It is well known that embedded systems have to be implemented
efficiently. This requires that processors optimized for certain
application domains are used in embedded systems. Such an optimization
requires a careful exploration of the design space, including a detailed
study of cost/performance tradeoffs. In order to avoid time-consuming
assembly language programming during design space exploration, compilers
are needed. In order to analyze the effect of various software or
hardware configurations on the performance, retargetable compilers are
needed that can generate code for numerous different potential hardware
configurations. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date
overview of the fast developing area of retargetable compilers for
embedded systems. It describes a large set important tools as well as
applications of retargetable compilers at different levels in the design
flow.
Retargetable Compiler Technology for Embedded Systems is mostly
self-contained and requires only fundamental knowledge in software and
compiler design. It is intended to be a key reference for researchers
and designers working on software, compilers, and processor optimization
for embedded systems.