Computer Architecture Questions
The role of the interrupt controller in a computer system is to manage and prioritize the various interrupts generated by different devices or processes. It acts as a mediator between the devices and the CPU, ensuring that the CPU responds to the interrupts in a timely and efficient manner. The interrupt controller receives interrupt signals from devices, determines their priority, and interrupts the CPU to handle the highest priority interrupt. It also handles interrupt masking, which allows certain interrupts to be temporarily disabled or ignored. Overall, the interrupt controller plays a crucial role in coordinating and managing the flow of interrupts within a computer system.