2.1

2.1

1. Interrupts

   • An interrupt is a signal generated by a device or software, which may cause a break in the execution of the current routine
   • Examples: Hardware or software fault, Input/output device requesting attention, User interrupt (ctrl alt del), Operating system generating interrupt (end of time slice)
   • Process
     • O/S suspends current interrupt routine
     • Runs the new higher priority interrupt routine
     • Finally the O/S returns to original interrupt routine and continues
     • If higher interrupt occurs whilst there is a current operation being executed
   • Occur in the control bus