Inter-processor interrupt

An inter-processor interrupt (IPI) is a special type of interrupt by which one processor may interrupt another processor in a multiprocessor system. IPIs are typically used to implement a cache coherency synchronization point.

In x86 based systems, an IPI synchronizes the cache and Memory Management Unit (MMU) between processors.

See also

• Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
• Interrupt
• Interrupt Handler
• Non-Maskable Interrupt
• Programmable Interrupt Controller