The Estimation of the WCET in Super-Scalar Real-Time System

Abstract

Predicting and estimating the execution time of a program is of the utmost importance to designers of real-time systems, particularly hard real-time systems. This paper describes an algorithm for estimating an improved WCET (worst-case execution time) of a real-time program that utilizes a path generating approach to factor into the calculation the effects of super-scalar processor pipelining. The algorithm starts by determining the program's control flow. The pipelining analysis takes into account the simultaneous execution of instructions in distinct block in two separate pipelines. The timing tool uses the pipelining analysis to estimate the WCET. The results indicate that this method enhances the acquisition of tighter estimates.