Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality, Computer Engineering

Assignment Help:

In a raw Itanium, a "Processor Abstraction Layer" (PAL) is integrated into the system. When it is booted the PAL is loaded into the CPU and gives a low-level interface that abstracts some instructions and gives a mechanism for processor updates distributed via a BIOS update.

During BIOS initialization an additional layer of code, the "System Abstraction Layer" (SAL) is loaded that gives a uniform API for execution-specific platform functions.

On top of the PAL/SAL interface sits the "Extensible Firmware Interface" (EFI). EFI is not part of the IA-64 architecture but by convention it is needed on all IA-64 systems. It is a easy API for access to logical aspects of the system (display, storage, keyboard, etc) combined with a lightweight runtime environment (same to DOS) that allows basic system administration tasks such as configuring storage adapters, flashing BIOS and running an OS boot-loader.

Once the OS has been booted, some aspects of the PAL/SAL/EFI stack remain resident in memory and can be accessed by the OS to perform low-level tasks that are implementation-dependent on the underlying hardware.


Related Discussions:- Pre-os and runtime sub-os functionality

Define rules for evaluating the boolean expression, Define Rules For Evalua...

Define Rules For Evaluating the Boolean Expression? Generally, the following rules must always be followed when evaluating the Boolean expression: Primary, perform all in

Write a verilog code to swap contents of two registers, Write  a  verilog  ...

Write  a  verilog  code  to  swap  contents  of  two registers  with  and without  a  temporary register? With temp reg : always @ (posedge clock) begin temp=b; b

Briefly explain the floating point representation, Briefly explain the floa...

Briefly explain the floating point representation with an example? The floating point representation has 3 fields 1.sign bit 2.siginificant bits 3.exponent For  exa

Show the transmission control protocol, Q. Show the Transmission Control Pr...

Q. Show the Transmission Control Protocol? Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) TCP makes Internet reliable. TCP solves many problems which can occur in a packet switching

Use of typewriters for multiple copies, Use of Typewriters for Multiple Cop...

Use of Typewriters for Multiple Copies : Offices frequently require copies of various letters and documents. The simplest method is to make the copies at the same time along with

What is the future of hyper threading, Q. What is the Future of Hyper threa...

Q. What is the Future of Hyper threading? Current Pentium 4 based MPUs employ Hyper-threading however next-generation cores, Conroe, Merom and Woodcrest will not. As some have

Explain the term- software, Explain the term- Software Some of the key ...

Explain the term- Software Some of the key aspects of software are considered in this section. Familiarisation with software packages is generally best achieved by carrying out

How do you control instructions like branch, How do you control instruction...

How do you control instructions like branch, cause problems in a pipelined processor? Pipelined processor gives the best throughput for sequenced line instruction. In branch in

Determine a positive logic system logic state level, In a positive logic sy...

In a positive logic system, logic state 1 corresponds to ? Ans. For positive digital logic, we choose two voltages levels. Higher voltage shows logic 1 and a lower voltage sho

Components of information super highway infrastructure, Explain the compone...

Explain the components of Information Super Highway Infrastructure. The Information Superhighway is more than the Internet. It is a sequence of components, having the collectio

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd