Instruction processor write buffer emulation using embedded emulation control instructions

The method of clam 12, wherein processing the instruction stream during compilation comprises:

• identifying a first write instruction within the instruction stream;
• generating a set of instructions including:
• (a) a first emulator control instruction to enable a pre-fetch mode of the emulated processor;
• (b) a second write instruction following the first emulator control instruction to cause the emulated instruction processor to output a write request out the write buffer interface, and
• (c) a second emulator control instruction following the second write instruction to disable the pre-fetch mode;
• inserting the generated set of instructions within the instruction stream prior to the first write instruction.

The method of clam 12, wherein processing the instruction stream during compilation comprises:

• identifying a group of write instructions within the instruction stream;
• inserting an emulator control instruction within the instruction stream prior to the group of write instructions to enable a pre-fetch mode of the emulated processor and direct the emulated processor to output write requests associated with the write instructions out the write buffer interface;
• and
• inserting a branching type instruction within the instruction stream following the group of write instructions to direct the emulated instruction processor to re-execute the emulator control instruction and the group of write instructions to output the write requests associated with the write instructions out the memory interface.

A computer-implemented system for emulating write buffer operation comprising:

• computing means for providing an emulation environment;
• compiling means for compiling a test script to produce an instruction stream having at least one write instruction;
• and
• processor emulating means for emulating an instruction processor having a write buffer interface and a memory interface, wherein the processor emulating means includes selecting means for outputting a write request on the write buffer interface or the memory interface in response to an emulation control instruction embedded within an instruction stream.