Introduction

In real-time embedded applications using RTOS, knowing how much the system is loaded is often desirable. The system load provides information about how much the CPU is utilized for the execution of the application code versus the CPU idle time. This information is presented as a ratio, usually in per cent units. Especially for multi-core systems, it might be a decision-making factor for moving tasks from a heavy-loaded CPU to another one that is less loaded.

This document first describes the method used for measuring the CPU load in the PXROS-HR application and then provides some details about the implementation and use of the CPU load module.

The terms CPU load and system load have the same meaning in this document. They represent the ratio between the time spent executing the application tasks, handlers and PXROS-HR kernel versus the idle time.

For a reference application design using the CPU load measurement module, see the TC39x PXROS-HR CPU Load Example - Quick Guide.