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