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System Performance Analysis (SPA) Software
System Performance Analysis Software
What is System Performance Analysis?The logic analyzer’s state or timing analyzer is used to make
quantitative measurements on specific events in the target system. For
example, they can measure a specific time interval on a
microprocessor’s control lines or can find out how a particular
subroutine was called.
System Performance Analysis, on the other hand, is used for qualitative
measurements on the target system. SPA provides statistical analysis
functions so you can determine how efficiently your target system is
operating.
SPA repeatedly samples signals of interest, such as an address bus or
the output of a counter. The multiple data sets from the repeated
sampling are then used to build histograms and compile statistics that
describe your target system’s performance over time.
Some typical examples of SPA applications include:
•Obtain an overview of system activity.
•Identify software problems that lock up the microprocessor.
•Determine the best-case and worst-case execution times for a software
module or a state machine.
•Establish standards for software modules or state machines.
•Identify inefficient use of mass storage and other peripherals.
•Evaluate memory utilization, such as illegal access in protected portions of
memory, and locality of execution.