The standardization of embedded benchmarking: pitfalls and opportunities

In the world of embedded benchmarking and performance analysis, there has been very little agreement on standards for measuring performance of microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors (DSPs). The EDN Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC-pronounced “embassy”) (http://www.eembc.org) mission is to bring standardization to embedded benchmarking in the areas of automotive/industrial, consumer, networking, telecommunications, and office automation. This paper highlights practical uses of the benchmarks, shares some of the background in their development, and provides guidelines for avoiding some of the pitfalls associated with embedded benchmarking