Exception processing in superscalar microprocessor

A microprocessor system includes a core CPU for instruction execution and a coprocessor interconnected with said core CPU for system control and exception processing. The coprocessor includes a plurality of exception handling registers including an exception program counter having a restart location stored therein for use after an exception is serviced, a status register having operating mode identification and interrupt enabling bits, and a configuration and cache control register. Interrupt processing is compatible with a plurality of instruction sets with a particular instruction set being designated by setting at least one bit in the configuration and cache control register. Registers are provided to save the operating state of the CPU prior to interrupt enable, the operating state of the CPU being restored after exception processing is completed and user mode is reestablished.