Processor Interrupt Expansion Using Class-Based Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional platforms are limited by a small number of interrupt vectors, leading to shared vectors among multiple interrupt sources, which complicates software identification and handling, and introduces latency and asymmetry in interrupt handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interrupt expansion feature using in-memory data structures, such as bitmaps, to report additional information with interrupt vectors, effectively multiplying the number of distinguishable interrupt sources without sharing vectors or asymmetric handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional interrupt vectors are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the number of distinguishable interrupt sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat interrupt vector system to a hierarchical structure by introducing interrupt classes as an additional dimension. Each interrupt vector is associated with an interrupt class, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple interrupt sources sharing the same vector by examining their class assignments. This dimensional expansion enables more interrupt sources without increasing the number of vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments interrupt sources into different classes based on their characteristics or origins. By dividing interrupt sources into classes and associating each class with specific vectors, the system can handle multiple interrupt sources that share vectors in an organized, segmented manner. This segmentation allows software to identify and handle different interrupt sources systematically despite sharing the same vector number.
2Loss of time
If multiple interrupt sources share the same vector, then the hardware structure remains simple, but interrupt handling latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of interrupt sources into classes before the interrupt occurs. By pre-assigning interrupt sources to specific classes and storing this information in a lookup structure, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time identification during interrupt handling. This preliminary action allows for faster interrupt processing by avoiding real-time analysis during the critical interrupt path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interrupt vectors are shared, then the hardware resource usage is reduced, but symmetric interrupt handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes interrupt vectors universal by allowing multiple interrupt sources to share the same vector while maintaining distinguishability through class associations. Each vector becomes multi-functional, capable of representing different interrupt sources depending on their class assignments. This universality enables flexible interrupt handling where the same vector can serve multiple purposes, and software can adaptively identify the specific source based on class information.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an integrated circuit may comprise a processor with one or more cores and circuitry coupled to the one or more cores, the circuitry to control one or more interrupts based on an interrupt expansion data structure, and report information derived from the interrupt expansion data structure to a software interrupt handler. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.