Interrupts in Computer Architecture

Interrupts are essential in computer architecture to handle various events that can occur during the execution of a program. Interrupts are signals that interrupt the normal execution flow of the CPU, allowing it to handle the event that caused the interrupt. Interrupts can be initiated by a variety of sources, including hardware devices, software programs, and internal processes.

Types of Interrupts

There are three types of interrupts in computer architecture:

1. Internal Interrupts: These interrupts are initiated by the CPU itself. For example, if the CPU encounters an error during the execution of a program, it can generate an internal interrupt to handle the error.

2. External Interrupts: These interrupts are initiated by external hardware devices, such as keyboards, mice, and printers. When a hardware device needs attention, it sends an interrupt signal to the CPU, which suspends the current program and handles the interrupt.

3. Software Interrupts: These interrupts are initiated by software programs. For example, a program may need to access a file on disk, so it generates a software interrupt to request disk access.

Interrupts initiated by an instruction

Interrupts can also be initiated by instructions in the program. When an instruction requires a specific operation to be performed, it may generate an interrupt to handle that operation. These interrupts are called instruction-initiated interrupts.

For example, if a program needs to perform a division operation, it may generate an interrupt to handle the division. The CPU suspends the current program and executes the interrupt handler, which performs the division and returns the result to the program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interrupts are an essential part of computer architecture, allowing the CPU to handle various events that can occur during the execution of a program. Interrupts can be initiated by hardware devices, software programs, internal processes, and instructions in the program. Interrupts initiated by an instruction are called instruction-initiated interrupts.