Microprocessor having a context save unit for saving context independent from interrupt requests
US6205467A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/461
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A microprocessor including a context save unit is provided. The context save unit is configured to periodically perform context saves. When the microprocessor receives an interrupt signal, the microprocessor enters the interrupt service routine without performing a context save. After completing execution of the interrupt service routine, the microprocessor restores the most recently saved context and begins executing the task at that saved context. The interrupt service routine is entered rapidly but the interrupt service routine does not include instructions for saving the registers which it utilizes to perform its function. The context save unit is configured to perform a context save at the occurrence of a variety of events. A fixed or variable time interval may be selected, and each interval includes several options.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.