Patent ID: 7096390
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of sampling instructions executing in a processor comprising: setting a candidate counter to a number selecting an instruction for sampling; storing information relating to the instruction after the instruction is selected for sampling, the information relating to the instruction including information relating to execution of the instruction; determining whether all events for the instruction have occurred; determining whether the instruction includes events of interest, the events of interest being based upon the information relating to execution of the instruction; decrementing the candidate counter when all events for the instruction have occurred and when the instruction includes events of interest; determining whether the candidate counter equals zero; reporting the instruction when the candidate counter equals zero; and, repeating the setting, selecting, storing, determining whether all events for the instruction have occurred, determining whether the instruction includes events of interest, decrementing and reporting, such that while information is stored relating to a plurality of instructions, then information relating to an instruction is only reported for instructions containing events of interest.