The T-CREST approach of compiler and WCET-analysis integration

A good worst-case performance and the availability of high-quality bounds on the worst-case execution time (WCET) of tasks are central for the construction of hard realtime computer systems for safety-critical applications. Timing-predictability of the whole software/hardware system is a necessary prerequisite to achieve this. We show that a predictable architecture and the tight and seamless integration of compilation and WCET analysis is beneficial to achieve the initial two goals of good worst-case performance and the availability of high-quality bounds on the WCET of computation tasks. Information generated by the compiler improves the WCET analysis. Detailed timing feedback from the WCET analysis helps the compiler to reduce the worst case execution time. The paper describes the interface and the interaction between the industrial strength WCET analysis tool and the compiler as developed in the EU FP7 T-CREST project, and demonstrates the cooperation of these tools with an illustrative example.