SurfBoard - A Hardware Performance Monitor for SHRIMP

Abstract:

Growing complexity in many current computers makes performance
evaluation and characterization both increasingly difficult and
increasingly important. For parallel systems, performance
characterizations can be especially difficult to obtain, since the
hardware is more complex, and the simulation time can be prohibitive.

This technical report describes the design, implementation, and case
studies of a performance monitoring system for the SHRIMP multicomputer.
This system is based on a hardware performance monitor which combines
several features including multi-dimensional histogram generation,
trace generation, and sophisticated triggering and interrupt
capabilities.

Demonstrated in the case studies is the direct measurement of
an implicit form of interprocessor communication implemented on
the SHRIMP multicomputer.