Dynamic Simulation Accuracy Adjustment for Embedded Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hardware-based performance measurements for embedded software are limited by late timing in the development cycle, lack of visibility into performance issues, high costs, and accessibility barriers, making it difficult to improve software performance effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for simulation with dynamic run-time accuracy adjustment, allowing for automatic switching between high-speed and high-accuracy simulation methods, enabling faster and more accurate performance analysis by using a combination of cycle accurate and instruction/functional accurate models within a virtual simulation platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware-based performance measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time is increased and development cycle is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing performance measurements using simulation models before the actual hardware is available. The simulation platform executes software on virtual models of the hardware architecture, allowing performance analysis to occur during the design phase rather than waiting for hardware fabrication. This enables early identification of performance issues and iterative optimization without delaying the development cycle.
2Measurement precision
If hardware-based performance measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating virtual copies of the hardware architecture in the form of simulation models. These models replicate the functional behavior and performance characteristics of the actual hardware without requiring physical hardware or specialized measurement equipment. The simulation platform uses these copied representations to perform accurate performance analysis, eliminating the need for expensive oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other complex measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If hardware-based performance measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling software developers to independently perform performance measurements using the simulation platform without requiring specialized hardware expertise. The system provides automated simulation execution, performance metric collection, and analysis capabilities that developers can access through standard software interfaces. This eliminates the need for highly trained individuals with specialized skills in hardware measurement techniques and equipment operation.
4Measurement precision
If high-accuracy simulation model is used, then performance analysis accuracy is improved, but simulation speed is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a hybrid simulation approach that dynamically adjusts the level of model accuracy based on the specific measurement requirements. The system can switch between different simulation models (e.g., cycle-accurate, instruction-accurate, functional models) depending on whether timing-critical performance metrics or functional correctness is the primary concern. This dynamic adaptation allows the simulation platform to optimize the trade-off between accuracy and speed for different analysis scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for simulation with dynamic run-time accuracy adjustment. In one embodiment, a first portion of a sequence of software instruction is simulated by a first simulation model, during a simulation. During the same simulation, a second portion of the sequence is simulated by a second simulation model. State information may be transferred from the first simulation model to the second simulation model. A change from simulating the first portion of a sequence of software instructions by the first simulation model to simulating the second portion of the sequence by the second simulation model may be made responsive to a computer-based determination of an advantage obtained by the change.