Interrupt vector

An interrupt vector is the memory address of an interrupt handler, or an index into an array called an interrupt vector table or dispatch table. Interrupt vector tables contain the memory addresses of interrupt handlers. When an interrupt is generated, the processor saves its execution state via a context switch, and begins execution of the interrupt handler at the interrupt vector.

For more information, see the entry for interrupt.

See also

• Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
• Programmable Interrupt Controller
• Inter-Processor Interrupt
• Interrupt
• Interrupt Handler
• Interrupt Latency
• Non-Maskable Interrupt

External links

• Webopedia definition of 'interrupt vector table'