Software development for embedded multi-core systems : a practical guide using embedded Intel� architecture

The multicore revolution has reached the deployment stage in embedded systems ranging from small ultramobile devices to large telecommunication servers. The transition from single to multicore processors, motivated by the need to increase performance while conserving power, has placed great responsibility on the shoulders of software engineers. In this new embedded multicore era, the toughest task is the development of code to support more sophisticated systems. This book provides embedded engineers with solid grounding in the skills required to develop software targeting multicore processors. Within the text, the author undertakes an in-depth exploration of performance analysis, and a close-up look at the tools of the trade. Both general multicore design principles and processor-specific optimization techniques are revealed. Detailed coverage of critical issues for multicore employment within embedded systems is provided, including the Threading Development Cycle, with discussions of analysis, design, development, debugging, and performance tuning of threaded applications. Software development techniques engendering optimal mobility and energy efficiency are highlighted through multiple case studies, which provide practical "how-to" advice on implementing the latest multicore processors. Finally, future trends are discussed, including terascale, speculative multithreading, transactional memory, interconnects, and the software-specific implications of these looming architectural developments.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - Basic System and Processor Architecture
Chapter 3 - Multi-core Processors & Embedded
Chapter 4 -Moving To Multi-core Intel Architecture
Chapter 5 - Scalar Optimization & Usability
Chapter 6 - Parallel Optimization Using Threads
Chapter 7 - Case Study: Data Decomposition
Chapter 8 - Case Study: Functional Decomposition
Chapter 9 - Virtualization & Partitioning
Chapter 10 - Getting Ready For Low Power Intel Architecture
Chapter 11 - Summary, Trends, and Conclusions
Appendix I
Glossary
References

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Chapter 1 Introduction	p. 1
1.1 Motivation	p. 3
1.2 The Advent of Multi-core Processors	p. 4
1.3 Multiprocessor Systems Are Not New	p. 4
1.4 Applications Will Need to be Multi-threaded	p. 6
1.5 Software Burden or Opportunity	p. 8
1.6 What is Embedded?	p. 10
1.7 What is Unique About Embedded?	p. 13
Chapter Summary	p. 14
Chapter 2 Basic System and Processor Architecture	p. 17
Key Points	p. 17
2.1 Performance	p. 19
2.2 Brief History of Embedded Intel Architecture Processors	p. 20
2.3 Embedded Trends and Near Term Processor Impact	p. 37
2.4 Tutorial on x86 Assembly Language	p. 39
Chapter Summary	p. 53
Related Reading	p. 54
Chapter 3 Multi-core Processors and Embedded	p. 55
Key Points	p. 55
3.1 Motivation for Multi-core Processors	p. 56
3.2 Multi-core Processor Architecture	p. 57
3.3 Benefits of Multi-core Processors in Embedded	p. 62
3.4 Embedded Market Segments and Multi-core Processors	p. 63
3.5 Evaluating Performance of Multi-core Processors	p. 69
Chapter Summary	p. 87
Related Reading	p. 88
Chapter 4 Moving to Multi-core Intel Architecture	p. 89
Key Points	p. 89
4.1 Migrating to Intel Architecture	p. 91
4.2 Enabling an SMP OS	p. 111
4.3 Tools for Multi-Core Processor Development	p. 117
Chapter Summary	p. 136
Related Reading	p. 137
Chapter 5 Scalar Optimization and Usability	p. 139
Key Points	p. 139
5.1 Compiler Optimizations	p. 143
5.2 Optimization Process	p. 153
5.3 Usability	p. 161
Chapter Summary	p. 170
Related Reading	p. 170
Chapter 6 Parallel Optimization Using Threads	p. 173
Key Points	p. 173
6.1 Parallelism Primer	p. 175
6.2 Threading Development Cycle	p. 184
Chapter Summary	p. 206
Related Reading	p. 207
Chapter 7 Case Study: Data Decomposition	p. 209
Key Points	p. 209
7.1 A Medical Imaging Data Examiner	p. 209
Chapter Summary	p. 245
Chapter 8 Case Study: Functional Decomposition	p. 247
Key Points	p. 247
8.1 Snort	p. 248
8.2 Analysis	p. 251
8.3 Design and Implement	p. 258
8.4 Snort Debug	p. 280
8.5 Tune	p. 282
Chapter Summary	p. 286
Chapter 9 Virtualization and Partitioning	p. 287
Key Points	p. 287
9.1 Overview	p. 287
9.2 Virtualization and Partitioning	p. 290
9.3 Techniques and Design Considerations	p. 304
9.4 Telecom Use Case of Virtualization	p. 322
Chapter Summary	p. 342
Related Reading	p. 344
Chapter 10 Getting Ready for Low Power Intel Architecture	p. 347
Key Points	p. 347
10.1 Architecture	p. 349
10.2 Debugging Embedded Systems	p. 362
Chapter Summary	p. 382
Chapter 11 Summary, Trends, and Conclusions	p. 385
11.1 Trends	p. 387
11.2 Conclusions	p. 392
Appendix A	p. 393
Glossary	p. 395
Index	p. 409

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