Patent ID: 7573940
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a port for the transfer of data, the port having an active state in which the port may transmit or receive data and an inactive state in which the port does not transmit or receive data; and logic to control the transfer of data, the logic to place the port into the active state for a first time period for the transfer of data and to place the port into the inactive state for a second time period, the logic to prevent transfer of data during the inactive state, the apparatus having a plurality of available link speeds; wherein the logic is to choose a link speed from the plurality of link speeds based on the energy efficiency of the link speed, the energy efficiency of a link speed being based on an amount of energy required to transfer each unit of data and an amount of energy required for transition between the active state and the inactive state.