Interrupt vector table

Abstract: A multi-processor programmable interrupt controller system which includes: an I/O interrupt controller for receiving interrupt requests from an I/O subsystem; multiple processor interrupt controllers, each associated with a specific processor for dispensing of accepted interrupts; and an interrupt controller bus primarily for the transmission of interrupt requests between interrupt controller units and for priority arbitration, using a standard message format and arbitration protocol.

Abstract: A method for a mechanism for processor power state aware distribution of lowest priority interrupts. The method of one embodiment comprises receiving first power state information from a first component and second power state information from a second component. First task priority information from the first component and second task priority from the second component are also received. An interrupt request from a first device for servicing is received. Power state and task priority information for the first and second components are evaluated to determine which component should service the interrupt request. Either the first component or the second component is selected to be a destination component to service the interrupt request based on the power state and task priority information. The interrupt request is communicated to the destination component.

Abstract: Interprocessor message communication and synchronization apparatus and method for a plurality of processors connected to a system bus where one processor desiring to send a control signal to another processor, broadcasts an input/output write instruction on the system bus along with the address of the receiving processor and a data field representative of the control signal to be transmitted. Apparatus associated with the receiving processor includes a decoder that responds to the input/output write instruction to enable a register when the address transmitted on the bus matches its address. The enabled register receives the data signals from the bus to set therein the appropriate control signal represented by the data. The stages of the register are connected to the associated control signal inputs of the other processor. In this manner the one processor may transmit a message synchronizing interrupt to the other processor. The message communication protocol involves utilizing an array of mailbox locations associated with the processors, respectively, and located in common memory accessible to all of the processors. A processor desiring to send a message to another processor inserts the message into its mailbox along with the address of the other processor. The sending processor interrupts the receiving processor which scans the mailboxes to find the mailbox with its address therein thereby receiving the message.

Abstract: A centralized interrupt controller with a single copy of APIC logic provides APIC interrupt delivery services for all processing units of a multi-sequencer chip or system. An interrupt sequencer block of the centralized interrupt controller schedules the interrupt services according to a fairness scheme. At least one embodiment of the centralized interrupt controller also includes firewall logic to filter out transmission of selected interrupt messages. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.