Microsoft patents method to save power in data links
Microsoft has been granted a patent for a system that manages data flow across multiple connections using a single shared feedback channel. The system tracks how much space is left in the receiving buffers and sends combined status updates back to the sender to pause data when needed.
In the filing’s own words
Systems and methods are disclosed for credit-based flow control of multiple data links using a common reverse channel. The links transfer data from a source to respective buffers at a sink. Credits represent available buffer space. For each data link, a credit counter at the source is decremented as data is transmitted and incremented as the sink returns credits. Reporting logic at the data sink generates a credit report as sink logic retrieves data from the buffer, freeing buffer space. Encoding logic aggregates the credit reports from multiple links for transmission over the common reverse channel to the source, where individual credit reports are extracted and distributed among the links, for update to the respective credit counters. For each link, data transmission pauses when the credit counter decreases to a threshold. Return multiple links' credits over a single reverse channel saves power. Variations are disclosed.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A system comprising: for each of two or more data links from a data source to a data sink: sink credit reporting logic at the data sink; and partner credit tracking logic at the data source; and a common reverse channel from the data sink to the data source, comprising: encoding logic at the data sink configured to aggregate respective credit reports from the sink credit reporting logic of each of the data links; and decoding logic at the data source configured to distribute the respective credit reports among the partner credit tracking logic of each of the data links; wherein, at each data link: the partner credit tracking logic is configured to update a partner credit counter based on the respective credit report; and the data source is configured to control data flow over the data link based on the partner credit counter.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- Aggregated data link flow control
- Patent number
- US12732468B2
- Application number
- 18755152
- Filed
- Jun 26, 2024
- Granted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04L 47/39 Electricity & electronicsH10W 90/00 Electricity & electronicsH10W 90/722 Electricity & electronicsMore from Microsoft in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.