Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size

Details Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size

1998-12-14

2001-02-27

Auve, Glenn A. (Department: 2181)

Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/

Interrupt processing

Programmable interrupt processing

C710S262000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06195725

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
This invention relates generally to generating interrupts in devices controlled by processors, such as computer systems.
Computer systems use interrupts to redirect the focus of a processor or other controller from a first task to a second task. Normally interrupts arise when peripheral devices receive information and need to have that information handled through the processor or controller. Thus, for example, when a new frame is received by a network interface card (NIC) from the network, an interrupt may be generated.
Each time an interrupt is generated, the processor is interrupted, decreasing its efficiency of operation. Thus, interrupt events may be bundled together to produce a single interrupt for a plurality of such events. This may decrease the number of interrupts, increasing the performance of the peripheral device.
Generally the performance of a peripheral device may be determined by its P/E ratio which is the ratio of performance or bandwidth divided by efficiency or processor utilization. More interrupts increase processor utilization, decreasing the efficiency of the peripheral device.
Generally, peripheral devices include interrupt controllers that generate interrupts. However, in some cases, the interrupt controller may be located outside the peripheral device. In many cases, by decreasing the number of times that a processor is interrupted, the efficiency of the peripheral device may be improved.
Thus, there is a continuing need to improve the performance of peripheral devices.
SUMMARY
In accordance with one embodiment, a method of generating interrupts includes detecting a plurality of events which trigger interrupts. Information about the number of the events may be determined. Based on the information, the number of events that result in one or more interrupts being generated may be varied automatically.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5613129 (1997-03-01), Walsh
patent: 5708814 (1998-01-01), Short et al.
patent: 6085277 (2000-07-01), Nordstrom et al.
patent: 6115779 (2000-09-01), Haubursin et al.
patent: 0 852 357 A2 (1998-07-01), None
patent: 0 871 307 A2 (1998-10-01), None
patent: WO 95/03584 (1995-02-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamically varying interrupt bundle size will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2576541