Datasheet

279
SAM9261 [DATASHEET]
Atmel-6062O-ATARM-SAM9261-Datasheet_21-Jun-16
26.7.4.4 Fast Interrupt Handlers
This section gives an overview of the fast interrupt handling sequence when using the AIC. It is assumed that the
programmer understands the architecture of the ARM processor, and especially the processor interrupt modes
and associated status bits.
Assuming that:
1. The Advanced Interrupt Controller has been programmed, AIC_SVR0 is loaded with the fast interrupt
service routine address, and the interrupt source 0 is enabled.
2. The Instruction at address 0x1C (FIQ exception vector address) is required to vector the fast interrupt:
LDR PC, [PC, # -&F20]
3. The user does not need nested fast interrupts.
When nFIQ is asserted, if the bit “F” of CPSR is 0, the sequence is:
1. The CPSR is stored in SPSR_fiq, the current value of the program counter is loaded in the FIQ link register
(R14_FIQ) and the program counter (R15) is loaded with 0x1C. In the following cycle, during fetch at
address 0x20, the ARM core adjusts R14_fiq, decrementing it by four.
2. The ARM core enters FIQ mode.
3. When the instruction loaded at address 0x1C is executed, the program counter is loaded with the value read
in AIC_FVR. Reading the AIC_FVR has effect of automatically clearing the fast interrupt, if it has been
programmed to be edge triggered. In this case only, it de-asserts the nFIQ line on the processor.
4. The previous step enables branching to the corresponding interrupt service routine. It is not necessary to
save the link register R14_fiq and SPSR_fiq if nested fast interrupts are not needed.
5. The Interrupt Handler can then proceed as required. It is not necessary to save registers R8 to R13 because
FIQ mode has its own dedicated registers and the user R8 to R13 are banked. The other registers, R0 to R7,
must be saved before being used, and restored at the end (before the next step). Note that if the fast
interrupt is programmed to be level sensitive, the source of the interrupt must be cleared during this phase in
order to de-assert the interrupt source 0.
6. Finally, the Link Register R14_fiq is restored into the PC after decrementing it by four (with instruction SUB
PC, LR, #4 for example). This has the effect of returning from the interrupt to whatever was being
executed before, loading the CPSR with the SPSR and masking or unmasking the fast interrupt depending
on the state saved in the SPSR.
Note: The “F” bit in SPSR is significant. If it is set, it indicates that the ARM core was just about to mask FIQ interrupts when
the mask instruction was interrupted. Hence when the SPSR is restored, the interrupted instruction is completed (FIQ
is masked).
Another way to handle the fast interrupt is to map the interrupt service routine at the address of the ARM vector
0x1C. This method does not use the vectoring, so that reading AIC_FVR must be performed at the very beginning
of the handler operation. However, this method saves the execution of a branch instruction.
26.7.4.5 Fast Forcing
The Fast Forcing feature of the advanced interrupt controller provides redirection of any normal Interrupt source on
the fast interrupt controller.
Fast Forcing is enabled or disabled by writing to the Fast Forcing Enable Register (AIC_FFER) and the Fast
Forcing Disable Register (AIC_FFDR). Writing to these registers results in an update of the Fast Forcing Status
Register (AIC_FFSR) that controls the feature for each internal or external interrupt source.
When Fast Forcing is disabled, the interrupt sources are handled as described in the previous pages.
When Fast Forcing is enabled, the edge/level programming and, in certain cases, edge detection of the interrupt
source is still active but the source cannot trigger a normal interrupt to the processor and is not seen by the priority
handler.