1.2

    Interrupt Enable And Disable Mechanism

    This section discusses the mechanisms of enabling and disabling interrupts within a processor, highlighting their importance and function in system operations.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.1.3

    Supervisor Mode And User Mode

    This section discusses the concepts of Supervisor Mode and User Mode in the context of CPU operations, particularly focusing on interrupt handling and the management of system resources.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.1.4

    Program Status Word

    This section discusses the Program Status Word, focusing on its interrupt control mechanisms and the impact of flag bits during ALU operations.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2

    Handling Interrupts

    This section discusses the management of interrupts within a processor, highlighting the mechanisms to enable or disable interrupts and the importance of interrupt service routines.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.1

    Process Of Interrupt Service Routine

    This section details the process of an interrupt service routine (ISR), covering how the CPU handles interrupts while executing programs.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.2

    Context Saving And Restoration

    This section explores how processors manage interrupts through context saving and restoration, highlighting flag bits and interrupt service routines (ISRs).

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.3

    Design Issues With Interrupts

    This section explores design considerations related to interrupts in computer architecture, focusing on interrupt handling, enabling/disabling interrupts, and prioritizing multiple interrupts.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.4

    Identifying The Module Raising Interrupts

    This section discusses the management of interrupts in processing systems, covering how processors handle device interrupts, the significance of interrupt enable/disable flags, and methods for prioritizing interrupts.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.5

    Software Poll Mechanism

    This section discusses the software poll mechanism used to manage interrupts in a processor, highlighting the significance of flag bits and the process of servicing interrupts.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.2.6

    Hardware Poll Mechanism

    This section discusses the hardware polling mechanism used to manage interrupts in computing systems.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.3

    Priority Assignment

    This section discusses the management of interrupts in processor systems, including how flag bits control interrupt handling and the implications for software development.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.3.1

    Handling Multiple Interrupts

    This section discusses how a processor handles multiple interrupts, emphasizing the role of flag bits for enabling/disabling interrupts and the significance of prioritizing interrupt service routines.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.3.2

    Priority Scheme For Interrupts

    This section discusses the priority scheme for interrupts, detailing how the processor manages interrupt requests and the importance of flags like interrupt enable/disable.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.4

    Interrupt Controller Overview

    This section explores the functions and management of interrupt controllers within computer architecture, highlighting the role of programmer-set flags, handling of interrupts, and prioritization strategies.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.4.1

    8259a Interrupt Controller

    This section provides an overview of the 8259A Interrupt Controller, emphasizing its role in managing interrupts and the essential functions of interrupt enable and disable flags.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.4.2

    Cascading Interrupt Controllers

    This section discusses cascading interrupt controllers and their role in managing interrupts in a CPU, focusing on the mechanisms for enabling/disabling interrupts, the handling of interrupt service routines, and prioritization of interrupts.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.5

    Test Items And Summary

    This section discusses the significance of flag bits in a processor and their impact on interrupt handling.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.5.1

    Comparison Of Programmed I/o And Interrupt Driven I/o

    This section compares programmed I/O and interrupt-driven I/O mechanisms, detailing their operation and significance in computer system performance.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.5.2

    Types Of Interrupts

    This section discusses various types of interrupts, focusing on interrupt enable and disable flags, handling multiple interrupts, and the significance of prioritization in interrupt management.

    Learning Practice

  • 27.5.3

    Interrupt Prioritization Mechanisms

    This section discusses the mechanisms for handling interrupts in a CPU, focusing on prioritization and management strategies.

    Learning Practice

References

37 part b.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Flag bits can control the e...
  • The importance of restoring...
  • Different strategies exist ...

Final Test

Revision Tests