One or more link training signals are received, including instances of a link training pattern, on a plurality of lanes of a physical link that includes at least one valid lane and a plurality of data lanes. The plurality of lanes are trained together using the link training signals to synchronize sampling of the valid lane with sampling of the plurality of data lanes. An active link state is entered and a valid signal received on the valid lane during the active link state. The valid signal includes a signal held at a value for a defined first duration and indicates that data is to be received on the plurality of data lanes in a second defined duration subsequent to the first duration. The data is to be received, during the active link state, on the plurality of data lanes during the second defined duration.