Interrupts in embedded systems are signals that temporarily halt the execution of the main program to respond to high-priority tasks. They allow a system to react to events in real time, making embedded applications more efficient and responsive.

How Interrupts Work:

Triggering the Interrupt: Interrupts can be triggered by external hardware signals (e.g., button press, sensor input) or internal events (e.g., timer overflow, communication interface).

Interrupt Request (IRQ): When an event occurs, the hardware generates an Interrupt Request (IRQ) signal to notify the processor.

Interrupt Handling: The processor temporarily stops the execution of the main program and jumps to a specific Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), which contains the code to handle the interrupt.

ISR Execution: The ISR executes the necessary actions, such as reading sensor data or responding to user input.

Return to Main Program: After executing the ISR, the processor resumes the main program from where it was interrupted.

Types of Interrupts:

Hardware Interrupts: Triggered by external devices like timers, sensors, or communication interfaces.
Software Interrupts: Generated by software instructions for inter-process communication or system calls.
Maskable vs. Non-Maskable Interrupts: Maskable interrupts can be disabled by the processor, while non-maskable interrupts (NMI) are always processed.

Advantages of Interrupts in Embedded Systems:

Efficiency: The CPU does not waste time continuously checking for events (polling).

Real-Time Response: Enables quick reactions to critical tasks.

Power Saving: Allows the processor to enter low-power modes until an event occurs.

Mastering interrupt handling is essential for real-time applications, and an embedded system certification course can help you develop these skills.

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