Input/Output and Exception Handling on the WC34020

The WC34020 is a hypothetical machine with the same basic instruction set as the WC34000 but a more realistic input/output mechanism. While the WC34000 was designed to support projects in courses in computer organization and compiler construction, the WC34020 is intended for use in an operating systems course. This document describes the features that distinguish the WC34020 from the WC34000. In particular, it discusses the machine's I/O mechanism and facilities for handling both interrupts and traps.

  • Fundamentals of the WC34020 Interrupt System
  • Terminal Input/Output
  • The Interval Timer
  • Interrupt Priorities
  • Processing Traps and Interrupts
  • Appendix: Exception Vector & Device Register Layout