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US 6,154,832 AGranted
Processor employing multiple register sets to eliminate interrupts
AssigneeAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc.
InventorPatrick E. Maupin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A processor includes multiple register sets. A different register set may be dedicated to each of one or more interrupt sources, and yet another register set may be dedicated to other (non-interrupt) tasks. The interrupt sources may record interrupt service requests instead of signalling an interrupt to the processor. Periodically, the processor may poll the interrupt sources to determine if a service request is recorded.
Claims22
A processor comprising:
- an execution core configured to execute instructions;
- and
- a register file coupled to said execution core, said register file divided into a plurality of register sets, wherein one of said plurality of register sets is dedicated to a default task, and wherein each remaining one of said plurality of register sets is dedicated to a different interrupt source.
An embedded controller comprising:
- a processor including:
- an execution core configured to execute instructions;
- and
- a register file coupled to said execution core, said register file divided into a plurality of register sets, wherein one of said plurality of register sets is dedicated to a default task, and wherein each remaining one of said plurality of register sets is dedicated to a different interrupt source;
- and
- one or more of said interrupt sources coupled to said processor.
3 more elements
A method for servicing an interrupt source, the method comprising:
- recording a request for service in a service request register;
- polling said service request register, thereby detecting said recording;
- and
- executing a service routine if said polling detects said request, said executing comprising accessing a set of registers dedicated to said interrupt source.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.