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CEDARtools®.SmartTrace with AbsInt TimeWeaver... for precise Hybrid WCET Estimation
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CEDARtools® SmartTrace is an FPGA-based trace analysis tool which leverages embedded trace units of microprocessors to capture data about code execution. Embedded trace is a method for non-intrusively monitoring processors in real-time providing valuable insights of program execution at the machine code level.
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The trace data are exported for further processing by the hybrid WCET analysis tool, AbsInt TimeWeaver combines static context-sensitive path analysis with non-intrusive real-time instruction level tracing to provide worst-case execution time estimates of Tasks and ISRs.
Key benefits from this one-of-a-kind and patented solution are:
Pure hardware-based tracing solution.
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No source code instrumentation necessary, saves time, effort and resources.
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No additional source code development branches in the VCS.
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Tests on release code.
An Arbitrary and Continuous observation period.
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No limitations on buffer sizes and available memory.
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Increases the significance of worst- case statistics.
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Triggers on rarely occurring non-deterministic errors.
Spend time and effort on optimizing the target system, not on the tool.
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No need to be concerned about odd timing and load side effects, bus or caching impacts, or even system crashes while using the measuring tool.
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No phantom hunt in the behavior of the target system after code
instrumentation.
Output of Results without Latency
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No need to wait for trace processing.
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Faster feedback on source code changes for the developer.
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Shorter development cycles.
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Increase test throughput.
State-dependent triggering of test stimuli.
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Reduction of data through detection of relevant system states.
No additional QM efforts
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CEDARtools® are measurement tools used during the development phases.
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No additional certifications e.g. for ISO 26262 are necessary.
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No relicts will remain in the final software or hardware after release.
Universal usage and deep insight
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Useable during all development phases of system integration, system tests or FAT.
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Deep learning effect for the team and understanding of the dynamic processor behavior.
The figure below shows the full workflow:
Almost all current microprocessors (Arm® v8, Power Architecture®, AURIX™, Intel®, RISC-V) come with the embedded trace unit (ETU) to capture data about the execution of code at the machine code level, continuously in a non-intrusive-manner. These trace data are output via dedicated embedded trace interfaces (parallel, Aurora) or system interfaces (PCIe®).
AbsInt’s TimeWeaver combines these traces with sophisticated static analysis methods to calculate accurate WCET estimations. Besides the main results of the path analysis (WCET estimate and corresponding critical path), TimeWeaver also produces statistical information about the processed trace snippets, such as the trace coverage and minimum and maximum observed execution time (MOET).
The output trace data is pre-processed and simultaneously buffered by the high-performance FPGA based CEDARtools®.SmartTrace system. With trace processing speeds that match the execution speed of the target system, CEDARtools®.SmartTrace enables continuous, live analysis of software running on the target platform. This live processing feature ensures that only trace data that meets predefined criteria, such as tasks, ISR, or specific trigger events, allowing for limitless observation durations while boosting the trace data’s relevance and usefulness.
Comparing CEDARtools®SmartTrace with AbsInt TimeWeaver to other Dynamic Trace Analysis Tools.
| Hybrid WCET analysis approaches | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Products* | SW Instrumentation (e.g. RapiTime, Gliwa) | Based on Embedded Trace | |
| AbsInt TimeWeaver with any trace logger (e.g. . Lauterbach TRACE32®) | CEDARtools®.SmartTrace with AbsInt TimeWeaver | ||
| FEATURES | |||
| Capture instruction traces for WCET estimation | NO | YES | YES |
| Observation for any arbitrary time | YES | LIMITED
to buffer size of trace logger |
YES |
| Capturing relevant traces | NO | LIMITED
to target-side trigger capabilities |
YES |
| Embedded Trace Data – Continuous Live Processing | NO | NO | YES |
| Availability of “live” timing results | YES but with latency |
LIMITED
to some platforms |
YES |
| Non-Intrusiveness | NO | YES | YES |
| Analysis on Release Code | NO
(or instrumentation remains in release code) |
YES | YES |
Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this comparison may possess different or superior characteristics compared to the generalized attributes categorized here. The information provided is intended as a general guide and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of specific product features. Actual product performance and attributes may vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and other factors. For precise details, we recommend consulting the product documentation or contacting the manufacturer directly.