Performance measurement for embedded systems
AssigneeSharewave, Inc.
InventorMichael Huy Phan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An embedded system includes a microprocessor and performance measuring logic coupled to the microprocessor and configured to record selected performance metrics. In the given routine. In general, a counter is configured to record statistics for each of the performance metrics, and the counters may be controlled using a programmable mask, which is included in a memory coupled to the microprocessor. Based on these metrics, designers may fine-tune software for the embedded system.
Claims17
A method of measuring actual performance in an embedded system including a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
- coupling performance monitoring logic to the microprocessor;
- reading a bit mask from the memory, wherein each bit of the bit mask corresponds to a monitoring task of the performance monitoring logic;
- enabling a plurality of monitoring tasks in the performance monitoring logic responsive to the setting of bits in the bit mask;
- and
- tracking performance metrics of the embedded system by utilizing counters in the performance monitoring logic to track occurrences of selected operations.
An embedded system comprising:
- a microprocessor;
- a memory including a bit mask;
- and
- performance measuring logic coupled to the microprocessor and configured to track selected performance metrics by utilizing counters to track occurrences of microprocessor operations, wherein the performance metrics to be tracked are determined responsive to the bit mask.
An embedded system, comprising:
- a microprocessor;
- a memory;
- and
- performance measuring logic coupled to the microprocessor;
- wherein:
- the microprocessor receives instructions to read a programmable bit mask from the memory, and to monitor occurrences of operations over a designated period of time responsive to the bit mask;
- and
- the microprocessor increments counters in the performance measuring logic corresponding to respective occurrences of the operations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.