Subject

    Computer Science

    Topic

    Computer Hardware

    What does an IRQ line allow a device to do?

    a)
    Swap data directly to RAM
    b)
    Interrupt the CPU to request service
    c)
    Send data to other adapter cards
    d)
    Bypass the CPU completely

    Explanation

    An Interrupt ReQuest line signals the CPU that a device needs attention. The CPU suspends current work, runs the interrupt routine, and returns. It’s the backbone of responsive I/O.

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