Explain the concept of interrupts in computer architecture.

Interrupts in computer architecture refer to signals or events that temporarily suspend the normal execution of a program and transfer control to a specific interrupt handler routine. These interrupts are generated by various sources, such as hardware devices or software instructions, to request immediate attention from the processor.

When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves the current state of the program being executed, including the program counter and other relevant registers, onto the stack. It then jumps to the interrupt handler routine, which is a predefined section of code specifically designed to handle the interrupt.

Interrupts serve several purposes in computer architecture. They allow for the efficient handling of time-critical events, such as input/output operations or hardware errors, without wasting processor cycles continuously checking for these events. Interrupts also enable multitasking by allowing the processor to switch between different tasks or processes.

Interrupts can be classified into two types: hardware interrupts and software interrupts. Hardware interrupts are generated by external devices, such as keyboards, mice, or network cards, to request attention from the processor. Software interrupts, on the other hand, are triggered by software instructions or system calls to perform specific tasks, such as requesting operating system services or handling errors.

Overall, interrupts play a crucial role in computer architecture by providing a mechanism for handling time-sensitive events and facilitating efficient multitasking.