Abstract
We have developed a tool called SPAM (for System Performance Analysis using Microcode), based on microcode modifications to a VAX 8600, that traces operating system events as a side-effect to normal execution. This trace of interrupts, exceptions, system calls and context switches can then be processed to analyze operating system behavior for the purpose of debugging, tuning or development. SPAM allows measurement to be made on a fully operating UNIX system with little perturbation (typically less than 10%) and without the need for modifying the kernel.
- S. W. Melvin and Y. N. Patt, "A Microcode based Environment for Non-Invasive Performance Analysis," Proceedings to The 19th Annual Workshop on Microprogramming, October 15-17, 1986, New York, New York. Google Scholar
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Index Terms
SPAM: a microcode based tool for tracing operating sytsem events
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