Understanding the Linux Kernel

5.1. Hardware Clocks

The kernel must explicitly interact with three clocks: the Real Time Clock, the Time Stamp Counter, and the Programmable Interval Timer. The first two hardware devices allow the kernel to keep track of the current time of day; the latter device is programmed by the kernel so that it issues interrupts at a fixed, predefined frequency. Such periodic interrupts are crucial for implementing the timers used by the kernel and the user programs.

5.1.1. Real Time Clock

All PCs include a clock called Real Time Clock (RTC ), which is independent of the CPU and all other chips.

The RTC continues to tick even when the PC is switched off, since it is energized by a small battery or accumulator. The CMOS RAM and RTC are integrated in a single chip, the Motorola 146818 or an equivalent.

The RTC is capable of issuing periodic interrupts on IRQ8 at frequencies ranging between 2 Hz and 8192 Hz. It can also be programmed to activate the IRQ8 line when the RTC reaches a specific value, thus working as an alarm clock.

Linux uses the RTC only to derive the time and date; however, it allows processes to program the RTC by acting on the /dev/rtc device file (see Chapter 13). The kernel accesses the RTC through the 0x70 and 0x71 I/O ports. The system administrator can set up the clock by executing the /sbin/clock system program that acts directly on these two I/O ports.

5.1.2. Time Stamp Counter

All Intel 80x86 microprocessors include a CLK input pin, which receives the clock ...