Monitoring techniques for RISC embedded systems

Abstract

As embedded computer systems become more advanced and more complex, monitoring the performance of microprocessors incorporated into those systems also become more difficult. Most of the embedded computer systems are real-time systems where a microprocessor is monitored or controlled. Some of the features that characterize RISC processors are the use of complex data paths through pipelining and higher clock rates. Such features have put stringent requirement on today's monitoring techniques. This paper presents an overview of many of today's monitoring techniques used for monitoring and debugging program running on a target processor. This overview is focused on the advantages and disadvantages of those techniques when used with RISC-based processors.<>