Quiz on Interrupts and Programmable Interrupt Controllers

In a multi-processor cascade configuration of 8259A, what is the primary function of ICW3?

• Define individual processor interrupt vectors
• Assign master-slave relationship between interrupt controllers
• Configure CPU communication protocols
• Establish maximum interrupt priority levels

How does the Priority Resolver fundamentally operate within the 8259A architecture?

• By generating random interrupt sequences
• By hierarchically organizing interrupt request levels
• Through purely sequential interrupt processing
• By implementing fixed hardware priorities

What critical information does ICW2 primarily communicate?

• Interrupt vector base address
• Cascade configuration parameters
• Interrupt masking settings
• CPU interface specifications

In cascading multiple 8259A controllers, what role do the CAS0-CAS2 pins serve?

• Managing power consumption
• Facilitating inter-controller communication
• Generating interrupt signals
• Controlling interrupt vector assignment

What distinguishes the Interrupt Service Register (ISR) from the Interrupt Request Register (IRR)?

• They are identical registers
• ISR tracks currently serviced interrupts, IRR tracks pending requests
• IRR manages cascade operations
• ISR controls interrupt masking

What mechanism ensures that the highest priority interrupt receives immediate service?

• Interrupt Mask Register
• Priority Resolver
• Cascade Controller
• Interrupt Vector Generator

In a typical microprocessor system, what signals do INTA' pins facilitate?

• Power management
• Interrupt acknowledgment sequence
• Direct memory access
• Clock synchronization

What determines the maximum number of interrupt lines in a single 8259A?

• ICW1 configuration
• System bus width
• Hardware design constraints
• IR0-IR7 input lines

What role does the Interrupt Mask Register play in interrupt management?

• Permanently blocking all interrupts
• Selectively enabling/disabling interrupt lines
• Generating interrupt vectors
• Managing cascade operations

In a multi-controller configuration, how are slave controllers identified?

• Through unique CAS pin combinations
• Via predefined hardware addresses
• By ICW3 configurations
• Using dynamic assignment algorithms