Multiprocessor data processing system and method of interrupt handling that facilitate identification of a processor requesting a system management interrupt

摘要

Within a multiprocessor data processing system, a request for a system management interrupt by a requesting processor causes the state of at least the requesting processor to be saved in memory. Each processor's saved state includes contents of at least one internal software-writable register, where the software-writable register of the requesting processor contains an identifying signature. A system management interrupt handler is then executed. Execution of the system management interrupt handler entails determining, from the contents of at least one internal software-writable register saved within memory, the identity of the requesting processor. The system management interrupt handler then handles the system management interrupt in accordance with the determination of the requesting processor. The handling of the system management interrupt may entail reading data from or writing data into the saved state of the requesting processor.