A retargetable technique for predicting execution time

A novel technique for predicting point-to-point execution times on contemporary microprocessors is presented. It uses machine-description rules, similar to those that have proven useful for code generation and peephole optimization, to translate compiled object code into a sequence of very low-level instructions. The stream of micro-instructions is then analyzed for tuning, via a three-level pattern matching scheme. The timing tool is currently predicting execution time of code segments targeted for the Motorola 68020 and Intel 80386 processor. The timing tool has been integrated with a version of the vpo C compiler and the ease environment. A prototype has been built and preliminary tests are very promising.<
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