a method and system provides for execution of calibration cycles from time to time during normal operation of the communication channel . a calibration cycle includes de - coupling the normal data source from the transmitter and supplying a calibration pattern in its place . the calibration pattern is received from the communication link using the receiver on the second component . a calibrated value of a parameter of the communication channel is determined in response to the received calibration pattern . the steps involved in calibration cycles can be reordered to account for utilization patterns of the communication channel . for bidirectional links , calibration cycles are executed which include the step of storing received calibration patterns on the second component , and retransmitting such calibration patterns back to the first component for use in adjusting parameters of the channel at first component .