4.7.3.6 Interrupts

Question 1

What is an interrupt?

Answer 1

A signal generated by a device (or by software) sent to the processor which causes a break in the execution of the current routine. It stops the current activity of the processor.
Used during handshaking or when a transfer failed

Question 2

What happens when an interrupt is received (Interrupt Service Routine)?

Answer 2

The computer finishes the current fetch-execute cycle; 
identify interrupt / type of interrupt
Save contents of registers
Jump to interrupt service routine 
Restore contents of registers

Question 3

What is a buffer?

Answer 3

An area of temporary storage that is used to compensate for the different working speeds of the computer