Interrupts (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)
1/6/2010
Most peripheral devices can generate interrupts in order to receive service from the operating system (OS). Some examples of devices that can use interrupts are PC cards, onboard timers, audio input devices, keyboards, touch screens, and pointing devices. Nearly any type of peripheral device might use interrupts as the principle method of initiating servicing actions by the OS. Because these peripheral devices can cause or signal interrupts, their device drivers must process interrupts in order to service their devices. Physical interrupts (IRQs) are hardware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the microprocessor. Logical interrupts (SYSINTRs) are a mapping of the IRQ, which the OAL specifies.
Note
Some peripheral devices do not generate interrupts to the microprocessor. In this case, the peripheral device's controller processes the interrupts.
In This Section
- Interrupt Handling
Describes the interrupt handling process.
- Interrupt Service Routines
Describes interrupt service routines (ISRs) and installable ISRs and how they interact with interrupt service threads (ISTs).
- Interrupt Service Threads
Describes ISTs and how they interact with the OS.
- Interrupt Notifications
Describes interrupt notifications.
Related Sections
- Kernel Overview
Provides an overview of the Windows Embedded CE kernel.
- Real-Time Priority System
Describes the real-time priority system, the priority levels associated with various operating system threads, and the thread priority levels available for other threads.