Method for entering system management mode, processor, and computer system
US12430163B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2024 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for a processor and a computer system to enter system management mode (SMM). The method is applied to the processor, which includes at least one logical core. The method includes entering the SMM in response to a system management interrupt (SMI), storing current state information to a corresponding state save area; setting operation mode to target operating mode, and executing the SMI handler under the target operating mode. The address of the state save area, the address of the core configuration information memory space, and the address of the SMI handler can be determined directly. Each logical core may enter the target operating mode directly through hardware setting every time after entering the SMM, and thus does not need to perform a fixed operation of mode switching when executing the SMI handler, which may improve the execution efficiency of the SMI handler.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.