An interrupt is when a microprocessor does something that it is not told to do because of things that happen outside what the program is supposed to do. Interrupts happen most often because the processor gets a signal from hardware, but they can also come from software that is running along with the program. Among the many things can cause interrupts are pressing keys on a keyboard, the built-in timer going off, a data transfer taking place, or any other event that needs an action from the processor right away. Interrupts can happen at any time while the processor is running a program, no matter where in the program's source code it is.
Interrupt
Questions and Answers
Q: What is an interrupt?
A: An interrupt is an action taken by a microprocessor that is not part of the program being executed due to external events.
Q: What causes interrupts to occur most often on a processor?
A: Interrupts occur most often on a processor due to receiving signals from hardware.
Q: Can interrupts be caused by software?
A: Yes, interrupts can also be caused by software that is running parallel to the program being executed.
Q: List a few examples of events that could cause an interrupt.
A: Examples of events that could cause an interrupt are pressing keys on a keyboard, a timer going off, and data transfers taking place.
Q: Is an interrupt dependent on where the program is executing?
A: No, interrupts can occur at any time during program execution regardless of where the program is in its source code.
Q: Is an interrupt a desirable event for a microprocessor?
A: Interrupts are usually undesirable events for a microprocessor since they disrupt the execution of the program and require immediate attention.
Q: How does a microprocessor respond to an interrupt?
A: A microprocessor temporarily suspends the program being executed and executes an interrupt service routine (ISR) to handle the interrupt before returning to the program being executed.