Title: The effects of compiler optimisations on embedded system power consumption

Authors: Shuhaizar Daud, R. Badlishah Ahmad, Nukala S. Murthy

Addresses: Embedded Computing Research Cluster, School of Computer & Communications Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Jalan Pangkalan Assam, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia. ' Embedded Computing Research Cluster, School of Computer & Communications Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Jalan Pangkalan Assam, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia. ' Embedded Computing Research Cluster, School of Computer & Communications Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Jalan Pangkalan Assam, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract: Power consumption is a subject of serious consideration in embedded systems design because embedded systems are constrained to stringent power and energy requirements. The mission of lowering power consumption and energy usage of such systems is an important task to prolong their usage in real time situations. In this paper, we study the effects of compiler optimisations on embedded systems energy usage and power consumption in real time situations and the importance of running efficient binary codes in realising a more power efficient and better performing embedded system. Compiler optimisations at various levels involving different architectural features have been experimented and it is shown that architecture driven compiler optimisations have a better impact on reducing power consumption and energy usage in embedded system than blind code optimisations.

Keywords: embedded systems; compiler optimisation; GNU compiler collection; GCC; Linux; power consumption; energy usage; embedded system design; binary codes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICT.2009.026431

International Journal of Information and Communication Technology, 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.73 - 82

Published online: 11 Jun 2009 *

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