Interrupts in embedded systems are signals that temporarily halt the normal execution of the main program to address more urgent tasks. When an interrupt occurs, the system pauses its current task, saves its state, and shifts to a specific interrupt service routine (ISR) designed to handle the interrupt. Once the ISR is completed, the system resumes the original task from where it left off. Interrupts can be triggered by external hardware (like a button press or sensor data) or internal events (such as timers or communication interfaces).

There are two types of interrupts: hardware interrupts and software interrupts. Hardware interrupts are triggered by external devices, while software interrupts are generated by executing a specific instruction in the program. Interrupts are essential in embedded systems because they allow the system to respond to real-time events efficiently without wasting CPU cycles in polling (continuously checking for conditions).

Interrupts provide faster response times and are critical for systems requiring real-time operation, such as automotive systems, medical devices, and communication systems. Proper handling of interrupts is crucial to avoid priority conflicts or missed signals, which can lead to system failure. Learning interrupt handling is key in any embedded system certification course to master real-time system design.