System for executing a current information transfer request even when current information transfer request exceeds current available capacity of a transit buffer

Abstract

A method and implementing system is provided in which system bridge circuits are enabled to execute, or over-commit to, transaction requests from system devices for information transfers which exceed the bridge circuit's current capacity to receive the requested information on its return from a designated target device such as system memory or another system device. The transaction request is moved along the data path to the designated target device and the requested information is returned, in an example, to the requesting device. By the time the requested information is returned to the requesting bridge circuit, a number of the holding buffers usually have been freed-up and are available to accept and pass the information to the requesting device. In an illustrated embodiment, the amount of over-commitment is programmable and the amount of over-commitment to transaction requests may be automatically adjusted to optimize the information transfer in accordance with the particular system demands and current data transfer traffic levels.