Real-Time Streaming Channel Profiling via Host Trace Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging real-time systems with multiple channels operating at different frame rates is challenging due to the difficulty in differentiating tasks and channels from trace data, as instructions across channels may be similar, leading to issues like excessive processor time consumption and system performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that profile real-time systems by obtaining and displaying the proportion of execution time dedicated to each channel, using a host system to trace and analyze data from a target system, which includes a data flattener circuit to serialize trace data and an event trigger system to accumulate data indicative of channel operations, allowing for identification of resource-intensive channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If trace data is captured from multiple channels operating at different frame rates, then debugging information is obtained, but differentiation between channels becomes difficult due to similar instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trace data by channel, organizing instructions according to their source channel. This segmentation allows differentiation between channels even when instructions are similar, by presenting channel-specific views of the trace data that highlight channel identification information and operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the trace data presentation by displaying instructions in chronological order with timing information. This dimensional approach enables differentiation of channels based on when instructions were executed, frame rates, and temporal patterns, rather than relying solely on instruction content.
2Loss of information
If all channel operations are traced in detail, then complete debugging information is captured, but processor time consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant debugging information from the trace data, such as channel identification, timing information, and key operational metrics. By extracting essential information rather than capturing all raw data, the system reduces processor time consumption while maintaining debugging information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail to different channels based on their importance and resource consumption characteristics. Resource-intensive channels receive more detailed analysis and display, while less critical channels are summarized, optimizing the balance between information completeness and processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels operate simultaneously at different frame rates, then system functionality is maintained, but system performance degrades due to resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the display and analysis focus based on real-time channel performance characteristics. Channels with higher resource consumption or lower frame rates receive prioritized display and more detailed analysis, while the system adapts its resource allocation and trace data processing dynamically to maintain overall system performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of profiling streaming channels. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising executing a traced program on a target system (the traced operating on a plurality of streaming channels), obtaining values indicative of which of the plurality of streaming channels the traced program has operated on (the obtaining by a host computer coupled to the target system), and displaying on a display device an indication of a proportion of an execution time the processor of the target system dedicated to each of the streaming channels.