US Patent 7627705 Method and apparatus for handling interrupts in embedded systems

An Interrupt Processor is provided in an embedded system to handle interrupts generated in the system. The function of the interrupt processor is to handle interrupts and execute interrupt routines. It performs code execution for interrupts which require immediate response. The other interrupts received by the interrupt processor are arranged in a queue on the basis of their respective priorities. An interrupt signal is then sent to the main processor which processes all the signals in one go. This prevents multiple and frequent switching of the main processor and hence avoids the switching overhead. Since the main processor operates at low frequency, the system consumes less power as compared to conventional systems.