The register that stores the bits required to mask the interrupts is ______.
2016
The register that stores the bits required to mask the interrupts is ______.
Answer: C. Interrupt mask register — Answer: Interrupt mask register Explanation: The interrupt mask register holds one bit for each interrupt source; each bit controls whether that interrupt can…
- A.
Status register
- B.
Interrupt service register
- C.
Interrupt mask register
- D.
Interrupt request register
Attempted by 812 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Answer: Interrupt mask register
Explanation: The interrupt mask register holds one bit for each interrupt source; each bit controls whether that interrupt can be delivered to the processor. Setting a mask bit usually disables (masks) the corresponding interrupt, while clearing the bit enables it.
Interrupt mask register: Stores enable/disable bits for each interrupt source so specific interrupts can be masked.
Interrupt request register: Records pending interrupt requests from devices but does not control masking.
Status register: Contains processor condition flags and state bits, not the per-interrupt mask bits.
Interrupt service register (term clarification): There is no common hardware register by this exact name; 'interrupt service routine' refers to the software handler for an interrupt, not a hardware mask register.