Trace Compiler Dynamic Compilation for Constrained Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current just-in-time compilers face performance issues on constrained-resource platforms due to high resource consumption and latency, particularly in dynamic compilation and interpretation of complex method sequences, which is undesirable for time-sensitive applications.

Innovation Solution

A virtual machine executive system with a trace compiler that records and optimizes frequently executed instruction sequences into a trace tree static single assignment form, allowing for dynamic compilation of native machine code, reducing resource usage and latency by compiling only frequently executed cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual machine uses instruction-by-instruction interpretation to execute intermediate code, then cross-platform compatibility is achieved, but substantial performance penalties are imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-platform compatibilityVSAvoidexecution performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between interpretation and compilation modes based on runtime conditions. The virtual machine monitor tracks execution frequency of bytecode sequences and automatically compiles frequently executed sequences to native code, while less frequent sequences remain interpreted. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both cross-platform compatibility through interpretation and high performance through selective compilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the execution parameter of bytecode sequences from interpreted execution to compiled native execution based on execution frequency thresholds. By monitoring how often specific bytecode sequences are executed and changing their execution mode parameter, the system achieves both platform independence and optimized performance for hot paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a just-in-time compiler compiles entire methods to native code, then execution performance is improved, but significant latency occurs from beginning of compilation to system response

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution performanceVSAvoidcompilation latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of compiling entire methods, the system segments the compilation target to only frequently executed bytecode sequences within methods. The virtual machine monitor identifies hot sequences and compiles only those segments to native code, leaving the rest to be executed by the interpreter. This segmentation dramatically reduces compilation latency while maintaining performance benefits for critical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial compilation by selecting and compiling only the most frequently executed portions of methods rather than compiling entire methods. This partial action approach reduces compilation time and latency while still achieving sufficient performance improvement for time-sensitive applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If a dynamic compiler compiles complex instruction sequences, then code optimization is achieved, but the delay from compilation onset to system response becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode optimizationVSAvoidcompilation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments complex instruction sequences into smaller frequently executed subsequences that can be compiled independently. By identifying and compiling only the hot segments rather than entire complex methods, the system achieves code optimization for critical paths while minimizing compilation delay through smaller, faster compilation units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Use of energy by moving object

If embedded dynamic compilers use simple algorithms and heuristics to balance resource consumption, then resource usage is reduced, but sufficient code optimization and execution performance are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource consumptionVSAvoidexecution performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic resource allocation where the level of compilation optimization is adjusted based on available platform resources. The virtual machine monitor adapts its compilation strategy to the runtime resource environment, providing higher optimization when resources are abundant and falling back to interpretation when resources are constrained, thus balancing resource consumption with execution performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8769511B2Dynamic incremental compiler and method

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A virtual machine executive (VME) system operating on a target platform that includes a virtual machine monitor (VMM) and a dynamic compiler, in particular, a trace compiler (TC). System embodiments include a virtual machine monitor configured to record a trace corresponding to a selected cycle, and configured to transform the trace into a representation of a trace tree; and a trace compiler cooperating with the virtual machine monitor to compile the representation of the trace tree into a compiled code segment of native machine code executable on the target platform, in which the trace is a linear instruction sequence traversing at least a portion of a method, a loop, or a branching node.