Vector table structure in ARM Architecture - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a vector table in ARM architecture?

A vector table is a special memory area that holds the addresses of exception handlers. It helps the processor know where to jump when an interrupt or exception occurs.

beginner

Where is the vector table usually located in ARM systems?

The vector table is usually located at a fixed memory address, often at the start of the memory (address 0x00000000) or at a configurable location depending on the system design.

intermediate

What types of exceptions are listed in the ARM vector table?

The vector table lists exceptions such as reset, undefined instruction, software interrupt (SWI), prefetch abort, data abort, IRQ (interrupt request), and FIQ (fast interrupt request).

intermediate

How does the ARM processor use the vector table during an exception?

When an exception occurs, the ARM processor looks up the vector table to find the address of the corresponding handler and jumps to that address to execute the handler code.

beginner

Why is the vector table important for system stability?

The vector table ensures that exceptions and interrupts are handled properly by directing the processor to the correct handler. Without it, the system could crash or behave unpredictably.

What does the ARM vector table contain?

A Data variables

B User application code

C Addresses of exception handlers

D Processor registers

The vector table contains addresses of exception handlers so the processor knows where to jump when an exception occurs.

Where is the ARM vector table typically located?

A In the stack memory

B At the end of memory

C In the cache memory

D At the start of memory (0x00000000)

The vector table is usually located at the start of memory, often at address 0x00000000.

Which exception is NOT part of the ARM vector table?

A Reset

B Page fault

C Software interrupt (SWI)

D Undefined instruction

Page fault is not an ARM exception listed in the vector table; it is common in other architectures like x86.

What happens when an ARM processor encounters an IRQ?

A It jumps to the IRQ handler address in the vector table

B It resets the system

C It ignores the interrupt

D It halts execution

On IRQ, the processor uses the vector table to find and jump to the IRQ handler.

Why must the vector table be correctly set up?

A To ensure exceptions are handled properly

B To speed up arithmetic operations

C To store user data

D To increase memory size

Correct setup of the vector table ensures exceptions and interrupts are handled properly, maintaining system stability.

Explain the purpose and role of the vector table in ARM architecture.

Think about how the processor knows where to go when something unexpected happens.

Describe what happens step-by-step when an interrupt occurs in an ARM system using the vector table.

Focus on how the vector table guides the processor during an interrupt.