Patent ID: 6715017
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An interruption signal generating apparatus used for a computer system that receives a first clock and a second clock from said computer system and outputs an interruption signal for requesting an execution of an interrupting process at a time interval corresponding to a frequency obtained by dividing in frequency said second clock, wherein said first clock is provided according to an operation mode of said computer system, and the second clock has a period longer than that of said first clock, is used to generate said interruption signal, and is provided irrespective of said operation mode of the computer system, the interruption signal generating apparatus comprising:a counter unit that counts said time interval based upon said second clock and outputs a count-up signal indicating an end of said counting; a first generating unit that detects said end of said counting indicated by said count-up signal while said first clock is being provided and generates a first interruption signal indicating said detection according to said first clock; a second generating unit that detects said end of said counting indicated by said count-up signal while said first clock is not being provided and generates a second interruption signal indicating said detection according to said second clock; and a selecting unit that selectively outputs said first interruption signal and said second interruption signal according to said operation mode of said computer system.