Scheduler for signaling a time out

Abstract

A buffer storage memory data scheduler includes a write unit writing data objects to the memory, which unit receives data packets from a data source at a variable transmission rate, calculates attribute data for each received packet, and writes the packet data to the memory as a data object string including linked data objects. The string includes pointer data for linking the objects, calculated attribute data, and packet payload data. The write unit inserts filling objects into the memory between linked data objects to compensate for the variable rate when writing the string to the memory. The write unit increments a counter when the string is written. A time out signaling unit signals to a data processing unit that a buffer-stored data/filling object is ready to be read when the counter reaches a value. The signaling unit decrements the counter corresponding to the data in the object.