The described embodiments provide a system for controlling an integrated circuit memory device by a memory controller. During operation, the system sends a memory-access request from the memory controller to the memory device using a first link. After sending the memory-access request, the memory controller sends to the memory device a command that specifies performing a timing-calibration operation for a second link. The system subsequently transfers data associated with the memory-access request using the second link, wherein the timing-calibration operation occurs between sending the memory-access request and transferring the data associated with the memory-access request.