linux-kernel - Query on a rare simultaneous processing of interrupts from GIC/NVIC

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Date:   Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:36:26 +0530
From:   Ajay Garg <ajaygargnsit@...il.com>
To:     linux-arm-kernel@...ts.infradead.org,
        Linux Kernel Mailing List <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>
Subject: Query on a rare simultaneous processing of interrupts from GIC/NVIC

Hi everyone.

Let's say the following code is shared by multiple ISRs :

   spin_lock_irqsave
   <critical section>
   spin_lock_irqrestore

Also, following sequencing happens :

*
Low-priority interrupt comes in, and GIC/NVIC causes it jump to ISR.

*
Low-priority interrupt starts executing "spin_lock_irqsave".

*
Before preemption and interrupts could be disabled (by the executing
low-priority interrupt). high-priority interrupt comes in.
Since a higher priority interrupt has come in, the GIC/NVIC causes it
to start executing the "spin_lock_irqsave" statement.

*
Through the low-priority interrupt executing, "spin_lock_irqsave" has completed.
Preemption and interrupts are disabled, and low-priority interrupt
grabs the spin lock.

*
High-priority interrupt spins on the spin-lock.

Is the above sequencing possible?

In other words, although the first interrupt did its best to disable
all preemption and interrupts before it could enter the critical
section, yet above sequencing *will* cause the high-priority interrupt
to spin?

Many thanks in advance for your time for help !

Thanks and Regards,
Ajay