Interrupts explicitly generated when a processor executes a designated…
2012
Interrupts explicitly generated when a processor executes a designated interrupt instruction are called:
Answer: D. Software interrupt — ConceptAn interrupt transfers processor control to an interrupt service routine after a defined trigger occurs. In source-based terminology, device and timer…
- A.
I/O interrupt
- B.
Timer interrupt
- C.
Power-failure interrupt
- D.
Software interrupt
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Correct answer: D
Concept
An interrupt transfers processor control to an interrupt service routine after a defined trigger occurs.
In source-based terminology, device and timer events come from hardware, while executing a designated interrupt instruction generates a software interrupt synchronously.
Application
The stem fixes the trigger as execution of a designated interrupt instruction. This is an instruction-generated event, not a request from an I/O controller, timer, or power monitor.
Contrast
An I/O interrupt originates from an input/output controller requesting service for a peripheral.
A timer interrupt originates from a hardware timer reaching a programmed condition.
A power-failure interrupt originates from hardware that detects an electrical supply fault.
A software interrupt originates from execution of a designated interrupt or system-call instruction.
Result
Therefore, an interrupt explicitly generated by executing such an instruction is a software interrupt.