Task context switching RTOS
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorRobert Alan Reid
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A task switch from a first data processing task to a second data processing task can be accomplished by the first task calling a function which saves the first task's context, restores the second task's context and then returns. Because the second task's context has been restored, the called function actually returns to the second task, thereby completing the task switch.
Claims20
A method of switching from execution of a first data processing task to execution of a second data processing task, comprising:
- the first data processing task executing a call to a task switching function;
- the task switching function selecting a return address corresponding to the second data processing task;
- and
- the task switching function executing a return operation.
An apparatus for switching from execution of a first task on a data processor to execution of a second task on the data processor, comprising:
- a memory having a first storage location for storing a return address corresponding to the second task;
- an input for receiving information indicative of instructions of a task switching function that has been called by the first task;
- and
- a memory management apparatus coupled to said input and said memory, and responsive to said instruction information indicating a return instruction for moving said return address from said first storage location to a register of the data processor.
A data processing apparatus, comprising:
- a data processing portion for executing first and second data processing tasks;
- a task switcher coupled to said data processing portion for switching from execution of the first task to execution of the second task, said task switcher including a memory having a storage location for storing a return address corresponding to the second task, and an input for receiving information indicative of instructions of a task switching function that has been called by the first task;
- a register coupled to said task switcher;
- and
- said task switcher including a memory management apparatus coupled to said input and said memory, and responsive to said instruction information indicating a return instruction for moving said return address from said storage location to said register.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.