Syed: Chapter 4.2 Software

An interrupt is a signal to the ​ (a)   to tell it that something needs attention.

• processor

• memory

• hard drive

• motherboard

Answer explanation

An interrupt signals the processor that it needs to address an event or condition requiring immediate attention, making 'processor' the correct choice. Other options like memory and hard drive do not directly respond to interrupts.

An interrupt can be __________ or __________ based.

• software

• Programming

• hardware

• Math

Answer explanation

An interrupt can be triggered by software or hardware. Software interrupts are generated by programs, while hardware interrupts are generated by hardware devices, making both options correct.

A ​ (a)   priority interrupt needs immediate attention, while a ​ (b)   priority interrupt can wait.

• high

• low

• medium

• critical

• urgent

Answer explanation

A high priority interrupt requires immediate attention, indicating its critical nature. In contrast, a low priority interrupt can wait, as it is less urgent and does not need immediate action.

The __________ checks the interrupt queue for any pending interrupts.

The ​ (a)   is a sequence of instructions that handle the interrupt.​

• Internet Service Provider (ISP)

• Interrupt Service Routine (ISR)

• Interrupt High Routine (IHR)

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), which is specifically designed to handle interrupts in a system. The other options do not relate to interrupt handling.

What does the processor do when it detects an interrupt with higher priority than the task it is currently processing?

• It ignores the interrupt and continues processing the current task.

• It temporarily stores the current process and retrieves the interrupt for processing.

• It terminates the current process and processes the interrupt immediately.

• It halts the current process and resumes after the interrupt is handled.

Answer explanation

When the processor detects a higher priority interrupt, it temporarily stores the current process state, allowing it to handle the interrupt before resuming the original task. This ensures that critical tasks are addressed promptly.

Which of the following is an example of a software interrupt?

• Data input from a keyboard that requires processing.

• A division by zero in the current task's operation.

• Printer running out of paper during a print operation.

• A new hardware device is connected to the system.

Answer explanation

A division by zero is a software interrupt because it occurs during program execution, signaling an error that needs handling. The other options involve hardware events or inputs, not software-generated interrupts.

What does the processor do when no high-priority interrupts are in the queue?

• It halts the system and waits for a new interrupt to arrive.

• It checks for any remaining low-priority interrupts to process.

• It proceeds to perform the next Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle.

• It executes a pause command to wait for an interrupt signal.

Answer explanation

When no high-priority interrupts are in the queue, the processor continues with the next Fetch-Decode-Execute (FDE) cycle, ensuring efficient processing of instructions without unnecessary delays.

What is the component that manages the sequence of tasks when an interrupt is received?

• Memory management system that organizes processes.

• Input-output handler responsible for data transfers.

• Interrupt handler (IH) that manages the interrupt queue.

• Processor controller that executes task instructions.

Answer explanation

The interrupt handler (IH) is responsible for managing the interrupt queue, ensuring that tasks are executed in the correct sequence when an interrupt is received. This makes it the correct choice for the question.

Match the type of interrupt to its correct example:

Groups:

(a) Software interrupt

,

(b) Hardware interrupt

• Two processes access the same memory location

• A key is pressed on the keyboard

• Divide by zero

• Printer runs out of paper