System and method of start-up in efficient way for multi-processor systems based on returned identification information read from pre-determined memory location

摘要

A method for simultaneous start-up of a plurality of processors in a multiprocessing system is disclosed, whereby a special hardware register (e.g., "WhoAmI register") can be shared by the plurality of different processors. Alternatively, a separate WhoAmI register can be provided for one or more of the different processors. When a processor performs a read operation on a WhoAmI register, the register returns an identification number associated with that processor. Consequently, this processor can perform a set of test and jump instructions to access and execute the appropriate start-up code for this processor. Other embodiments disclosed include a method for distributing interrupts in a multiprocessing system, a method for bus arbitration in a multiprocessing system, and a method for creating atomic instructions that can be used for synchronization in a multiprocessing system.