Reconstructing line references from optimized binary code for source-level annotation

This paper presents an approach for back-annotating timing information determined from optimized binary code into the source code of the software. The annotated source code can be integrated into a SystemC-based simulation environment and allows a fast execution time estimation while preserving timing accuracy. In contrast to previous approaches, the presented method supports heavily optimized code without any need for changes in the compiler. To annotate timing data, the relation between source code and binary code is reconstructed using data flow analysis. Based on debug information, the analysis allows correlating the execution of source code lines with the control flow on binary level. Preliminary results are encouraging as the produced timing estimates deviate less than 6% from the results of a cycle-accurate instruction set simulator.