Protocols
Credit-Based Flow Control
A flow control mechanism where the sender tracks available receiver buffer space using credits, sending data only when credits are available.
Detailed Explanation
In credit-based flow control, the receiver initially grants credits equal to its buffer depth. Each data transfer consumes a credit. The receiver returns credits as it processes data. The sender blocks when credits are exhausted.
Unlike valid-ready, which is reactive (back-pressure happens after data arrives), credit-based flow is proactive (sender knows capacity ahead of time). This enables pipelining the credit path—credits and data can travel in parallel.