Compiler/LAUNCHXL-F28069M: 40-bit Benchmark Counter on c2000

Hello, 

Yes that counter is used for the CCS benchmark counter.  This is the only usage of the counter that we support. 

If you need a timer in your application, then consider the CPU Timers or the PWM timers.  

Regards

Lori

Hello Lori,

Thank you for such a quick response. I just have one follow up question with respect to this. In my application I want to provide the user the choice to use any peripheral they want to, such as the CPU Timers or the EPWM Timers.

I am mainly trying to use this for profiling the code. I know that TI suggests using the CPU Timer or use CCS for profiling (reference : https://software-dl.ti.com/C2000/docs/optimization_guide/phase2.html). However, as I explained I need to do this in C code and I would not want to deprive the users from using the CPU timers. 

Is there a free running counter(preferrably 32bit or higher) on c2000 devices that runs at system clock frequency that I can query? 

Thanks,

Sumeet

Sumeet,

On this device the options are limited.  I feel one of the CPU timers is the best option. 

On newer devices, like the F28004x, there is a module called ERAD which offers more options.  

Regards

Lori

Hello Lori,

Thank you for your response and apologies for writing back so late. 

I understand that the options on the older devices are limited. However I found documentation on "Feedback Directed Optimization" in the "Optimizing C/C++ Compiler" user guide (reference : https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/spru514u/spru514u.pdf?ts=1599653709122&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F).

Here it is mentioned that a counter is used to gather profiling information. Is this also the same 40 bit counter? Or is it a different one? If yes, how can I read the counter register?

I am still unclear as to why users are not allowed to read the 40 bit counter. Could you please elaborate on this?

Thanks,

Sumeet Gadagkar

Sumeet,

It is likely the profile clock that the compiler + CCS profiling is using.  Unfortunately there is no customer-ready documentation on accessing this counter that I can point you to. 

Regards

Lori