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INSTRUCTION COUNTING FOR
THE MOTOROLA 88K MICROPROCESSOR
Joe C. Lundy
Department of Computer Science
Clemson University
Clemson, S.C. 29634-1906
Harold C. Grossman
Department of Computer Science
Clemson University
Clemson, S.C. 29634-1906
December 1, 1993
Abstract
Detailed information, obtained from an executing program, provides the only accurate
view of the effects that various program optimization techniques have on a given
program. Most often only static program information or coarse execution time information
is available to measure the virtues of a particular optimization technique. An
analysis tool that is to provide accurate optimization information must provide dynamic
or actual execution information. Such a tool called the Dynamic and Static Instruction
Counter(DSIC) is described in this paper along with its design, implementation and
potential uses. Using the Data General Aviion Computer, a Motorola 88K microprocessor
CPU, and its assembly language as the experimental platform, this tool inserts
instruction counting code into the assembly language program to collect detail run-time
information. An illustrative example using this economical, simple execution profiling
technique is presented to demonstrate the functionality of DSIC. A copy of this report
may be obtained from the authors.
Keywords: Instruction Counting, Motorola 88K Microprocessor, Assembly Language
Instrumentation