Planning for Multiprocessor Use

Planning for Multiprocessor Use

Multiprocessor computers are a central part of the Silicon Graphics product line and will become increasingly common in the future. A device driver that is not multiprocessor-ready can be used in a multiprocessor, but it is likely to cause a performance bottleneck. A multiprocessor-ready driver, on the other hand, works well in a uniprocessor with little if any loss of speed.

The Multiprocessor Environment
Synchronizing Within Upper-Half Functions
Coordinating Upper-Half and Interrupt Entry Points
Converting a Uniprocessor Driver
Example Conversion Problem