Techniques for managing lower power states for data links

A method, comprising:

• reading a register of a host bus adapter storing information indicating an interface of the host bus adapter for a bi-directional serial link connected to a device is operating in a lower power management state;
• sending a control directive on a periodic basis to instruct the interface to transition to a temporary active state;
• receiving an interrupt from the interface indicating the device is disconnected from the bi-directional serial link during a temporary active state;
• and
• enumerating all devices controlled by the host bus adapter based on the interrupt.

An article comprising a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that when executed by a processor enable a system to:

• read a register of a controller storing information indicating an interface of the controller for a bi-directional serial link connected to a device is operating in a lower power management state;
• send a control directive on a periodic basis to instruct the interface to transition to a temporary active state;
• and
• receive an interrupt from the interface indicating when the device is disconnected from the bi-directional serial link during a temporary active state.