Importance

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Abstract

An emulation methodology utilizes increasing microprocessor performance characteristics and System Management Mode ('SMM') to emulate peripheral device functions in a computer system. The emulation methodology traps addresses associated with I/O between a CPU and one or more peripheral devices. After trapping the I/O instruction address, a system management interrupt issues, and the computer system enters the operating system independent SMM. The CPU executes SMM code which proceeds to pass instructions to the CPU which result in the complete or partial emulation of a peripheral device. When the peripheral device is completely emulated, it can be replaced, for example, with a less expensive, less functional component or possibly even eliminated without substitution. The emulation methodology also responds to asynchronous peripheral device user activity by again trapping an I/O instruction to the peripheral device, and using SMM code to emulate the peripheral device.

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First Claim