1. Field
The field relates to computer systems and computer networks, and more particularly, to systems and methods for multitasking of processors.
2. Related art
A symmetric multi-processing system (SMP) is widely used in processing systems. A standard operating system (OS) has to handle multiple tasks that need to be performed. An OS can also perform multiple tasks on a set of processors on the SMP. Schedulers are utilized in order for the OS to perform multiple tasks by allowing each task to take turns to be processed by the processors. If a process runs longer than the time specified by the scheduler, an interrupt is sent by the OS to the processors to place that process on hold and allow for another task to be performed. An interrupt handler is used to handle the processes and processors that receive the interrupt. OS task scheduler and hardware interrupt handler mechanism are two major bottlenecks.
In a context switch, the state of each interrupted process must be saved in order for the process to be retrieved by the scheduler when it is its turn to be processed again. For example, this may involve creating and updating switchframes.
Context switching may be performed by software or hardware; however, no matter how it is implemented, it requires additional resources and increases the load to the system.
Accordingly, improved systems and methods for multitasking of processors would be useful.