Dissertation on cache predictability avail. via ftp

The following dissertation (related to compilers and real-time
systems) is now available via ftp and WWW:




  "Static Cache Simulation and its Applications" by F. Mueller, Ph.D.
      Dissertation, Florida State University, Jul 1994




ftp-site: ftp.cs.fsu.edu
internet#: 128.186.121.27
directory: /pub/whalley/papers
file: mueller_diss94.ps.Z


mail-list: mueller@uzu.cs.fsu.edu Subject: subscribe-pthreads
WWW: http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~mueller


Abstract:
=========


This work takes a fresh look at the simulation of cache memories. It
introduces the technique of {\em static cache simulation} that
statically predicts a large portion of cache references. To
efficiently utilize this technique, a method to perform efficient
on-the-fly analysis of programs in general is developed and proved
correct. This method is combined with static cache simulation for a
number of applications. The application of fast instruction cache
analysis provides a new framework to evaluate instruction cache
memories that outperforms even the fastest techniques published.
Static cache simulation is shown to address the issue of predicting
cache behavior, contrary to the belief that cache memories introduce
unpredictability to real-time systems that cannot be efficiently
analyzed. Static cache simulation for instruction caches provides a
large degree of predictability for real-time systems. In addition, an
architectural modification through bit-encoding is introduced that
provides fully predictable caching behavior. Even for regular
instruction caches without architectural modifications, tight bounds
for the execution time of real-time programs can be derived from the
information provided by the static cache simulator. Finally, the
debugging of real-time applications can be enhanced by displaying the
timing information of the debugged program at breakpoints. The timing
information is determined by simulating the instruction cache behavior
during program execution and can be used, for example, to detect
missed deadlines and locate time-consuming code portions. Overall,
the technique of static cache simulation provides a novel approach to
analyze cache memories and has been shown to be very efficient for
numerous applications.


--
Frank Mueller E-Mail: mueller@cs.fsu.edu WWW:
http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~mueller
--

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