Control of power state in computer processor

A machine-readable non-transitory medium having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by at least one machine, cause the at least one machine to:

• detect a management mode request during operation of a processor in a first power state, the management mode request to initiate a management mode in the processor;
• in response to a detection of the management mode request, transition the processor from the first power state to a second power state;
• after a transition of the processor from the first power state to the second power state, initiate the management mode in the processor;
• and
• prior to the transition of the processor from the first power state to the second power state:
• save a processing context of the processor, and store data indicating the first power state.

A system, comprising:

• a processor comprising a plurality of processing engines and at least one control circuit, wherein the at least one control circuit is configured to:
• detect a management mode trigger event during operation of the processor in a first power state, the management mode trigger event to initiate a management mode in the processor;
• in response to a detection of the management mode trigger event, switch the processor from the first power state to a second power state;
• and
• after a switch of the processor from the first power state to the second power state, initiate the management mode in the processor;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the processor;
• wherein:
• the at least one control circuit comprises a power control circuit and a mode control circuit;
• the mode control circuit is included in a first processing engine of the plurality of processing engines;
• the mode control circuit is configured to, in response to the detection of the management mode trigger event:
• save a processing context of the first processing engine, and send a save notification to the power control circuit;
• and
• the power control circuit is configured to, in response to a receipt of the save notification:
• store data indicating the first power state, switch the first processing engine from the first power state to the second power state, and send a save acknowledgement to the first processing engine.