The ARM Profiler is a unique new tool from ARM that enables non-intrusive analysis of embedded software performance for virtually unlimited periods of time, while running at operational frequencies of up to 600 MHz. This means that the ARM Profiler can analyze device software that is processing
a real work load for as long as is needed, be that minutes, hours or even days.
The ARM Profiler runs its performance analysis without any intrusion on the behavior of the embedded system and supports the analysis of fully optimized software. This enables the analysis of production software that is identical to that shipped as part of the end product. There is also no
chance that the analysis impacts the results, which makes it easier to identify real bottlenecks in the software. This also provides assurance that the end product will function in the field as measured in the lab.
The ARM Profiler combined with the new RealView Trace 2 (RVT-2) capture unit and the RealView ICE run control unit provides innovative streaming profiling from hardware targets. This streaming profiling technique removes the usual trace capture unit dependence on the size of the on-
board buffer, which enables profiling for as long as is needed. To support targets running at clock frequencies of up to 250 MHz, the new RVT-2 capture unit connects to the host PC via a dedicated USB2 cable. The
RealView Profiler supports ARM926EJ-ST, ARM1136JF-ST, ARM1176JZF-ST, Cortex-M3, and Cortex-R4 processor-based devices with further processors to be added in future releases.
The ARM Profiler includes a fast Real-Time System Model of the ARM Versatile/EB hardware platform with the following ARM processors, ARM926EJ-S, ARM1136JF-S, ARM1176JZF-S, and Cortex-A8 processors. Additional models
can be created using RealView System Generator. This enables performance and code coverage analysis independent of hardware availability. This is very useful for pre-silicon analysis or to supplement available hardware.