Virtual processor enabling unobtrusive observation of legacy systems for analytics in SoC

The example embodiments are directed to a system and method for a virtual processor that enables unobtrusive observation of legacy systems for analytics in a system-on-chip (SoC) environment. In one example, the method includes implementing a virtual processor in field programmable gate array (FPGA) programmable logic, the virtual processor comprising a virtual version of a target system, capturing one or more operational parameters in volatile memory of the virtual processor using an access controller configured to provide direct access to the volatile memory of the virtual processor, streaming the one or more operational parameters to the embedded processor, storing the one or more operational parameters in volatile memory of the embedded processor, and performing in-situ monitoring using the one or more operational parameters.