This document discusses interrupts in computer architecture. It defines an interrupt as an external request for service that causes the microprocessor to stop its current task and service the interrupt request. There are two types of interrupts: maskable interrupts that can be ignored depending on their status, and nonmaskable interrupts that must always be serviced. Interrupts can be generated from programs, timers, I/O controllers, or hardware failures. When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves its state and switches to service the interrupt before returning to its previous task. This allows for faster response to events than periodic polling. Interrupts can be processed sequentially or nested.
This document discusses interrupts in computer architecture. It defines an interrupt as an external request for service that causes the microprocessor to stop its current task and service the interrupt request. There are two types of interrupts: maskable interrupts that can be ignored depending on their status, and nonmaskable interrupts that must always be serviced. Interrupts can be generated from programs, timers, I/O controllers, or hardware failures. When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves its state and switches to service the interrupt before returning to its previous task. This allows for faster response to events than periodic polling. Interrupts can be processed sequentially or nested.
This document discusses interrupts in computer architecture. It defines an interrupt as an external request for service that causes the microprocessor to stop its current task and service the interrupt request. There are two types of interrupts: maskable interrupts that can be ignored depending on their status, and nonmaskable interrupts that must always be serviced. Interrupts can be generated from programs, timers, I/O controllers, or hardware failures. When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves its state and switches to service the interrupt before returning to its previous task. This allows for faster response to events than periodic polling. Interrupts can be processed sequentially or nested.