Code generation for embedded processors

Abstract – The increasing use of programmable proces-sors as IP blocks in embedded system design creates a need for C/C++ compilers capable of generating efficient machine code. Many of today’s compilers for embedded processors suffer from insufficient code quality in terms of code size and performance. This violates the tight chip area and real-time constraints often imposed on embedded systems. The reason is that embedded processors typically show architec-tural features which are not well handled by classical com-piler technology. This paper provides a survey of methods and techniques dedicated to efficient code generation for em-bedded processors. Emphasis is put on DSP and multime-dia processors, for which better compiler technology is def-initely required. In addition, some frontend aspects and re-cent trends in research and industry are briefly covered. The goal of these recent efforts in embedded code generation is to facilitate the step from assembly to high-level language pro-gramming of embedded systems, so as to provide higher pro-ductivity, dependability, and portability of embedded soft-ware.