Processor Trace Timing Packet Suppression for Low-Density Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor trace technologies face challenges in managing large execution traces with low density sections, where periodic timing packets overwhelm useful trace data, leading to buffer overflow and performance overhead, especially when control flow trace is sparse.
Innovation Solution
Implementing circuitry to suppress generation of periodic timing packets during low density sections of execution trace, resuming packet generation based on thresholds or payload values, and using hardware mechanisms to throttle and restore timing packets accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic timing packets are generated continuously to maintain timing precision, then timing accuracy is improved, but trace buffer overflow and performance overhead worsen in low density sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective generation of periodic timing packets based on trace density conditions. Instead of continuous periodic packet generation, the system adjusts the periodicity dynamically - generating timing packets only when trace density thresholds are met, thereby reducing overall packet volume while maintaining timing precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of packet generation frequency based on trace density parameters. By monitoring trace event density and adjusting the timing packet generation rate accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between timing precision and trace data volume, preventing buffer overflow in low-density sections
2Reliability
If periodic timing packets are generated at high frequency to capture all timing events, then timing coverage is improved, but performance overhead and buffer overflow risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of timing packet generation based on real-time trace density conditions. The system transitions between different operational states (high-frequency generation vs. suppressed generation) depending on whether trace events meet density thresholds, thereby maintaining reliability when needed while improving productivity during low-activity periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor trace event density and use this information to control timing packet generation. The feedback loop ensures that timing coverage is maintained when trace events are frequent, while automatically reducing generation rate when events are sparse, thus balancing reliability and processing efficiency
3Loss of information
If all timing packets are retained to ensure complete timing information, then information completeness is improved, but useful trace data density worsens due to overwhelming timing packets in low density sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of timing information retention to different sections of the trace based on local density characteristics. In high-density sections, complete timing information is retained, while in low-density sections, timing packets are suppressed, thereby maintaining information completeness where needed while improving useful data density where timing packets would be redundant
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an integrated circuit may comprise a processor and circuitry coupled to the processor to generate non-timing packets associated with a trace of an execution of code on the processor, generate timing packets associated with the trace of the execution of the code on the processor, wherein the timing packets include at least a full timestamp timing packet and a periodic timing packet, identify a low density section of the trace of the execution of the code on the processor, and suppress generation of periodic timing packets during the identified low density section of the trace of the execution of the code on the processor. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.