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Load time linker for software used with a multiprocessor system

  • US 5,247,678 A
  • Filed: 10/12/1989
  • Issued: 09/21/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/12/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for extending an applications program for use with a multiprocessor computer system having a host processor in data communication with a subprocessor, wherein extended functions are to be loaded to memory of the subprocessor but called by the host processor from the applications programming for execution by the subprocessor, comprising the steps of:

  • storing in the host processor a program module containing definitions of extended functions, which are functions to be executed by a subprocessor, wherein some of said extended functions call other functions already stored in memory of said subprocessor and other of said extended functions call other functions of said program module, and wherein each of said functions has a function call and a function identifier;

    creating in the host processor a reference section containing a list of said function identifiers and a relocatable address reference for each of said function identifiers, wherein the order of said function identifiers in said reference section corresponds to the order of said functions in said program module;

    compiling in the host processor said program module and said section into object code to create a function definition object file and a reference section object file;

    differentiating in the host processor between external references to said extended functions, which are calls from other functions not stored in said program module, and internal references to said functions, which are calls from other functions of said module; and

    partially linking in the host processor said function definition object file and said reference section object file, while said object files are stored in memory of said host processor, such that said internal references are resolved by matching each function identifier of an internally called function to its address reference in said reference section, leaving said external references unresolved; and

    creating in the host processor a downloadable file containing the partially linked function definition object file and said reference section object file.

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