Abstract:
1,063,141. Digital electric computers. BURROUGHS CORPORATION. Nov. 1, 1963 [Nov. 30, 1962], No. 43258/63. Headings G4A. The execution by a computer of its normal programme is interrupted (after completion of the current programme step) by a signal on any one of a number of interrupt lines, on which the computer starts to operate in a " control mode " appropriate to the nature of the interruption. A priority order is assigned to the possible interrupting signals so that interruptions requiring rapid action (e.g. main power failure, or certain real-time calculation signals) may be acted upon first. A masking number may be written by programme into a register where it controls which of the theoretically possible interruptions are authorized. Block diagrams (not shown) illustrate the circuitry required, and the steps called for by the control mode circuitry in the various types of interruption (e.g. data transfer to peripheral units) are illustrated by flow sheets.