Linux Event Analyzer
Arriba Linux Event Analyzer for MIPS-BasedTM Linux systems
The Arriba Linux Event Analyzer (LEA) from MIPS Technologies provides developers with a global snapshot over time of all Linux system events, both kernel and application-specific. Using the LEA, developers can analyze the interactions between different software components of the Linux system that is running. The LEA also provides insight into system behavior prior to some events such as a crash. The LEA is a valuable tool for performance analysis as well as post-mortem debugging.
The Arriba Linux Event Analyzer for MIPS-Based systems was developed in cooperation with Viosoft Corporation. It is available exclusively from MIPS Technologies as an Eclipse plug-in for the MIPS NavigatorTM ICS (Integrated Component Suite) or for any Eclipse-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
The main features of the LEA are:
- Has a low impact on the target system
- Deployable in both development and production environments
- Utilizes high-speed connectivity that allows for fast download of profiling data
- Can be used for both application and kernel analysis
- Captures and displays information over a 20 second period
- No kernel patches are required, making it easy to deploy and use
- Results are displayed in an Eclipse plug-in inside of MIPS Navigator ICS or any Eclipse-based IDE
Linux Target and Host System showing LEA & VMON2 model
Light-weight / Dynamic Execution
The VMON2 loadable module running on the target sends the data to a host system. Plug-ins on the host then collects and displays event information about the running Linux system, including context switches between processes and threads, signals, and the elapsed execution time of these events. The VMON2 module has minimal impact on the overall CPU cycles and memory footprint. This, coupled with its ability to dynamically add and remove instrumentation points on a production-ready running Linux system, make LEA an ideal performance analysis and debugging tool, both for in-house development and for field deployment.
Ease Of Use
The data from the running system is collected by the LEA plug-in and is then displayed in a Viewer plug-in for inspection by the developer inside the MIPS Navigator ICS or any Eclipse-based IDE.
Screenshot of viewer showing Linux events
Connectivity and Customizability
The LEA transmits collected data to the host debugger via high-speed Ethernet, which provides the developer with a responsive and positive user experience. For targets with limited peripherals, it can also be configured to operate over a USB or an RS-232 link.
Because no two end-user applications are alike, each developer or team of developers within organization is likely to be interested in collecting and visualizing different aspects of a Linux system.
LEA uses the same instrumentation technology employed by VMON2 in Arriba Linux Debugger. This means that no debug patches or special compilation of the Linux kernel is required. This capability makes LEA an ideal choice for deployment on production systems.
