Microprocessor having a context save unit for saving context independent from interrupt requests

A microprocessor comprising:

• an interrupt conductor configured to convey an interrupt signal indicative of a request to execute an interrupt service routine;
• a context save unit configured to save a context of said microprocessor to a context storage location independent of said interrupt signal, and to effect the context save;
• and
• a register file coupled to said context save unit wherein said register file is configured to store a portion of said context;
• wherein said context save unit comprises a store queue configured to buffer memory store accesses, wherein said store queue is configured to discard said memory store accesses in response to receiving said interrupt signal on said interrupt conductor.

A computer system comprising:

• a microprocessor including:
• an interrupt conductor configured to convey an interrupt signal indicative of a request to execute an interrupt service routine;
• a context save unit configured to save a context of said microprocessor to a context storage location prior to receiving said interrupt signal, and to effect the context save;
• and
• a register file coupled to said context save unit wherein said register file is configured to store a portion of said context;
• wherein said context save unit comprises a store queue configured to buffer memory store accesses, wherein said store queue is configured to discard said memory store accesses in response to receiving said interrupt signal on said interrupt conductor;
• and
• an interrupt controller coupled to said interrupt conductor wherein said interrupt controller is configured to convey said interrupt signal.

A method for speeding interrupt handling in a microprocessor, comprising:

• saving a context of said microprocessor in response to a non-interrupt event;
• receiving an interrupt signal in said microprocessor subsequent to said saving of said context;
• executing an interrupt service routine without performing a context save in response to said receiving said interrupt signal;
• and
• returning from said interrupt service routine according to said context.