Inter processor interrupt

An Inter Processor Interrupt ( IPI ) is a special interrupt that is used by processors in multiprocessor systems . With an IPI, a processor is able to trigger the interrupt on a specific processor that was specified in the interrupt vector. In this way, a processor can cause another processor or itself to perform a specific function.

In x86 -based multiprocessor systems, an IPI is sent via the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller .