Method and apparatus for handling multiple precise events in a pipelined digital processor

An integrated circuit having a digital processor, a decode stage for decoding an instruction from the instruction set, an execute stage coupled to the decode stage for executing the instruction, and event logic coupled to the decode stage operable to provide an event commands to the decode stage to override the instruction. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit having a pipelined processor handles multiple precise events through the decode stage and execute stage through a process which includes the steps of detecting a plurality of events and issuing an event command, selecting a highest priority event from said the of events, providing an event vector and a link address for the highest priority event, and allowing the event vector and the link to be modified for a higher priority event until the event command is issued to the execute stage.