DSPTune: a performance evaluation toolset for the SHARC signal processor

Performance tuning in the embedded systems domain poses a new set of challenges for software and hardware designers. Techniques proven to work for general purpose architectures cannot always be directly applied to the signal processor environment. Program analysis and simulation tools have been shown to be available in the analysis of general purpose microprocessors. We anticipate that similar tools will be needed to analyze the characteristics of signal processing architectures and applications as well. To meet this need, we have developed DSPTune, a program analysis toolset for the Analog Devices' SHARC DSP. This paper describes our toolset, and provides examples of its use.