Errata
Specification Update
19
BH13
With TF (Trap Flag) Asserted, FP Instruction That Triggers an
Unmasked FP Exception May Take Single Step Trap before Retirement
of Instruction
Problem:
If an FP instruction generates an unmasked exception with the EFLAGS.TF=1, it is
possible for external events to occur, including a transition to a lower power state.
When resuming from the lower power state, it may be possible to take the single step
trap before the execution of the original FP instruction completes.
Implication:
A Single Step trap is taken when not expected.
Workaround:
None.
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
BH14
An Enabled Debug Breakpoint or Single Step Trap May Be Taken after
MOV SS/POP SS Instruction if it is Followed by an Instruction That
Signals a Floating Point Exception
Problem:
A MOV SS/POP SS instruction should inhibit all interrupts including debug breakpoints
until after execution of the following instruction. This is intended to allow the
sequential execution of MOV SS/POP SS and MOV [r/e]SP, [r/e]BP instructions without
having an invalid stack during interrupt handling. However, an enabled debug
breakpoint or single step trap may be taken after MOV SS/POP SS if this instruction is
followed by an instruction that signals a floating point exception rather than a MOV
[r/e]SP, [r/e]BP instruction. This results in a debug exception being signaled on an
unexpected instruction boundary since the MOV SS/POP SS and the following
instruction should be executed atomically.
Implication:
This can result in incorrect signaling of a debug exception and possibly a mismatched
Stack Segment and Stack Pointer. If MOV SS/POP SS is not followed by a MOV
[r/e]SP, [r/e]BP, there may be a mismatched Stack Segment and Stack Pointer on
any exception. Intel has not observed this erratum with any commercially available
software, or system.
Workaround:
As recommended in the IA32 Intel® Architecture Software Developer’s Manual, the
use of MOV SS/POP SS in conjunction with MOV [r/e]SP, [r/e]BP will avoid the failure
since the MOV [r/e]SP, [r/e]BP will not generate a floating point exception. Developers
of debug tools should be aware of the potential incorrect debug event signaling
created by this erratum.
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
