Abstract: A system and method for dynamically calculating the quantity of peripheral component events to coalesce. In one embodiment, a host computer is adapted to have a peripheral component removably coupled thereto. The host computer is further adapted to operate a peripheral component driver. The peripheral component driver of the present embodiment is adapted to dynamically determine the quantity of peripheral component events to coalesce. The peripheral component is adapted to coalesce the determined quantity of the peripheral component events. Furthermore, the peripheral component is adapted to cause the generation of an interrupt upon the occurrence of the determined quantity of the peripheral component events. Also, the present embodiment periodically re-determines the quantity of the peripheral components which should be coalesced.

Abstract: A method and system for expanding the load capabilities of a bus, such as the PCI bus. The system includes a primary bus, a plurality of secondary buses for connecting additional devices, a plurality of in-line switches, an arbiter, and control logic means. The plurality of in-line switches are used for connecting the primary bus to a corresponding one of the secondary buses, each one of the switches having an enable line for receiving a signal to enable or disable the switch. The arbiter is used for receiving requests for control of the primary bus, and for selecting one of the requests as a master for the control. The control logic means is used for enabling and disabling each of the switches, via the corresponding enable line, for connection or disconnection to the primary bus.