Interrupt coprocessor configured to process interrupts in a computer system
US5727227A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/462
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system employing an interrupt coprocessor is provided. The interrupt coprocessor is signaled by an interrupt controller to service a particular interrupt request. The interrupt coprocessor may include limited functionality, such that if a particular interrupt request is beyond the capabilities of the interrupt coprocessor, the microprocessor is interrupted. Context saves may be avoided in the interrupt coprocessor. Interrupt latency is reduced, as well as interruption of one or more main microprocessors in the computer system. Several embodiments are shown with a range of interrupt servicing capabilities. A data pump is shown, which is configured to transfer data from a source to a destination. A microcontroller is shown, which may manipulate the data as it is moved from source to destination or access the interrupting device to determine the service needed. Finally, a microprocessor similar to the main microprocessors of the computer system is shown. The microprocessor is capable of accessing system resources in a similar fashion to the main microprocessor, and therefore is capable of performing all interrupt servicing functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.