Computer Science

What is an interrupt in computer architecture?

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An interrupt in computer architecture is a signal sent to the processor that temporarily suspends normal program execution to handle a specific event. Here's a detailed explanation:

Basic concept: - An interrupt is like someone tapping you on the shoulder while you're working - You pause your current task, handle the interruption, then return to what you were doing

Types of interrupts:

  1. Hardware interrupts - From external devices:
  2. Keyboard key press
  3. Mouse movement
  4. Disk I/O completion

  5. Timer expiration

  6. Software interrupts - Generated by programs:

  7. System calls (requests for OS services)
  8. Exception conditions (division by zero, page fault)

The interrupt handling process: 1. Interrupt occurs - Device or program sends signal 2. Processor finishes current instruction 3. Current state saved (registers, program counter) 4. Interrupt service routine (ISR) executes 5. Previous state restored 6. Original program resumes

Why interrupts are important: - Efficient I/O handling - CPU doesn't waste time polling devices - Multitasking support - Allows switching between tasks - Error handling - Graceful recovery from problems - Real-time response - Critical events get immediate attention

Interrupt priority: - Some interrupts are more urgent than others - Higher priority interrupts can interrupt lower ones - Non-maskable interrupts (NMIs) cannot be ignored

Interrupts are fundamental to how modern computers work efficiently, allowing the CPU to respond immediately to important events while continuing with other work. They're the foundation of responsive computing systems!

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