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What is an IRQ?

April 26, 2017IRQ

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What is an IRQ?

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IRQ stands for “Interupt Request.” Each of your systems hardware components has to communicate with the processor (CPU) in order to perform its functions. As each piece of hardware such as your hard drive needs to communicate with the CPU, it sends a message via the interupt to the CPU that it needs to perform a task. Because your system has several components that need to communicate with CPU in order to function it needs a unique way of letting the CPU know that it has a task to perform. For this reason IRQ’s are uniquely assigned to each piece of hardware. Unfortunately there are a limited number of interupts available (currently 15) and with the numerous accessories available today it is a challenge to not only find a free IRQ but it also has to be one that is compatible with the component.